Name: Vriksh Certification in India - corpbiz
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Vriksh Certification in India

Need help with your Vriksh certification process? Let our experts at Corpbiz ensure everything is handled smoothly, from documentation to approval. The top 5% of the exporters of the wood and wood product industry in India trust us for Vriksh registration.

What’s included?

Documentation Assistance
End-to-End Application Support
Liaison with EPCH Authorities

Site Audit Preparation
Expert Guidance on Vriksh Standards
30-Minute Consultation with Certification Expert

Helped 500+ Exporters Register under Vriksh Scheme Since 2018

Vriksh Certification - An Overview

Vriksh certification in India is a timber legality verification system developed by the Export Promotion Council for Healthcare (EPCH). It promotes the responsible and legal use of wood in handicrafts, furniture, and the home décor industries, while upholding our social and environmental responsibilities. It is meant for consignments consisting of Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham) and Dalbergia latifolia (Rosewood), which are covered under Appendix II, especially emphasizing controlled trade to avoid their overutilization.

To obtain a Vriksh certification, the businesses must undergo a detailed audit of their sourcing, documentation, and supply chain practices. The process further includes submitting an application, preparing required documentation, undergoing site audits, and adhering to EPCH’s chain-of-custody and risk assessment standards. If you’re engaged in the production, processing, or export of wood-based products, now is the time to get Vriksh certified with guidance from our compliance experts at Corpbiz.

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What is Vriksh?

Vriksh is a program based on the timber legality assessment and verification of wood procured and managed by manufacturers and exporters of India's wooden handicraft industries. The Vriksh standard conforms to all major compliance requirements, including the new CITES notification. Besides the Vriksh shipment certificate, Vriksh is quickly gaining recognition among consumers, importers, and retailers in all major wooden handicrafts and furniture markets worldwide.

Benefits of Vriksh Registration in India

Both the buyers and suppliers enjoy the benefits of securing Vriksh registration in India. Have a look at the following benefits as discussed below:

Compliance with Regulations

Obtaining a Vriksh certification helps businesses to meet the requirements of EUTR and other international timber regulations, reducing the risk of penalties and seizures.

Legality Verification

Obtaining a Vriksh registration ensures verifying the legal origin of wood, ensuring that the timber used in products is sourced responsibly and ethically.

business control in Trademark Registration

Improved Market Access

Obtaining a Vriksh registration allows businesses to have access to an improved market, leading to expansion of their reach and potential customer base.

Enhanced Brand Reputation

Obtaining a Vriksh registration ensures enhancing your brand’s reputation and credibility, showcasing your commitment to legal and sustainable sourcing of timber.

Smoother Custom Clearance

Vriksh registration helps expedite the process for obtaining customs clearance for exports, thereby reducing delays and logistical challenges.

World-Wide Presence

Obtaining a Vriksh registration ensures providing a platform for suppliers to showcase their certified products and reach a global audience.

Popular Uses of Vriksh Certification

The examples provided below show how the Vriksh certification applies to different wood-based and product categories, as discussed below:

Furniture Manufacturer

Solid wood or engineered wood furniture complies with global legality standards.

Handicrafts Exporter

Certify your handcrafted wooden items to meet buyer demands.

Wooden Packaging Solutions

It verifies the legal origin of your raw materials.

Veneer & Plywood Suppliers

Trust with verified sourcing and transparent supply chains under the Vriksh framework.

Other Wood-Based Businesses

Helps run a sawmill, timber, depot, or wooden home décor brand.

Eligibility Criteria for Vriksh Certification

The eligibility criteria needed to obtain Vriksh certification are as discussed below:

Eligibility to Obtain Vriksh Certification

Business Registration: Organizations must be legally registered as a legal business entity.
Understand Implementation of Standards: A thorough understanding and practical application of the Vriksh standards is mandatory.
Chain of Custody (CoC) Compliance: Must ensure compliance with Chain of Custody (CoC) standards, which involve tracking timber from its origin.
Annual Onsite Audits: The organizations must maintain annual onsite audits to verify continued compliance with the program’s requirements.
Financial and Technical Qualification: The exporter needs to maintain specific technical and financial evaluation criteria, with a minimum score requirement.
Traceability of Raw Materials: The raw materials used in the shipment must be traceable throughout the manufacturing process.
Prior Approval for Logo Usage: The organizations must obtain prior approval from the certification body before using the Vriksh logo on any materials.

