Summary
Details
- Global
FSC certification is available to both forest owners and organisations across the supply chain. This includes companies that manage forests as well as those that process, manufacture, trade, or sell forest-based products such as wood, paper, and packaging. Any organisation handling certified material and wishing to make FSC claims must be certified.
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Overview
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification is a voluntary, global system that verifies responsible forest management and the traceability of forest-based products. Established in 1993, FSC sets standards to ensure forests are managed in ways that are environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable. The system covers both forest management and supply chains, allowing products such as wood, paper, and packaging to carry the FSC label if they originate from certified sources. FSC certification is widely used by forest owners, manufacturers, and retailers to demonstrate sustainable sourcing and responsible forestry practices.
Assessment methodology
FSC Certification is based on a set of principles and criteria that define responsible forest management. These standards address environmental protection, social impacts, and economic viability. The system includes two main certification types:
Forest Management (FM) certification – verifies that forests are managed according to FSC standards
Chain of Custody (CoC) certification – tracks certified materials through the supply chain, from forest to final product
Certification is carried out through independent third-party audits. Accredited certification bodies assess whether organisations meet FSC requirements and conduct regular surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance. To maintain certification, organisations must comply with FSC principles and applicable laws. Products can carry the FSC label only if all relevant stages of the supply chain meet these requirements.
Current status
FSC Certification is one of the most widely recognised forest certification systems globally, covering over 200 million hectares of forest worldwide. It is used across a broad range of industries, including forestry, paper, construction materials, and consumer goods. The system continues to evolve through updates to its standards and alignment with broader sustainability and deforestation-related regulations. FSC remains a voluntary, market-based certification scheme, but it is commonly referenced in procurement policies, corporate sustainability strategies, and due diligence frameworks related to deforestation and responsible sourcing.
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