The objective of the current study was to establish the basis of a certification system for structural timber in Chile, which according to the requirements of the standard ISO 17065, are: 1) a description of the requirements for product certification and accreditation of certification entities; 2) the methodologies used in quality certification systems for structural timber in other countries that have high use of this type of material in buildings; and 3) the specification of standards and sampling methodologies, testing, and inspection that establish a quality certification system for structural timber in Chile. The Australian - New Zealand certification systems based on 'product performance' look appropriate for Chile's capacity. It would allow overcoming potential uncertainty issues in visually grading timber quality due to the lack of experience and mass certification of visual inspectors in the national market.