Checklist- Who all Need to Register for Vriksh Certification

Wood-Based Exporters: Exporters of wooden handicrafts and furniture.
Businesses with Vriksh Logo: Businesses using the Vriksh logo on consumer-facing materials.
Sawmills and Veneer/Plywood Units: Entities engaged in primary processing of timber and manufacturing of veneer or plywood.
Wooden Packaging Manufacturers: The makers or manufacturers involved in wooden packaging.
EPCH Member: Any Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)-registered exporter or manufacturer involved in wood-based product manufacturing.

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Documents Needed for Vriksh Certification

Here is a list of documents needed for obtaining a Vriksh certification, as discussed below:

Identification and address proof: Of the responsible person.
Shipment details: Such as import-export code, shipment invoice.
Sawmill details: Such as Sawmill license, receipt, and dispatch challan.
Copy of NOC: From the forest department.
Copy of transit pass: And sales/commercial tax permit.
Signed declaration: From the company.
Copy of Form E: (Affidavit).
Notarized GST documents: Copy of GST payment records.
Photographs: Of each product.
Mandi Samiti receipt & gate pass: Copy of both documents.
Attested khasra/field details: Land or plot verification documents.
Application form details: For Vriksh certification.
Partnership deed or incorporation certificate: Copy of legal business formation documents.
MSME Udhyam/IEM certificate: Copy of registration or industrial enterprise certification.
Evidence of traceability: For raw materials used.
Annual audit report: Details of the on-site audit conducted.

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Vriksh Certification Symbols in India

The Vriksh certification symbols, which comprise marks and codes, are used to identify legally sourced timber and ensure transparency across the supply chain elements, as discussed below:

Vriksh Certification Code

Each certified entity is assigned a unique certification code, which confirms that the organization has met the Vriksh Timber Legality Standards.

Vriksh Logo/ Mark

Vriksh logo or certification mark, officially authorized by the EPCH, is granted to certified businesses, representing that the timber or wood-based products originate from a legal and traceable source.

Legal Origin Declaration

This is a compliance statement included in export and shipping documents, certifying that the timber used in the product is of legal origin and verified under the Vriksh certification framework.

How to Apply for Vriksh Registration?

To apply for Vriksh registration, the organizations must comply with the following steps as discussed below:

Application Submission

The organizations must download and submit the organization application Form A, preparing the proposal for their approval as per the cost decided by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts.

Eligibility Check and Document Review

Next, the EPCH must review your application to determine your eligibility for Vriksh certification in India.

Pre-Assessment and Gap Identification

Next, the certification body analyses the organization’s operational procedures to identify the gap between their procedure and standard requirements.

On-Site Inspection and Compliance Assessment

In the next step, an auditor visits your site to verify the handling of Vriksh materials and assess your compliance with the standard requirements.

Certification Decision and Issuance

Upon successful verification and inspection, the certification body makes a certification decision based on the findings of auditors. It further ensures issuance of the Vriksh certification with a 5-year validity upon its issuance.

Surveillance Assessment and Audits

Lastly, the certification body holds the right to conduct a short-notice inspection of the client’s facilities and an annual on-site audit to maintain certification.

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Industries and Businesses Using Vriksh Certification

The list of important industries and businesses using Vriksh certification in India is as follows:

Important Industries Using Vriksh Certification

Handicraft and Traditional Artefacts Industry
Furniture and Wooden Industry
Plywood and Veneer Industry
Wood Packaging and Export Industry
Timber Processing and Sawmill Industry
Agro-Forestry and Plantation Sector

Important Businesses Using Vriksh Certification

Wooden Handicrafts Exporters
EPCH-Registered Exporters
Custom Furniture Makers and Interior Designers
Timber Traders and Wholesalers
Packaging Companies Using Wooden Materials
Organizations Using CITES-Listed Species
Home Décor Brands Using Wood Elements

Types of Vriksh Scheme Certification in India

There are mainly two types of Vriksh scheme certification for exporters of wooden handicrafts and furniture in India, as discussed below:

Vriksh Certificate of Conformity

Vriksh certificate of conformity (COC) is a certification demonstrating a company’s commitment to sustainable and legal wood-sourcing practices throughout their business operations.

