13.06.2025
The FAO has launched a strategic initiative to assess the compatibility of certification systems with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This evaluation could strongly influence the future acceptance of such systems by European authorities.
An evaluation methodology, called ASEF (Assurance Systems Evaluation Framework), has been developed by Preferred by Nature. It is currently open for public consultation until June 23, 2025, and was accompanied by an expert workshop on June 16. This is a crucial step for forestry and agricultural stakeholders.
As part of the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the FAO, in partnership with Preferred by Nature, has developed the ASEF - Assurance Systems Evaluation Framework to evaluate assurance systems (2nd or 3rd party certification).
The objective of ASEF is to assess how well forest and agricultural certification systems (such as FSC, PEFC/PAFC, or others) align with the EUDR’s requirements on:
The evaluation will help:
What does the ASEF framework include?
The methodology is structured around a grid of criteria, sub-criteria, and indicators, grouped into four main sections:
A public consultation is open until June 23, 2025, accompanied by an expert workshop held on June 16. This is a key moment: the evaluation results will shape how European operators and competent authorities assess the role of certifications as risk mitigation tools under the EUDR's due diligence framework.
At ATIBT, we strongly encourage certification systems, auditing bodies, experts, and operators active in the Congo Basin to engage in this consultation. It is essential that local specificities and field realities are properly considered to ensure a fair and context-appropriate evaluation, especially in tropical forest regions.
Practical informations
We remain available to discuss and support any members or partners interested in contributing.
