The Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) today announced the formal decision by the Government of the Netherlands to affirm the admitted status of the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) International under its stringent Dutch Timber Procurement Policy (TPP).

In an official letter dated 6 November 2025, the definitive finding was conveyed to PEFC International by the Director-General for the Environment and International Affairs, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Netherlands.

The Malaysian Timber Certification Council-Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (MTCC-PEFC) Field Visit delegates and local community of Long Tebanyi.

The Government of Netherlands has reached this decision following a comprehensive and independent review by the Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC), culminating in its 'Final Judgement Detailed Research MTCS' report. In its official statement, the Minister for the Environment has received and formally endorsed the TPAC report. TPAC has concluded that both PEFC International and MTCS are compliant with the requirements of the Dutch Timber Procurement Assessment System (TPAS). Hence, based on TPAC's expert advice, the Minister has officially decided to maintain the admitted status of PEFC International to the Dutch timber procurement policy.

This extensive assessment, which included a detailed desk study and an on-site verification mission in Sarawak and Perak from 12–19 February 2025, was commissioned in direct response to specific concerns raised by certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in 2022.

MTCC, TPAC and PEFC delegates engaging with local communities residing near the Piah Forest Reserve.

The TPAC's findings, which underpin the Dutch Government's final determination, provide independent substantiation of the MTCS's integrity. This international validation reflects the scheme's robust operational effectiveness and decisively challenges the false claims made by certain NGOs.

This final recognition by the Government of the Netherlands establishes a significant and powerful reaffirmation of international stakeholder confidence in the operational integrity, transparency, and robustness of MTCS as Malaysia’s national timber certification scheme.

Representatives of the Netherlands' Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC) observing the MTCS-certified forest plantation area, Paong Forest Plantation Management Unit (FPMU).

This decision further solidifies the credibility of MTCS-certified timber and forest-based products and underscores Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to sustainable forest management, aligning with national policies and international frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

MTCC recognises the value of insights provided by the field visit, in which two TPAC members participated as observers, and remains committed to aligning with PEFC International’s efforts for continual improvement. MTCC extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands, the Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC), and PEFC International for facilitating this objective and thorough review. The reaffirmation of compliance demonstrates Malaysia’s sustained progress in promoting sustainable, legally verified, and climate-resilient timber supply chains for global markets.

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