SmartLogging Certification

SmartLogging is a certification program developed by the Rainforest Alliance to cover one of the most important groups working in the forests: Loggers who work as contractors.

Logger certification is available for individual loggers, logging companies, groups of loggers represented by loggers' associations or forest products companies.

The logging certificate proves that the logging company is performing its work in a legal, caring and responsible way.

The certification assessment covers issues such as:

• Harvesting in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Work is performed in accordance with a forest management or harvest plan endorsed by the landowner.
• Best practice logging techniques are employed, in order to preserve soil, wildlife, and scenic values.
• Effective procedures for the tracking of wood from the forest to wood processing are in place. 
• Worker safety and working environment are well considered.
• Working with communities and neighbors to ensure public safety, aesthetics and protection of community values and resources.
• Continuous improvement of harvesting practices

Why logger certification?

Logging is often the most important management activity in a commercial forest, and may have a large impact on forest environment and wildlife.

At the same time, logging is technically demanding and dangerous work.

Avoiding negative impacts on the environment and ensuring the health and safety of forest workers, while still performing the logging in an efficient way, is no small task.

It takes a lot of care, planning, and training of staff. Those who make the effort should be rewarded for it. And that's exactly what certification is all about: Getting you the recognition that you deserve as a responsible logger.

SmartLogging certification may help you in the following ways:

Your image and credibility: SmartLogging certification provides you with an independent, third-party documentation for your performance as a responsible logging company.

Your clients: Forest owners looking for careful loggers with a wider perspective will know that they can have confidence in you. For example, certified forest operations need loggers that they can depend on for a performance that comply with the certification requirements, and may prefer loggers with a documented commitment to responsible principles.

Your staff: Your employees will benefit from good health and safety management, and can see that you are concerned about your responsibilities as employer.