First global FSC Regulatory Module certificate issued to Panamerican Woods Plantations

Costa Rican teak producer Panamerican Woods Plantations has a long-standing commitment to responsible forestry. This is reflected in their Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) Forest Management/Chain of Custody certificate, which the company has held since 2000.

In February 2025, Preferred by Nature reassessed Panamerican Woods under the newly developed FSC Regulatory Module. The certificate was granted following a five-day audit, during which the company’s operations were evaluated against the additional requirements of this voluntary module.

“This is the first FSC Regulatory Module certificate issued globally, and we’re pleased to have supported that step. It’s encouraging to see companies like Panamerican Woods taking initiative early on to prepare for changing market requirements,” added Justinas Janulaitis, Senior Director of Forestry at Preferred by Nature.

Supporting companies in regulatory alignment

The FSC Regulatory Module is a voluntary add-on for FSC Forest Management and Chain of Custody certificate holders. Its primary aim is to strengthen the legal compliance credentials of certified operations, particularly in meeting supply chain due diligence expectations under regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

As market access increasingly depends on demonstrating legality and deforestation-free sourcing, the module is expected to play an important role for FSC-certified companies.

“The FSC Regulatory Module offers a clear and structured way for FSC-certified operations to demonstrate alignment with new legal frameworks, especially the EUDR. For companies already managing their forests responsibly, it builds naturally on what they’re already doing, without adding unnecessary complexity.”

Justinas Janulaitis

Senior Director of Forestry at Preferred by Nature

The assessment of Panamerican Woods applied the Simplified Risk Assessment route, designed for companies sourcing exclusively FSC 100% materials, which typically present a lower risk profile. In the case of Panamerican Woods, their entire operation centres on FSC 100% certified teak logs.

Responsible forestry and proactive market adaptation

Established in 1986, Panamerican Woods manages one of the largest FSC-certified teak plantations in Central America. Its operations span over 3,915 hectares in the Guanacaste province of northwestern Costa Rica, a region where degraded pastureland has been rehabilitated into productive forest over the past two decades.

Panamerican Woods’ production focuses exclusively on FSC 100% certified teak logs, including rough squares and round logs harvested from mature stands over 20 years old. This combination of high-quality wood and consistent forest management has positioned Panamerican Woods as one of the continent’s leading exporters of plantation teak.

The company's decision to pursue FSC Regulatory Module certification stems from its commitment to responsible and transparent plantation management. At the same time, with growing market demand for legal clarity and deforestation-free sourcing, the company aims to stay ahead of evolving market requirements through this new certification.

“We decided to go for the FSC Regulatory Module certification because we want to stay ahead of upcoming market demands. The EUDR is something our clients are increasingly focused on, and this certification helps us respond credibly and clearly.” 

Folkert Kottman

Chief Executive Officer at Panamerican Woods

Building broader adoption

Preferred by Nature is one of the first certification bodies to offer FSC Regulatory Module assessments, and we are currently preparing for further audits under this standard in Chile, Guatemala and several other locations across Europe and Asia. These early assessments are helping lay the foundation for wider adoption of the module among FSC certificate holders who wish to demonstrate credible alignment with regulatory frameworks.

As regulatory requirements such as the EUDR begin to take effect, the FSC Regulatory Module offers a structured pathway for companies to demonstrate legality and sustainability in their forest operations and supply chains.

“The FSC Regulatory Module provides companies with a practical tool to show their alignment with legal requirements like the EUDR, without having to start from scratch. We believe this module represents a crucial step forward in connecting FSC certification with practical regulatory needs. Panamerican Woods has set an important precedent that others can now follow,” said Justinas.

Photos courtesy of Panamerican Woods Plantations

Visit our FSC Regulatory Module service page for more information.