PEFC/01-00-01

PEFC ST 2001:2020

PEFC Trademarks Rules –Requirements

PEFC
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD

PEFC Council
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Copyright notice© PEFC Council 2020
This standard is protected by copyright owned by the PEFC Council. The document is freely available
from the PEFC Council website www.pefc.org or upon request.
No part of this standard may be changed or amended, reproduced or copied, in any form or by anymeans for commercial purposes without the permission of the PEFC Council.
The official version of the document is in English. Translations of the document can be obtained fromthe PEFC Council or PEFC National Governing Bodies. When there is doubt in regard to language
interpretation, the English version is the reference.

Document name: PEFC Trademarks Rules – Requirements
Document title: PEFC ST 2001:2020
Approved by: PEFC General Assembly		

Date: 2020-01-17

Issue date: 2020-02-14
Date of entry into force: 2020-02-14
Transition date: 2021-08-14

PEFC ST 2001:2020 — PEFC Trademarks Rules – Requirements

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Contents

1.

Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.

Normative references. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.

Terms and definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4.

Ownership of the PEFC trademarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1

Ownership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Scope of the PEFC trademarks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5.
5.1

General scope of the PEFC trademarks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5.2

Scope of the on‑product usage of the PEFC trademarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5.3

Scope of the off‑product usage of the PEFC trademarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
PEFC trademarks usage requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6.
6.1

General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6.2

PEFC trademarks usage licence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6.3

PEFC trademarks users classification.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
PEFC trademarks technical requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

7.
7.1

Technical requirements for the usage of the PEFC trademarks
on‑product. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

7.2

Technical requirements for the usage of the PEFC trademarks
off‑product. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Graphic requirements of the PEFC labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

8.
8.1

Elements of the PEFC label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

8.2

Graphic specifications.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

8.3

Optional usage of the label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

8.4

Modifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Appendix 1 (normative): Alternative promotional label messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Appendix 2 (informative): Examples of wrong PEFC label usages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

PEFC ST 2001:2020 — PEFC Trademarks Rules – Requirements3Foreword
PEFC, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, is a worldwide organisation
promoting sustainable forest management through forest certification and labelling of forest-based
products. Products with a PEFC claim and/or label deliver confidence that raw material originates insustainably managed forest.
The PEFC Council provides endorsement of national forest certification systems, which are required
to comply with the PEFC Council requirements subject to regular evaluations.
This document had been developed in an open, transparent, consultative and consensus based process
covering a broad range of stakeholders.
This document cancels and replaces PEFC ST 2001:2008, PEFC Logo Usage Rules, Second Edition.
For the PEFC logo users with a PEFC logo licence issued before the publication of this document,
an eighteen-month transition period applies from the requirements of PEFC ST 2001:2008 to those inthis document.

PEFC ST 2001:2020 — PEFC Trademarks Rules – Requirements

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Introduction
The PEFC trademarks provide information relating to the origin of forest based products in sustainably
managed forest and other non-controversial sources. Trademarks information drives purchasers andpotential purchasers to choose products based on environmental, as well as other considerations.
The overall goal of the PEFC trademarks usage is, through non-misleading communication of accurate
and verifiable information, to encourage demand for and supply of products originating from sustainably
managed forests and thereby stimulating the potential for market-driven continuous improvement of theworld’s forest resources.
Organisations can download the PEFC trademarks, with their own unique logo licence number, using thePEFC Label Generator. The PEFC Label Generator is a free to use, online tool that enables the quick andsimple creation of PEFC trademarks. All organisations with a valid logo usage licence have access to theLabel Generator.
This document is based on the general principles for environmental labels and declarations defined in
ISO 14020.

1. Scope
This document covers the requirements for users of the PEFC trademarks to ensure accurate, verifiable,
relevant and non-misleading usage of the PEFC logo, the PEFC initials, related claims and/or declarations.
This document defines the legal protection of the PEFC trademarks; rights to use the PEFC trademarks;
trademarks usage categories; and the requirements for on and off‑product usage of the PEFC trademarks,
both technical and graphic.
The term “shall” is used throughout this standard to indicate those provisions that are mandatory. The term“should” is used to indicate those provisions that, although not mandatory, are expected to be adopted andimplemented. The term “may” used throughout this standard indicates permission expressed by this standard
whereas “can” refers to the ability of a user of this standard or to a possibility open to the user.

2. Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For both dated
and undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendment) applies.
PEFC ST 2002, Chain of Custody of Forest and Tree Based Products – Requirements

3. Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in PEFC ST 2002, Chain of Custody ofForest and Tree Based Products – Requirements apply.

3.1

Finished product

The product obtained at the end of a manufacturing process, ready to be sold or distributed to consumers(but not yet sold or distributed).

