FSC-COC

Forest Stewardship Council Chain-of-Custody Certification

Optimal Forest Management

Sustainable forest management is a top priority in the current world. When we source forest based products, we need to ensure they are ethically sourced and not impacting the environment adversely. In order to ensure forest based products are in compliance with defined standards, legal and environmental requirements, a Forest Stewardship Council Chain-of-Custody certification can be used.

What is FSC Chain-of-Custody?

 

FSC Chain-of-Custody is a company level certification based on the standards for chain of custody for forest products developed and published by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Certifications are issued by FSC-accredited third-party certification bodies. The certification body checks that the operation complies with all relevant FSC requirements.

What does FSC Chain-of-Custody cover?

FSC chain of custody certification verifies that FSC-certified material has been identified and separated from non-certified and non-controlled material as it makes its way along the supply chain, from the forest to the market. To achieve chain of custody certification, an organization must meet the FSC Chain of Custody Certification standards. All sizes and organizational structures are possible for chain of custody certification, including single-site, multi-site, and groups of organizations, enabling certification cost optimization.

What are types of FSC standards?

Some relevant FSC standards are the FSC Chain of Custody Standard for Project Certification and the Controlled Wood Standard. FSC Chain of Custody Standard for Project Certification provides third-party assurance for projects made of or containing forest-based materials from responsible sources. The Controlled Wood Standard defines requirements for sourcing FSC Controlled Wood – this standard directs businesses to avoid sourcing material from unacceptable sources.

What are the key benefits of FSC Chain-of-Custody Certification?

  • Improved market access
  • Enhanced public image
  • Corporate social responsibility compliance
  • Meeting customer expectations
  • Government procurement policy compliance
  • Use of the iconic FSC trademarks and supplementary marketing assets