Credible certification - the FSC accreditation program
FSC does not issue certificates itself. The certification process is carried out by independent organizations called certification bodies. Before being able to certify according to FSC standards, certification bodies have to gain FSC accreditation. To do this, certifiers have to comply with an extensive set of rules.
FSC is the only global forest management certification system with an integrated accreditation program that systematically controls its certification bodies.
Compliance with these rules and procedures is verified by Accreditation Services International (ASI) – the company managing the FSC accreditation program – through office audits and the witnessing of one trial audit in the field prior to gaining FSC accreditation. One such requirement is that all FSC accredited certification bodies have to be in compliance with relevant international ISO standard (ISO/IEC Guide 65: 1996 (E)).
Every year, ASI controls the continued implementation of FSC rules and procedures through at least office and field audits for each FSC accredited certification body.
To view public summaries of ASI surveillance audits and the latest list of FSC-accredited certification bodies, visit the ASI website.
Accreditation Services International (ASI) website
Frequently asked questions
1. How often does ASI audit certification bodies?
The exact number and distribution of ASI surveillance audits is calculated based on ASI’s sampling procedure taking into account complex settings (geographic areas, policies or products that carry increased risk) and the number of FSC certificates handled by a FSC accredited certification body.
2. What happens if an FSC accredited certification body does not comply with FSC rules?
If an FSC accredited certification body is found to not fully comply with FSC rules and procedures, Corrective Action Requests (CARs) are raised. These have to be fulfilled within a certain time frame.
Depending on the seriousness of the infringement the timeline can go from one year for minor administrative infringements to three months or less, or even suspension, for major infringements.
If the certification body fails to comply with FSC requirements within the given time the certification body will be suspended and then loose its FSC accreditation if the suspension is not lifter after one year.