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3.2

Forest and tree based material

Material originating in forests or from other sources recognised by the PEFC Council as eligible for PEFC
certification, such as Trees outside Forests, including recycled material originally coming from thoseareas/sources as well as wood based and non-wood based material, such as cork, mushrooms, berries etc.,
generally referred to as non-wood forest products.

3.3

Forest and tree based products

Products from forest and tree based material, including measurable but non-tangible products, such asenergy generated from forest and tree based material.

3.4

Off‑product usage

The use of the PEFC trademarks, other than on‑product usage, that is not referring to a specific productor the origin of raw material in a PEFC certified forest. See also chapter 5, Scope of the PEFC trademarks.

3.5

On‑product usage

The use of the PEFC trademarks in reference to the PEFC certified material of a product or that can beperceived or understood by buyers or the public as referring to PEFC certified material. On‑product usage
can be direct (when the PEFC trademarks are placed on tangible products) or indirect (the trademarks referto tangible products although they are not placed directly on the product). See also chapter 5, Scope of thePEFC trademarks.

3.6

PEFC authorised body

The authorised body is an entity that has permission from the PEFC Council to issue PEFC trademarks
licences and to notify certification bodies on behalf of the PEFC Council. Usually the authorised bodies
are the PEFC National Governing Bodies.

3.7

PEFC certified material

Material category for:a) Forest and tree based material delivered by a supplier covered by a PEFC recognised certificate,with the PEFC claim “x% PEFC certified”, or delivered by a supplier covered by a PEFC recognised
certificate against a forest management standard that is endorsed by PEFC with another PEFC
endorsed system claim.
Note: PEFC endorsed system claims are published online on the PEFC website www.pefc.org.
b) Recycled material (not delivered with the PEFC claim “x% PEFC certified”).

3.8

PEFC certified productProduct sold/transferred by an organisation with the PEFC claim “x% PEFC certified”.

3.9

PEFC chain of custody

Processes of an organisation for handling forest and tree based products and information related to theirmaterial category, and making accurate and verifiable PEFC claims.

3.10

PEFC controlled sources

Material category covering forest and tree based material for which an organisation has determinedthrough its Due Diligence System that there is “negligible risk” that the material is from controversial sources.
Note: “PEFC Controlled Sources” is also the PEFC claim that may be used by the organisation for material
from this material category.

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3.11

PEFC labels

The PEFC labels comprise the PEFC logo plus additional elements such as the label name, the message,
the website and the frame. The additional elements complement the logo providing information about what
the PEFC logo stands for. The PEFC logo shall be always used within the PEFC labels. Under certain
circumstances described in this document, some elements of the PEFC labels may be omitted in such a waythat the final design of the label is the PEFC logo itself, with no additional elements.

3.12

PEFC National Governing Bodies (PEFC NGBs)

The PEFC National Governing Bodies (PEFC NGB) are independent, national organisations establishedto develop and implement a PEFC system within their country. A list of the PEFC NGBs and their contact
details can be found at the PEFC website. PEFC NGBs are often also the “PEFC authorised body”.
See 3.6.

3.13

PEFC recognised certificatea) A valid accredited forest management certificate issued by a PEFC notified certification bodyagainst a forest management system/standard that is endorsed by PEFC.
b) A valid accredited chain of custody certificate issued by a PEFC notified certification body against
the PEFC International Chain of Custody standard or another chain of custody standard that isendorsed by PEFC.
Note 1: PEFC endorsed forest certification systems and chain of custody standards are found at the PEFC
website www.pefc.org.
Note 2: In case of a group or multi-site certificate where it is confirmed in a separate document, such as anappendix to the certificate or a sub-certificate, that a site or a group participant is covered by the certificate,
the separate document and the certificate together are considered the site’s/participant’s PEFC recognised
certificate.

3.14

PEFC trademarks

The PEFC trademarks are symbols that represent the visual identity of PEFC. They are registered andbelong to the PEFC Council. There are two PEFC trademarks:a) The initials “PEFC”; andb) The PEFC logo. It consists of two trees surrounded by an arrow. The “PEFC” initials standunderneath it. The PEFC logo shall always be used within the PEFC labels (see also 3.11,
definition of PEFC labels).

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3.15

Recycled material

Forest and tree based material that is:a) Recovered from waste during a manufacturing process. Excluded is reutilisation of materials suchas rework, regrind or scrap generated in a process and capable of being reclaimed within the sameprocess that generated it. Excluded are by-products resulting from primary production processes,
such as sawmilling by-products (sawdust, chips, bark, etc.) or forestry residues (bark, chips frombranches, roots, etc.) as they are not considered waste.
b) Generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as endusers of the product that can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns ofmaterial from the distribution chain.
Note 1: The term “capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated it” means that thematerial generated in one process is continuously returned to the same process at the same site. An example
is residue generated by a press line in a panel board production that continuously re-enters the same pressline. This is not considered as recycled material.
Note 2: The definition is based on definitions of ISO 14021.
Note 3: Different examples of recycled material are provided in PEFC GD 2001.