Vriksh Shipment Certificate

Vriksh shipment certification is a certification that mainly focuses on the specific shipment of wooden items, confirming that the wood used in that particular consignment originates from legal sources and complies with relevant regulations.

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Features of Vriksh Registration in India

The features of Vriksh registration granted to the businesses involved in timber and wood-based industries in India are as discussed below:

Verified Assurance: Provides verified assurance that timber is sourced from legal and authorized suppliers.
Brand Reputation: Enhances brand reputation in global markets by promoting responsible sourcing.
Trust Building: Builds trust with international buyers and regulators under EUTR and other timber laws.
Standards Compliance: Ensures compliance with required standards among handicraft manufacturers.
Industry Empowerment: Empowers India’s handicraft industry to meet international and national regulations.
Authorized Issuance: Issued and overseen by EPCH in collaboration with accredited auditing agencies.
Sustainability Support: Supports long-term sustainability goals by promoting environmentally responsible wood usage.

Post-Registration Requirements for Vriksh Certification

Upon successful Vriksh certification, the organizations must comply with the following post-registration requirements as discussed below:

1. Certificate Renewal

Post-registration, the Vriksh certification, which verifies the legality of timber in India, must typically be renewed to avoid certification lapses and continue exports without disruption.

2. Maintain Updated Records

The applicants must maintain and update detailed records of their operations and supply chain, demonstrating continued compliance for surveillance audits and renewal.

3. Chain of Custody Documentation

The applicants must submit all relevant documents related to the chain of custody, including purchase orders, transport documents, and wood species identification.

4. Product Labelling

The certified products must be labelled with the Vriksh certification code and identification marks issued under the EPCH guidelines.

5. Shipment Certificate Request

The Vriksh verified businesses must apply for a Vriksh shipment certificate, proving the legal origin of each consignment at international customs.

6. Compliance with Legal Standards

The organizations obtaining Vriksh certification must ensure ongoing commitment to sustainable forest management standards and responsible wood sourcing practices in India.

Vriksh Certification vs Vriksh Shipment Certification

The table provides a clear comparison, highlighting the key differences between Vriksh certification and Vriksh shipment certification:

S. No.	Aspect	Vriksh Certification	Vriksh Shipment Certification
1.	Definition	A Vriksh certification, also known as Chain of Custody (COC), certifies an organization’s overall wood sourcing, processing, and trade practices.	A Vriksh shipment certification is a document issued per export consignment, verifying the legal origin of the timber used in that shipment.
2.	Scope	Vriksh certification is a broader, company-level assessment of timber legality.	Vriksh shipment certification is specific to a particular consignment of wood products, particularly from Dalbergia sissoo and Dalbergia latifolia.
3.	Issued to	Manufacturers, exporters, sawmills, veneer/ plywood units, and timber processors.	Vriksh-certified exporters, holding a valid Vriksh registration certificate.
4.	Validity	Vriksh certification is valid for 5 years, with annual surveillance audits.	Vriksh shipment certification is generally valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.
5.	Frequency	Applies once and is renewed periodically.	Applied each time an export shipment is made.
6.	Issuing Authority	Issued by certification bodies authorized by EPCH.	EPCH, which stands for Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts

Vriksh Registration Renewal Process

The process for renewal of Vriksh registration, managed by the Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH), is as discussed below:

Track certification expiration date: Monitor the validity period of your current Vriksh certification.
Submit renewal request: Send a formal renewal application to the Vriksh certification body.
Undergo surveillance or re-certification audit: Participate in the required audit to assess continued compliance.
Update and submit required documentation: Provide up-to-date records and necessary compliance documents.
Pay annual membership fees: Ensure timely payment of applicable fees to maintain active status.
Receive renewal certificate: Obtain your renewed certification and track its approval and delivery status.

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Reasons to Trust Corpbiz for Vriksh Certification

Expert Timber Legality Guidance

We provide expert timber legality guidance and consultation, which helps you understand and meet the legality standards more efficiently.

10+ Years of Expertise

We at Corpbiz are backed by 10+ years of expertise in Vriksh certification and export compliance across timber and wood-based industries.

End-to-End Documentation Support

We at Corpbiz provide end-to-end documentation support, which assists in preparing, reviewing, and submitting all documentation for audits and certification without delays.

Real-Time Status

Our services at Corpbiz ensure providing real-time updates on your application status, audit schedules, and approval timelines.

