FUNDING AVAILABLE TO UPGRADE YOUR CHAIN OF CUSTODY CERTIFICATION

TimberQueensland
Mar 8, 2016
2 min read

Updated: Mar 19

Queensland forest and timber businesses who need to upgrade their Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) Chain of Custody Certification can now apply for $2500 funding assistance via the Queensland Government and Timber Queensland Chain of Custody Support Scheme.

Businesses that obtained AFS certification against AS 4707:2006 are required to upgrade their certification to AS 4707:2014.

Timber Queensland CEO Rod McInnes said that Australian Standards are reviewed periodically, around every five years.

“This ensures they are up to date with any changes in technical and operational knowledge and reflect national and international community expectations,” said Rod McInnes.

Mr McInnes said that this additional funding assistance complements the Scheme which primarily reimburses costs directly incurred in obtaining chain of custody certification under Australian Forestry Standard AS 4707 or the Forest Stewardship Council 40-004 (V2-1) EN.

“The Scheme also enables businesses who have gained certification under one standard to apply for additional support for certification under another standard, alternatively businesses that have no certification can apply for both AFS and FSC certification support,” said Rod McInnes

Eligible businesses are Queensland operated primary processors, secondary processors and wholesalers of timber products sourced from certified timber grown and sourced in Queensland.

“They can claim 100% of the eligible costs for singular or dual certification up to a cap of $5000 (ex GST) per business,” he said.

“The $2500 funding support for certification upgrades is additional to the original certification costs.”

Businesses interested in participating in the Chain of Custody Support Scheme can access more information and register for the scheme at www.timberqueensland.com.au or request an information pack from coc@timberqueensland.com.au

Eligible businesses have until 30 June 2016 to apply to participate in the scheme, obtain certification or certification upgrade and submit a funding claim.