3.16

Retailer

Entity procuring PEFC certified finished products from PEFC certified companies and selling themto consumers.

3.17

Trees outside Forests (TOF)

Trees growing outside areas of nationally designated forest land. Such areas will normally be classified as“agriculture” or “settlement”.

PEFC ST 2001:2020 — PEFC Trademarks Rules – Requirements84. Ownership of the PEFC trademarks
4.1

Ownership

4.1.1

The PEFC logo and the PEFC initials are copyrighted material and are internationally registeredtrademarks owned by the PEFC Council. Unauthorised use of this copyrighted material is prohibitedand may lead to legal action.

4.1.2

The PEFC logo and the PEFC initials shall not be used accompanied by any symbols to indicatethat they are registered trademarks, such as the TM or the R.

5. Scope of the PEFC trademarks
5.1

General scope of the PEFC trademarks

5.1.1

The PEFC trademarks and related claims indicate that the forest and tree based material
contained in labelled and/or claimed products comes from sustainably managed forest, recycled
and/or controlled sources.

5.1.2

The PEFC trademarks also show that the company that produces a product labelled or claimed as
certified, is managed in compliance with a set of social requirements and has a management system
in place.

5.1.3

In addition, the PEFC trademarks communicate an organisation’s affiliation with PEFC or
PEFC certification status.

5.2

Scope of the on‑product usage of the PEFC trademarks

5.2.1

The scope of the on‑product usage of the PEFC trademarks covers:a) Direct on‑product usage of the trademarks referring to the PEFC certified material on tangible
products or on their packaging.
b) Indirect on‑product usage through any reference that can be interpreted or understood as if the
product itself is certified or contains PEFC certified material, such as on media or marketing
materials to communicate that the product is PEFC certified.
Example 1: Use of the PEFC trademarks in advertisements, on brochures, websites, or packing lists
referring to actual products to indicate that they are PEFC certified.
Example 2: Reference to the certified status of the supplier or producer of a product as certified, such as:“This magazine was printed by a PEFC certified printer”, or “this journal was printed on PEFC certified paper”.
c) Direct or indirect on‑product usage in reference to the PEFC certified material used as part ofthe production process of a product. See also 7.1.1.3.
Example: “This brandy was matured in oak barrels from sustainably managed forests, recycled
and controlled sources” or “this plant was grown from seeds from sustainably managed forests andcontrolled sources”.

5.2.2

The PEFC trademarks cover the complete forest and tree based product labelled or claimed
and not only one of its parts. The packaging is not considered as part of the product. The packaging
of a PEFC certified product may also include forest or tree based material and may also be
eligible itself to carry the PEFC trademark. If both the product and the packaging are PEFC
certified, the packaging may include two PEFC labels. See also 7.1.1.1.

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5.3

Scope of the off‑product usage of the PEFC trademarks

5.3.1

The scope of the off‑product usage of the PEFC trademarks covers any usage of thePEFC trademarks that is not covered under the scope of on‑product usage, such as:a) communication on the PEFC endorsement of forest certification systemsb) communication on certified status (this usage refers to PEFC trademarks under Groups B and C,
according to the description of user groups under bullet 6.3 of this standard)c) communication on PEFC recognition of certificates (certification bodies)d) communication on PEFC accreditation activities (accreditation bodies)e) communication on procurement of PEFC certified products or commitment to procurement of
PEFC certified products (end users of PEFC certified products)
f)communication on membership in, or partnership with, PEFC (members and partners of PEFC
Council and/or PEFC National Governing Bodies)g) communication on projects and initiatives focused on development and promotion of PEFC systems
and certificationsh) other educational and promotional usage of the PEFC trademarks (PEFC Council and national
governing bodies, certified entities, certification bodies, accreditation bodies, non-certified
organisations selling PEFC certified, etc.)i)

communication in general on the availability of PEFC certified products in store and/or online,
without referring to a concrete product or the PEFC certified material included in a product

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6. PEFC trademarks usage requirements
6.1

General

6.1.1

The PEFC trademarks shall be used with correct reference to the PEFC Council, PEFC members
and their systems.

6.1.2

The PEFC logo and labels shall be obtained from the PEFC Label Generator.

6.1.3

The PEFC trademarks or any of its elements shall not be used as part of, or integrated into, othertrademarks or labels or in combination with other images, words or symbols in a way that could
create another mark or that could mislead the public as to what the PEFC trademarks stand for.

