Papua New Guinea forest authority appoints Control Union as independent third-party verifier

The Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA) has today formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Control Union (PNG) Limited at the PNGFA premises in Port Moresby, appointing the company as the independent third-party verifier to monitor log exports and forest produce across Papua New Guinea.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in PNG’s efforts to enhance transparency, legality, and sustainability within its forestry sector, while supporting increased value addition and downstream processing of forest resources.

Under the agreement, Control Union (PNG) Limited will implement a structured monitoring system that includes pre-export verification, and loading inspections for round logs as well as oversight of processed forest products where applicable. The system will be supported by a centralized database to improve data integrity, traceability, and decision-making across the sector.

Strengthening governance and market confidence
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. John Mosoro, Managing Director of the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority, stated: “This partnership represents a critical step forward in strengthening governance, accountability, and transparency within Papua New Guinea’s forestry sector. By engaging Control Union an independent and internationally recognized verifier, we are reinforcing our commitment to sustainable forest management, ensuring compliance with our laws and regulations, and enhancing the credibility of Papua New Guinea’s timber exports in global markets.”

Driving transparency and sustainable value creation
Mr. Supun Nigamuni, Managing Director of Control Union (PNG) Limited, added: “We are honoured to partner with the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority in this important national initiative. Our role as an independent monitoring organisation is to bring transparency, traceability, and confidence across the forestry value chain—from forest to export and beyond.”

“Importantly, the inclusion of both log exports and downstream forest products within the scope creates an opportunity to support Papua New Guinea’s vision for increased value addition and sustainable development of its forestry sector.”

A Platform for Sustainable Sector Transformation
The agreement aligns with PNGFA’s broader mandate under the Forestry Act to manage and develop the nation’s forest resources sustainably, while maximizing economic value and participation for Papua New Guineans.

Through this partnership, PNGFA and Control Union aim to:

• Enhance traceability and accountability in forest product exports
• Strengthen compliance and enforcement mechanisms
• Support data-driven decision making through improved reporting systems
• Facilitate market access and credibility for PNG forest products
• Promote sustainable practices and downstream processing

About Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA)
The Papua New Guinea Forest Authority is the national agency mandated under the Forestry Act 1991 to manage, develop, and protect the country’s forest resources. PNGFA plays a central role in ensuring sustainable forest management, regulating forest industry activities, and promoting economic development through responsible utilization of forest resources.

About Control Union (PNG) Limited
Control Union (PNG) Limited is part of the Royal Peterson Control Union Group BV, a global leader in testing, inspection, certification, and compliance services. With operations in over 80 countries, Control Union provides independent verification, certification, and data-driven assurance solutions across multiple sectors, including forestry, agriculture, energy, and sustainability. In Papua New Guinea, Control Union supports transparency, traceability, and responsible resource management through internationally recognized monitoring and assurance systems.