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PEFC RED certification enables companies to demonstrate that their forest or tree-based biomass complies with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II* and RED III), which governs the sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) savings criteria of biomass fuels (woodchip, wood pellets, and briquettes) used for electricity, heating, or cooling in the EU.
PEFC RED is a voluntary certification scheme recognised by the European Commission. It builds on the PEFC Chain of Custody framework, adding RED specific requirements for traceability, sustainability and GHG accounting. Certified organisation must meet these requirements, while an independent conformity assessment body audits and verifies compliance.
PEFC RED certification applies to processors, traders, exporters, and biomass energy procedures such as power plants.
*Please note that PEFC RED II certification is only for EU countries that have activated the grandfathering clause.
The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) is a key EU policy promoting the use of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy sustainability. Originally adopted in 2009, it set binding targets for member states, aiming for 20% renewable energy by 2020. Revised versions have since raised the EU-wide goal to 42.5% by 2030. The directive supports renewable sources across electricity, heating, and transport, while setting sustainability criteria, especially for bioenergy. It also streamlines permitting processes and encourages cross-border cooperation. The RED plays a central role in the EU’s climate and energy transition under the European Green Deal.
Meet regulatory requirements
PEFC RED certification provides a clear, credible path to comply with RED’s sustainability and GHG criteria – a legal requirement for biomass used to meet renewable energy targets in the EU.
Simplify complex rules
PEFC RED translates RED’s technical regulations into a structured and familiar format, based on ISO standards and the PEFC chain of custody system used by thousands of companies globally.
Improve efficiency and save costs
Strengthen your market position
First, check your current certification status. If you already hold PEFC chain of custody certification, you can build on your existing chain of custody system. If not, you will need to obtain both PEFC chain of custody and RED certification.
Next, map your supply chain to determine your role in the forest biomass supply chain to clarify your RED responsibilities, and get familiar with PEFC RED requirements that you need to implement (depending on your role in the supply chain).
Then, prepare your systems and documentation, including setting up your management system and due diligence system and train affected staff members. You'll also need to prepare your implementation procedures and undertake an internal audit.
These steps will be an important basis to prepare you to set up your PEFC RED system.
1 August 2025: PEFC RED certification provides companies with a clear, reliable way to demonstrate compliance with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED). Find out more.
21 July 2025: The competent authority in France has decided to invoke the grandfathering clause. As a result, PEFC will implement the following approach. Find out more.
12 May 2025: PEFC has developed the PEFC RED III standards, which were approved by the PEFC General Assembly on 8 May 2025, in alignment with the RED III (Renewable Energy Directive). Find out more.
28 February 2025: Stakeholders are invited to give their feedback on the new PEFC RED III standards, developed to enable organisations to demonstrate compliance with RED III requirements and make RED III compliant declarations. Find out more.
Watch the recording from our latest PEFC RED II webinar. This webinar introduced the new PEFC RED II certification scheme. Participants heard about the advances we have made in the new PEFC RED II standards and highlights of the additional requirements for PEFC chain of custody certificate holders to demonstrate compliance with RED II.
If you have any questions or queries regarding PEFC RED certification, please contact us at red@pefc.org.
You can also sign up to our Technical Matters newsletter to keep up to date on all the latest PEFC RED news.
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