6.1.4

The PEFC trademarks shall not be used in a manner that could be misinterpreted or generate
confusion with regard to PEFC systems, or that implies that PEFC participates in, supports,
or is responsible for an activity by a certified entity outside the scope of its certification. The
PEFC trademarks shall not be used in a manner that could result in erroneous interpretationor understanding of the entities operations with respect to its PEFC certificate, or diminishedcredibility of PEFC.

6.1.5

The PEFC trademarks shall not be used within product brand names, company names or website
domain names, unless explicitly authorised by the PEFC Council.

6.1.6

The PEFC trademarks shall not be used together with other claims, messages or labels that canbe misunderstood or misleading with regard to the qualities, characteristics, content, production
process, etc. of the product they are accompanying, PEFC certification or PEFC in general.

6.1.7

If other messages, claims or labels are used on the same product as the PEFC trademarks, it shallbe clearly identified which characteristics of the product the PEFC trademarks refer to.

6.1.8

The PEFC trademarks shall be used only with the messages provided by the PEFC Council. Any
usage of the trademarks not foreseen in the PEFC Council documentation shall be approved by the
PEFC Council.

6.1.9

Any usage of the PEFC trademarks shall be accurate and consistent with applicable legal
requirements and law. Organisations are responsible for compliance with the applicable legislation
when using the PEFC trademarks.

6.1.10 PEFC Council reserves the right to refuse the use of any PEFC trademarks that does not alignwith PEFC’s strategic vision and mission.

6.2

PEFC trademarks usage licence

6.2.1

The PEFC trademarks shall be used under the authority of a PEFC trademarks usage licence thatis issued by the PEFC Council or a PEFC authorised body. The PEFC trademarks usage licence
includes the issuance of a unique licence number.

6.2.2

The licence shall be obtained through the signature of a licencing agreement (trademarks usage
contract) between the organisation applying for trademarks usage and the PEFC Council or a
PEFC authorised body.

PEFC ST 2001:2020 — PEFC Trademarks Rules – Requirements

116.2.3The licence number of the organisation using the PEFC trademarks shall accompany the
PEFC trademarks whenever they are used, except for certified organisations when passing onclaims for the implementation of the PEFC chain of custody.

Example: We procure PEFC certified material (PEFC/XX-XX-XX)”.
Note 1: When using the PEFC initials for promotional purposes within a text where the PEFC initials areused more than one time, the PEFC licence number may appear only the first time the PEFC initials are used.
In cases where a PEFC label with the licence number is used next to the text or in the same page as the text
in such a way that the organisation using the initials is clearly identifiable, the initials may be used without thelicence number.
Note 2: When using the PEFC trademarks in press articles or for scientific research articles it is notnecessary to use and/or hold a PEFC licence number.

6.2.4

For the purposes of off‑product PEFC trademarks usage, the PEFC Council or the corresponding
PEFC authorised body may issue permission for one-off trademarks usage. This licence shall belimited to one use. The disclaimer: “Reproduced with the permission of [authorised body]” shall bevisibly placed together with the PEFC trademarks.

6.2.5

The PEFC labels may be used exceptionally without the licence number, with prior approval by
the PEFC authorised body that issued the licence, under the following circumstances:a) where the size of the PEFC label would result in the licence number being illegibleb) the applied technology would not allow the licence number to be used together with the
PEFC labelc) in addition to that, for on‑product usage, where:– the PEFC trademarks with the licence number is used on other parts of the product (e.g. packaging,larger boxes, a leaflet or manual on the product)– the user of the PEFC trademarks can be clearly and unambiguously identified from otheron‑product information

6.3

PEFC trademarks users classification

6.3.1

Group A: National Governing Bodies and PEFC authorised bodies

6.3.1.1 The PEFC National Governing Bodies or other PEFC authorised bodies are authorised to use
the PEFC trademarks only for off‑product purposes.
6.3.2

Group B: Entities certified against a PEFC endorsed sustainable forest management(SFM) standard

6.3.2.1 Any entity eligible for SFM certification shall hold a valid forest management certificate in order toobtain a PEFC trademarks licence.
6.3.2.2 Group B entities with a PEFC recognised certificate are authorised to use the PEFC trademarks
only for off‑product purposes, unless they are also certified against the PEFC Chain of Custody
standard.
6.3.2.3 If the certification is suspended, withdrawn or terminated, the PEFC trademarks licence will be
automatically suspended (until the suspension is lifted) or terminated.

