Wood Certifications for Construction in Mexico
Micmac • November 15, 2024
In Mexico, the use of wood as a structural and finishing material requires compliance with standards and certifications that seek to guarantee the quality, safety, and sustainability of projects using wood.
In this article, we will explore the main certifications and regulations applicable to wood in construction within the Mexican context, including those required for imported wood and some relevant international certifications.
Key Certifications and Standards in Mexico
PNMC Certification (National Certified Forest Management Program)
The PNMC is a program implemented by Mexico's National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR). This certification validates that wood used in construction comes from sustainably managed forest sources with low environmental impact.
NMX-AA-143-SCFI-2015
This Mexican standard establishes the specifications and criteria for obtaining sustainable forest management certification. It is an update of the NMX-AA-143-SCFI-2008 standard and provides a more current framework for forest certification in Mexico. Reference Standard: NMX-AA-143-SCFI-2015 "For the certification of sustainable forest management"
USGBC Certification (U.S. Green Building Council)
Although not a Mexican certification, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) seal from USGBC is widely recognized in Mexico. This certification evaluates, among other aspects, the use of sustainable construction materials, such as certified wood. Reference Standard: LEED v4.1 "Building and Design Requirements"
CVER Certification (Veracruz Council for Environmental Certification)
CVER is a regional certification body established in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. This entity grants the "Certified Veracruz Wood" certification, which guarantees the origin and sustainable management of wood from this region. Reference Standard: NMX-AA-143/1-SCFI-2008 "Requirements and specifications for forest management sustainability"
FSC Certification (Forest Stewardship Council)
FSC is an internationally recognized forest certification scheme. In Mexico, FSC certification ensures that wood used in construction comes from responsibly and sustainably managed forests. Reference Standard: FSC-STD-MEX-01-2018 "Mexican Forest Management Standard"
Relevant International Certifications
PEFC Certification (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
PEFC is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification. Although not specific to Mexico, it is internationally recognized and may be relevant for imported wood.
AENOR Certification (Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification)
AENOR is a Spanish entity dedicated to the development of standardization and certification in all industrial and service sectors. Its certification in the forestry and wood sector is internationally recognized and may be relevant for wood imported to Mexico.
ENplus Certification
Although primarily focused on certifying wood pellets for energy use, ENplus certification may be relevant in construction projects incorporating biomass-based heating or energy systems.
BIOmasud Certification
Similar to ENplus, BIOmasud is a quality certification system for solid biofuels in the Mediterranean market. Although not specific to construction, it may be relevant in projects incorporating biomass use.
Requirements for Wood Importation to Mexico
- CITES Certificate: Required for species included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
- Compliance with NOM-144-SEMARNAT-2017: Establishes requirements for handling, transport, and storage of imported wood and forest products.
- Import Registration with SEMARNAT: All wood imports to Mexico must have the respective registration and authorization from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT).
- Traceability and documentation: Documentation must be provided that proves the origin, handling, and transport of imported wood.