Management Plans and Systems

Our services at Corpbiz offer developing management plans and systems, thereby enabling you to solve any potential issue.

Regulatory Compliance Advisory

Our advisory team at Corpbiz is well-versed in the regulatory updates in export timber laws and compliance standards.

Transparent Pricing

Corpbiz offers transparent pricing with no hidden charges, covering all services from audit preparation to final certification.

Post-Certification Assistance

Our experts at Corpbiz provide post-certification assistance for shipment-related queries, logo usage guidelines, and compliance monitoring.

Renewal Assistance

At Corpbiz, we offer complete assistance with renewal documentation, audit coordination, and recertification by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Vriksh Scheme

Have a look at the answers to the most asked questions.

The EPCH Vriksh in India is a timber legality assessment and verification standard that ensures tracing and making claims about the legal origin and transport of its products.

The organizations covered under the ambit of Vriksh certification are as follows:

Exporters of wooden handicrafts and furniture: Businesses involved in exporting wood-based handicraft items and furniture products.
Businesses using the Vriksh logo: Entities displaying the Vriksh logo on consumer-facing labels, tags, or marketing materials.
Timber processors and veneer/plywood manufacturers: Entities engaged in the primary processing of timber and the manufacturing of veneer or plywood.
Wooden packaging manufacturers: Makers or manufacturers who use wood for packaging goods.
EPCH-registered exporters or manufacturers: Any business registered with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) involved in wood-based product manufacturing.

The four essential requirements of Vriksh registration in India are as discussed below:

Legal right to harvest and trade: Must operate within legally gazetted boundaries.
Compliance with forest and environmental laws: Includes legislation related to forest management, environment, labour, welfare, health, and safety.
Compliance with taxation laws: Adherence to legislation related to taxes and royalties.
Compliance with trade and export procedures: Fulfillment of all regulatory requirements for legal trade and export.

The Vriksh certification covers the following raw material sources originating from government forests, agro-forestry, farm forestry, imported woods, and private forests.

A Vriksh Chain of Custody (CoC) certificate is valid for 5 years, with annual surveillance audits, whereas a Vriksh shipment certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of its issuance.

To apply for Vriksh certification in India, the organizations must contact the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), operating as a designated nodal authority of India. It is also known as the legal sanction nominated for issuing a certificate on due diligence adopted by the exporters in procuring wood from legal sources for manufacturers of handicraft articles.

Vriksh Certification in India

Vriksh Certification - An Overview

What is Vriksh?

Benefits of Vriksh Registration in India

Compliance with Regulations

Legality Verification

Improved Market Access

Enhanced Brand Reputation

Smoother Custom Clearance

World-Wide Presence

Popular Uses of Vriksh Certification

Furniture Manufacturer

Handicrafts Exporter

Wooden Packaging Solutions

Veneer & Plywood Suppliers

Other Wood-Based Businesses

Eligibility Criteria for Vriksh Certification

Checklist- Who all Need to Register for Vriksh Certification

Documents Needed for Vriksh Certification

Vriksh Certification Symbols in India

Vriksh Certification Code

Vriksh Logo/ Mark

Legal Origin Declaration

How to Apply for Vriksh Registration?

Industries and Businesses Using Vriksh Certification

Types of Vriksh Scheme Certification in India

Vriksh Certificate of Conformity

Vriksh Shipment Certificate

Features of Vriksh Registration in India

Post-Registration Requirements for Vriksh Certification

1. Certificate Renewal

2. Maintain Updated Records

3. Chain of Custody Documentation

4. Product Labelling

5. Shipment Certificate Request

6. Compliance with Legal Standards

Vriksh Certification vs Vriksh Shipment Certification

Vriksh Registration Renewal Process

Reasons to Trust Corpbiz for Vriksh Certification

Expert Timber Legality Guidance

10+ Years of Expertise

End-to-End Documentation Support

Real-Time Status

Management Plans and Systems

Regulatory Compliance Advisory

Transparent Pricing

Post-Certification Assistance

Renewal Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions on Vriksh Scheme

What is VRIKSH?

Who all are covered under VRIKSH?

What are the requirements of VRIKSH registration?

What kind of raw material sources does VRIKSH cover?

What is the validity of the Vriksh certification?

Where can I apply for Vriksh certification?

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