Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu (SVLK) is a national certification system developed by the Government of Indonesia through a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure the legality of forest resources and guarantee traceability of forest-based products throughout the supply chain. SVLK aims to promote environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable forest management while enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian forest products in global markets.
SVLK is the first legality verification system in Indonesia recognized internationally, including by the European Union through the FLEGT-VPA (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade – Voluntary Partnership Agreement). It was developed with the participation of diverse stakeholders—government agencies, private sector actors, NGOs, and civil society organizations—to ensure that the system is inclusive, transparent, and applicable to both large-scale industries and community-based forestry initiatives.
SVLK enforces principles and criteria for legality verification, covering compliance with forest licensing, sustainable forest management practices, recognition of the rights of indigenous and local communities, environmental conservation, and adherence to traceability and reporting systems. Timber products certified under SVLK originate from legal sources and must not come from protected areas, conservation forests, or other regions designated for protection under national or international regulations.
Standards and Guidelines
- Minister of Environment and Forestry Decree No 9895 of 2020 on standards and guidelines for the implementation of the Legality and Sustainability Verification System.
- Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 8 of 2021 on Forest Planning and Preparation of Forest Management Plans, and Forest Utilization in Protected and Production Forests.
- Government Regulation No. 23/2021 on Forestry Administration: Strengthens legal timber trade and sanctions for violations.