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126.3.3

Group C: Entities certified against the PEFC International Chain of Custody standard ora chain of custody standard endorsed by PEFC

6.3.3.1 Any entity eligible for PEFC chain of custody certification shall hold a PEFC recognised
certificate for chain of custody (see definition of PEFC recognised certificate: 3.13) that is valid,in order to obtain a PEFC trademarks licence.
6.3.3.2 Group C trademarks users are authorised to use the PEFC trademarks for off andon‑product purposes.
6.3.3.3 If the certification is suspended, withdrawn or terminated, the PEFC trademarks licence
will be automatically suspended (until the suspension is lifted) or terminated.
6.3.4

Group D: Other users

6.3.4.1 Organisations and other entities not classified under PEFC trademarks Groups A, B and C.
6.3.4.2 Group D covers organisations such as trade and industry associations, retailers, research andeducational institutions, certification bodies, accreditation bodies, governmental organisations,NGOs, etc. Group D also covers organisations within the forest and tree based products chain,
where the chain of custody certification does not apply as they are end users of forest and tree
based products or are selling the products with claims and/or labels placed on the product by
their suppliers.
6.3.4.3 Group D trademarks users are authorised to use the PEFC trademarks only for off‑productpurposes.
6.3.4.4 Retailers under trademarks user Group D that procure PEFC certified finished products and sell
the finished products directly to consumers without manipulating the product in any way, changing
the wrapping or mixing the products with non-certified products, may exceptionally use the PEFC
trademarks indirectly on‑product (see requirement 5.2.1.b) to promote PEFC certified products
according to the following requirements:a) Hold a PEFC trademarks licence for trademarks user Group D.
b) The PEFC promotional label shall be used at least once with the label message: “The products
marked with the PEFC trademarks can be provided as PEFC certified”. It shall be placed in avisible place in order for the public to clearly understand and identify what the PEFC trademarks
stand for within the catalogue, brochure or price list.
c) The PEFC trademarks may be used without the organisation’s licence number throughout thecatalogue, brochure or product list next to those products that can be provided as PEFC certified.
d) The products shall include physically the PEFC trademarks on‑product along with the licencenumber of the PEFC certified supplier.
e) This first usage shall be approved by the PEFC Council or the PEFC authorised body, andafterwards PEFC Council or the PEFC authorised body shall approve it in an annual basis or issue
a new approval whenever the design changes in any way.
f)

The PEFC trademarks shall be always used according to this standard and any other PEFC related
documentation.

Note: As the PEFC trademarks will always appear at least once in the catalogue, brochure or product list,
requirement 6.2.5 does not apply to this case.

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Table 1: Overview of the usage
PEFC trademarks user

On‑product usage

Off‑product usage

Group A: National Governing Bodies

No

Yes

Group B: Sustainable forest
management (SFM) certified entities

No

Yes

Group C: Chain of custody certified
entities

Yes

YesGroup D: Other users

No

Yes

Note 1: Group B certificate holders that also hold a PEFC chain of custody certificate and therefore
belong also to Group C, can use the PEFC trademarks on‑product.
Note 2: Additional off‑product messages to be used, for instance, as forest signs, are suggested inAppendix A to be used by trademarks user Group B.
Note 3: For retailers under trademarks user Group D, see also requirement 6.3.4.4.

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7. PEFC trademarks technical requirements
7.1

Technical requirements for the usage of the PEFC trademarks on‑product

7.1.1

General requirements

7.1.1.1 The product the PEFC trademarks refer to shall be clearly identified. If the product cannot beclearly identified, the label message or at least the name of the product (see 8.3.3) shall clarify thelink between trademarks and product.
Example: If PEFC certified pencils are wrapped in packaging made from forest based material not PEFC
certified, the PEFC label message that accompanies the logo in the packaging clarifies which product thelabel refers to, replacing “this product” by “these pencils” in the label message.

7.1.1.2 To determine the percentage of certified material contained in a product to be eligible to carry the
PEFC trademarks, the complete product shall be considered. See also 5.2.2.
Example: A book may carry the PEFC trademarks whenever the complete book (the pages plus thecovers) contains at least 70% of certified material.

7.1.1.3 Indirect on‑product usage in reference to the PEFC certified material used as part of the
production process of a product (as described in 5.2.1, c) shall be approved by the PEFC Council.
Note: To obtain PEFC Council’s approval, organisations can go through the PEFC authorised body thatissued their licence.

7.1.2

The PEFC on‑product labels

7.1.2.1 The PEFC certified label
7.1.2.1.1 The PEFC certified label is the generic label to be used on‑product:

7.1.2.1.2 The PEFC certified label may be used whenever at least 70% of the forest and tree basedmaterial included in the product is PEFC certified material and the content of recycled material
is lower than 100%.
Note: Recycled content is included in forest and tree based products material categories.
See definition 3.7.

7.1.2.1.3 The label message that shall accompany the PEFC certified label is: “[This product] is fromsustainably managed forests, recycled and controlled sources”. The wording [this product] may bereplaced by the name of the certified product or the certified material included in the product towhich the label refers, using the PEFC Label Generator. See also 7.1.1.1. and 8.3.

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15

7.1.2.1.4 Where the product does not include PEFC certified material from recycled sources, the label
message may be used without the word “recycled”.

