Evaluating the effects of forest certification schemes in Australia: a synthesis and proposed framework for future research

Forest certification schemes such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) are widely promoted as tools to improve environmental, social and economic outcomes in timber production forestry. While international research on certification effects is substantial, evidence from Australia remains limited and fragmented. This study synthesises peer-reviewed and grey literature published since 1993 to assess certification effects with a focus on Australian contexts, while situating findings within the broader international evidence base. Four research questions guided the review: (1) What methods have been used to assess the effects of implementing certification by forest managers?; (2) What types of environmental, social and economic outcomes have been empirically attributed to forest certification and to what extent do these represent observable differences in management practices or forest conditions?; (3) Where along forest product value chains have effects been observed?; and (4) What types of impacts (e.g. market access, reporting, chain-of-custody integrity) have been documented beyond the forest gate? Searches were conducted in Google Scholar and Scopus in May 2025, limited to the first 50 results per query, and supplemented by targeted snowballing. Eligible studies included those that evaluated actual or perceived certification effects in forestry. Forest certification effect assessments vary across environmental, social and economic dimensions. Few international studies establish a credible causal link between certification and on-ground environmental effects using explicit counterfactuals and the findings have been mixed. Australian studies generally point to procedural improvements rather than demonstrated environmental outcomes, although the counterfactual with no certification has not been investigated. Social outcomes have been investigated using qualitative methods, revealing context-dependent effects, including strengthening of tenure rights internationally and improved stakeholder engagement in Australia, but potential burdens on smallholders. Economic effects were investigated using interviews, questionnaires and surveys and reveal mixed outcomes. While there is limited evidence of price premiums in both international and Australian contexts, certification improves access to certain forest product markets and provides assurance to investors. Key barriers to certification include high compliance costs; key enablers include reputational benefits, access to markets, and alignment with existing regulations.