FSC meets UK Government procurement requirement for legal and sustainable forest management - December 3rd, 2004

The United Kingdom Government has announced that the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) system for forest certification and chain of custody provides assurance that timber and wood-based products are both legal and sustainable.

FSC welcomes the recent assessment of its international system for certifying forest management and chain of custody from the Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET). Timber certified under the FSC system has been found to deliver on Government requirements for legal harvesting and sustainable forest management.

FSC received the outcome of its assessment in October 2004 and found it to be both fair and objective. The Government's specification states that at least 70% of the product must meet its criteria for sustainability, therefore FSC labelled products with a certified content of 70% or higher will deliver in this respect.

Anna Jenkins, Director of FSC UK, said: "We are delighted that the assessment has confirmed that the FSC system delivers on both legality and sustainability. It is good news for Government departments that clear guidance is being made available. Good news for timber companies who have recognised and invested in gaining FSC certification. And, most importantly, good news for forests as growing demand for certified timber will lead to more companies seeking certification."

FSC UK offers guidance, training and consultancy for companies who wish to seek FSC-certification in order that their timber products can meet the Government procurement guidelines. It also offers advice to procurement officers on the FSC system and where to find FSC-certified products. For more information see the FSC UK website, www.fsc-uk.org, or contact the FSC UK Advisory Service on 01686 413 916 or info@fsc-uk.org.

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