7.1.2.1.5 Where the product includes only material from PEFC certified forests, i.e. material delivered with theclaim “100% PEFC Origin”, the label message may be used with the wording: “[This product] is fromsustainably managed forests”.

7.1.2.1.6 For PEFC certified projects, the wording “this product” shall be replaced by “the forest and tree
based material used in this project is”. The word “project” may be replaced by the type of project(pavilion, tower, etc.).
7.1.2.2 The PEFC recycled label
7.1.2.2.1 The PEFC recycled label shall be used when the product includes only recycled material (see3.15, definition for recycled material). The label name is “PEFC Recycled” and the label message:“[This product] is from recycled sources”. The wording [this product] may be replaced by the name of
the certified product or the certified material included in the product to which the label refers, using
the PEFC Label Generator.

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Table 2: Overview of the options of usage of the PEFC on‑product labels

Label name

PEFC Certified

PEFC Recycled

Requirements of usage

Minimum 70% PEFC certified
material content and lessthan 100% recycled material
content

100% recycled material
content

Generic label messages“[This product] is fromsustainably managed forests,
recycled and controlled
sources”“[This product] is from recycled
sources”.

“This product” shall be
replaced by the name of thecertified product or certified
material when it is not clear
to what the label refers“This product” shall be replacedby the name of the certified
product or certified material
when it is not clear to what
the label refers

Where the product does notinclude recycled material, thelabel message may be usedwithout the word “recycled”
Where the product only
includes material from PEFC
certified forests, the label
message may be used without“recycled and controlled
sources”

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177.1.3

The PEFC initials

7.1.3.1 The PEFC initials may be used directly on a product whenever the product contains a minimum of
70% PEFC certified material.
Example 1: This product was made with PEFC certified wood (PEFC/XX-XX-XXX)
Example 2: This journal was printed on PEFC certified paper (PEFC/XX-XX-XXX)

7.1.3.2 The PEFC trademarks licence number of the organisation shall always be used with the PEFC
initials whenever the product does not carry a PEFC label with the licence number in thesame product.
7.1.3.3 The certified product or the certified material included in the product to which the PEFC initials refershall be clearly identified. When it is not clear what product the PEFC initials refer to, the productshall be specified. See requirement 7.1.1.1.
7.1.3.4 Any usage of the PEFC initials on‑product different from that mentioned above shall be approvedby the PEFC Council.
Note: To obtain PEFC Council’s approval, organisations can go through the PEFC authorised body thatissued their licence.

7.1.3.5 The requirements outlined in this section are not applicable for the usage of the PEFC initials withthe purpose of passing on chain of custody claims by certified organisations as described in and incompliance with the PEFC Chain of Custody Standard, PEFC ST 2002.

7.2

Technical requirements for the usage of the PEFC trademarks off‑product

7.2.1

The PEFC off‑product label

7.2.1.1 The PEFC promotional label is:

7.2.1.2 The generic label message that shall accompany the PEFC promotional label is:“Promoting Sustainable Forest Management”.
7.2.1.3 Additional label messages for promotional purposes can be found on the Appendix A tothis standard.
7.2.1.4 The PEFC off‑product label messages may be used for promotional purposes without thePEFC label under the same requirements as the label. In those cases, and whenever the
PEFC label is not used close to the message, the PEFC trademarks licence number shall beplaced next to the message.

PEFC ST 2001:2020 — PEFC Trademarks Rules – Requirements18

7.2.1.5 Organisations holding a PEFC forest management or PEFC chain of custody recognised
certificate (PEFC trademarks user Groups B and C) may use the PEFC promotional label on:a) Letterheads, catalogues or any other promotional material, as long as there is no ambiguity as towhat is certified. See also 7.2.1.6.
b) Invoices or delivery documents. The products that are delivered with a PEFC claim shall beclearly identified.

7.2.1.6 The PEFC label may be used for promotional purposes on non-commercial products. It shallbe clear what the PEFC label refers to on the non-commercial products. The promotional label
message shall be included.
Note: For the usage of the PEFC label on catalogues, brochures or products lists by non-certified retailers,see 6.3.4.4.

7.2.2

The PEFC initials

7.2.2.1 The usage of the PEFC initials off‑product is allowed under the same conditions and requirements
as the PEFC promotional label. It shall always be accurate and refer to PEFC in the correct terms.

