India Issues First PRAMAAN Certificates Under the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav handed over India's first PRAMAAN certificates under the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS) in New Delhi on 29th September, 2026. This moves the scheme from policy to real field-level use. The scheme was launched by the Ministry in December 2023.

What is the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme?

IFWCS is India's national system for certifying forests, wood, and non-timber forest products. Its certification mark is called PRAMAAN (Programme for Recognition and Accreditation of sustainable Management practices for Agroforestry And Natural forestry resources). The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, is the operating agency.

Who Received the First Certificates

Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation (APFDC), for plantations over 33,000 hectares

Govind Mohapatra, a bamboo farmer linked with the Odisha Bamboo Development Agency (OBDA)

Both went through strict field and management audits before certification.

Types of Certification under PRAMAAN

Applications have been received for three types of certification:

1. Forest Management
2. Tree Outside Forest Management
3. Chain of Custody

How PRAMAAN Certification Works?

Forest Management certification follows the Indian Forest Management Standards, which are part of the National Working Plan Code (NWPC) 2023. It depends on third-party audits, not just self-declaration. Certification bodies must be accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) under the Quality Council of India. The accreditation system is also matched with international frameworks so that buyers and regulators abroad accept the certificates.

PRAMAAN certificate to support sustainable timber sourcing

Yadav said PRAMAAN will help Indian producers and exporters meet global rules on due diligence and deforestation-free timber sourcing. It supports the idea of "Vocal for Local and Act Global".

Benefits for Communities

The scheme also aims to create income for rural and tribal communities, smallholder farmers and forest-dependent groups. Women Self-Help Groups and marginal landholders working in NTFP collection, farming and agroforestry can benefit. It also supports the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.