How can we explain the uneven uptake of forest certification at the global level?

• Cross-national quantitative study with longitudinal data. • Institutional quality and level of economic development have a significant impact on the uptake of forest certification. • The share of forest products exports to Europe and the general export orientation of a country's forest-based sector are also important. • Environmental non-governmental organizations also play an important role, with clear differences between FSC and PEFC certification.