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8. Graphic requirements of the PEFC labels
8.1

Elements of the PEFC label
A

C
D

This product is fromsustainably managed
forests, recycled andcontrolled sources

B

8.1.1

E

F

PEFC logo (A)8.1.1.1 The PEFC logo consists of two trees surrounded by an arrow and the “PEFC” initials
placed underneath it.
8.1.2

PEFC trademarks licence number (B)

8.1.2.1 In order to identify the organisation using the PEFC trademarks, the PEFC logo shall be used
together with the organisation’s PEFC licence number. See requirement 6.2.1.
8.1.3

Label name (C)8.1.3.1 The label name communicates the meaning of the logo.
8.1.3.2 The official PEFC label names are in English. Translations shall be obtained from the PEFC
Label Generator.
8.1.3.3 The PEFC label may include the label name in more than one language. Different options areprovided in the PEFC Label Generator.
8.1.4

Label message (D)8.1.4.1 The label message communicates the meaning of the logo.
8.1.4.2 The official PEFC label messages are in English. Translations of the official label messages into
other languages shall be obtained from the PEFC Label Generator.
8.1.4.3 The PEFC label may include the label message in more than one language. Different options areprovided in the PEFC Label Generator.
8.1.5

PEFC website (E)8.1.5.1 The PEFC Council website www.pefc.org may be replaced with the website of a PEFC
authorised body.
8.1.6

PEFC label frame (F)8.1.6.1 When using the frame, the frame shall always respect the proportions and dimensions within the
different elements of the label.

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8.2

Graphic specifications

8.2.1

Colours

8.2.1.1 The PEFC labels may be used in three colours: green, black and white and always with a single andcontrasting colour background.
8.2.1.2 The PEFC label in green shall have the frame in the same green colour, with the PEFC label name,message and PEFC website in black. For the colours black and white, all the elements of the PEFC
label shall appear in the same colour. The PEFC label name for the three labels must be in bold.
Note: For the purposes of describing the graphic specifications, the framed landscape green PEFC certifiedlabel is used. The same principles apply to all the other labels.

This product is fromsustainably managed
forests, recycled andcontrolled sources

8.2.2

This product is fromsustainably managed
forests, recycled andcontrolled sources

This product is fromsustainably managed
forests, recycled andcontrolled sources

Label orientation

8.2.2.1 The PEFC label may be used in portrait or landscape orientation.

This product is fromsustainably managed
forests, recycled andcontrolled sources

LandscapePortrait

8.2.3

Dimensions

8.2.3.1 The ratio between height and width shall always be maintained. The proportions between the
different elements of the PEFC label shall also be respected.

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8.2.4

Minimum size

8.2.4.1 The minimum size of the PEFC label shall be:

This product is fromsustainably managed
forests, recycled andcontrolled sources

11mm

27 mm

15 mm

8.2.5

Placement

8.2.5.1 Clear space shall surround the PEFC label in order to ensure that it remains uncluttered andis easily recognisable. The minimum amount of clear space shall be equivalent to the height of
the letter “P” of the PEFC logo used in the label.

This product is fromsustainably managed
forests, recycled andcontrolled sources

PEFC ST 2001:2020 — PEFC Trademarks Rules – Requirements

This product is fromsustainably managed
forests, recycled andcontrolled sources

22

8.3

Optional usage of the label

8.3.1

The following elements may optionally be omitted from the PEFC labels:

Table 3: Optional elements of the PEFC labels
PEFC certified label

PEFC recycled label

PEFC off‑product label

PEFC logo

No

No

No

Label name

Yes

No

N/A

Label message

Yes *

Yes*

Yes*

PEFC website

Yes

Yes

Yes

Frame

Yes

Yes

Yes

* The usage shall always comply with the requirement 7.1.1.1. See also requirements 8.3.2 and 8.3.3.

8.3.2

When using the PEFC labels without the message, the label may include the name of the product,
as in the example below.

Packaging

8.3.3

When it is not clear what the PEFC label refers to (see requirement 7.1.1), the label message may
be replaced by the name of the product.

8.3.4

The PEFC label can be used without the label message for promotional purposes whenever it isclear from the context in which the label appears what PEFC stands for.

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8.3.5

Where the design does not allow the usage of the normal PEFC label designs, the PEFC label
may be optionally used as follows, with prior approval by the PEFC authorised body that issued
the licence. When used for on‑product purposes, the product or material the PEFC label refers toshall be clear. When used for promotional purposes, it shall be clear what PEFC stands for.

a) With the PEFC logo split into the two trees surrounded by an arrow and the trademarks licencenumber and placed beside each other. The minimum size of this format of the PEFC label shallensure that the licence number is readable.

PEFC/XX-XX-XXb) With the PEFC logo split into the two trees surrounded by an arrow and the PEFC initials, and thetrademarks licence number underneath the PEFC initials. The minimum size of this format of thePEFC label shall ensure that the PEFC initials and licence number are readable.

PEFC/XX-XX-XX

8.4

Modifications

8.4.1

The PEFC labels obtained from the PEFC Label Generator shall not be altered or re-created.

8.4.2

Using the PEFC label in non-standard colours or any other adjustments requires prior approval by
the PEFC Council.

Note: To obtain PEFC Council’s approval, organisations can go through the PEFC authorised body thatissued their licence.

PEFC ST 2001:2020 — PEFC Trademarks Rules – Requirements

24Appendix 1 (normative):
Alternative promotional label messages
Table 4: Alternative promotional label messages
Trademarks user group

MessageGroup B

• Promoting Sustainable Forest Management• [Company name] has a PEFC sustainable forest management certificate• [Company name] manages this forest according to PEFC certification
requirements• Our forest management is PEFC certified

Group C

• Promoting Sustainable Forest Management• [Company name] has a PEFC certified chain of custody• [Company name] offers PEFC certified products• By sourcing PEFC, [we/company name] are supporting sustainably managed
forests globally• By sourcing PEFC [wood/paper/packaging], [we/company name] aresupporting sustainably managed forests globally• The PEFC logo on our products ensures that our [wood/paper/packaging]comes from sustainably managed forests, recycled and controlled sources.
Every purchase of a PEFC-labelled product makes a difference for forestsand forest communities across the world.

Group D:certification bodies• Promoting Sustainable Forest Management• [Certification body] is accredited for PEFC forest management certification• [Certification body] is accredited for PEFC chain of custody certification• [Certification body] is accredited for PEFC forest management and chain ofcustody certification

Group D:accreditation bodies• Promoting Sustainable Forest Management• [Accreditation Body name] provides PEFC forest management accreditation• [Accreditation Body name] provides PEFC chain of custody accreditation• [Accreditation Body name] provides PEFC forest management and chainof custody accreditation

Group D:
non-certified organisations
procuring PEFC certified
finished products• Promoting Sustainable Forest Management• [Company name] offers PEFC certified products• By sourcing PEFC, [we/company name] are supporting sustainably managed
forests globally• By sourcing PEFC [wood/paper/packaging], [we/company name] aresupporting sustainably managed forests globally• The PEFC logo on our products ensures that our [wood/paper/packaging]comes from sustainably managed forests, recycled and controlled sources.
Every purchase of a PEFC-labelled product makes a difference for forestsand forest communities across the world.

PEFC ST 2001:2020 — PEFC Trademarks Rules – Requirements25

Trademarks user group

MessageGroup D:PEFC International
stakeholder members• Promoting Sustainable Forest Management• [Company name] is a PEFC Stakeholder member• By sourcing PEFC, [we/company name] are supporting sustainably managed
forests globally• By sourcing PEFC [wood/paper/packaging], [we/company name] aresupporting sustainably managed forests globally• The PEFC logo on our products ensures that our [wood/paper/packaging]comes from sustainably managed forests, recycled and controlled sources.
Every purchase of a PEFC-labelled product makes a difference for forestsand forest communities across the world.

Group D:any other organisations
belonging to Group D thatare not mentioned above• Promoting Sustainable Forest Management

Note 1: Organisations belonging to more than one group may use the label messages for any of the usergroup they belong (for instance, international stakeholder members that are also certified companies can use
either the label messages described for Group D: stakeholder members, or Group C: certified companies).
Note 2: The wording between [ ] is to be replaced by the corresponding option. For example, if anorganisation procures PEFC certified wood, the label will say: “The PEFC logo on our products ensuresthat our wood comes from sustainably managed forests, recycled and controlled sources”.

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Appendix 2 (informative):
Examples of wrong PEFC label usages
PEFC
Certified

PEFC Recycled

This product is fromsustainably managed
forests, recycled andcontrolled sources

This product is fromrecycled sources

www.pefc.org

PEFC
CertifiedThis product is from sustainably managed
forests, recycled and controlled sources
www.pefc.org

www.pefc.org

PEFC Recycled

PEFC Recycled

This product is fromrecycled sources

This product is fromrecycled sources

www.pefc.org

Management

www.pefc.org

Do not change the font of the label elements

PEFC/

XX-XX-XX

Promoting Sustainable
Forest Management

Promoting Sustainable Forest

www.pefc.org

Do not change the proportions of the label
elements in any way

Do not stretch or compress the PEFC labels
in any way

Do not change the colour of
any of the elements of the PEFC label

For every tree
used in this productone is replanted

100%
environmentallyfriendly

Do not use the PEFC labels with other messages, claims or labels thatcan be misunderstood or misleading with regard to PEFC

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Respect distance between the elementsof the PEFC label

Do not move or remove elements that are
not allowed to be removed

Do not use the promotional label on‑product

Do not use blurred PEFC labels

Respect the minimum amount of clear space(the equivalent to the height of the letter “P”
in the logo) between the PEFC label and otherlabels and elements around the PEFC label

Do not use the PEFC labels with the “TM”

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PEFC Council
ICC Building C1
Route de Pré-Bois 20
1215 Geneva 15
Switzerland

t +41 22 799 45 40
f +41 22 799 45 50
e info@pefc.org
www.pefc.org