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There are so many labels. Why should I buy FSC?

Trying to do the right thing and buying responsibly produced products can be confusing. The FSC label makes it easy to make the right choice when buying timber or paper products. Here is why choosing FSC makes a difference:

Only FSC

• prohibits conversion of natural forests or other habitat around the world
• prohibits the use of highly hazardous pesticides around the world
• prohibits the cultivation of genetically modified trees (GMOs)
• respects the right of indigenous peoples around the world
• controls each certified operation at least once a year – and if they are found not to comply, the certificate is withdrawn

Check out the FSC Principles and Criteria for more detail about FSC's requirements.

This is why FSC is the only forest certification system that is supported by all major environmental groups. And a number of certification assessments, such as the US and the Australian green building council only accept FSC as proof of sustainability.

The range of FSC products grows every day. Today, almost every product is available in FSC quality and generally they are not more expensive than non-certified products, but often better quality. To find FSC products, check out the FSC Certificate Search or contact the FSC office near you.

• Find FSC products
• Independent research and other voices confirm FSC as leading forest certification system (English/Spanish)
• What others say - why FSC; WWF; Greenpeace

What is the Forest Stewardship Council?

FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.
It provides standard setting, trademark assurance and accreditation services for companies and organizations interested in responsible forestry.
Products carrying the FSC label are independently certified to assure consumers that they come from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations.
FSC has offices in more than 45 countries.

 

More information on FSC governance

What is the problem and what solutions does FSC offer?

Forests provide us with clean water, fresh air and they even help combat global warming. They also provide food, medicine and important natural resources, such as timber and paper. If managed responsibly, forests and plantations benefit forest people and the global community. However, in some countries as much as 80% of the timber is harvested illegally. This often involves violation of human rights and destruction of protected forests.

FSC certification offers forest managers rewards for managing their forests the FSC way – following the highest social and environmental criteria there are. In some instances rewards can be in the form of price premiums. But increasingly, FSC certification is rewarded with improved access to environmentally sensitive markets. Also, more and more governments and leading businesses specify FSC certified materials in their purchasing programs.

How does FSC certification make a difference in the world’s forests?

All FSC certified forests must comply with FSC’s rules about how the forests should and should not be managed. When a forester decides to become FSC certified, he or she will make changes to comply with the relevant FSC requirements and become FSC certified. This is how FSC has a direct and permanent positive impact on the world’s forests and the people living from, in and around the forest.

Why should I become FSC certified?

Being FSC certified shows that you comply with the highest social and environmental standards on the market. As public concern about the state of the world’s forests and timber resources increases, FSC provides you with a simple solution to complex environmental and social issues. The FSC label is an effective way to get public and consumer recognition of your responsible practices. This gives you credibility with customers and business partners as well as financial institutions and watchdog organizations.

FSC certification helps to protect your brand and reputation and it allows you to access highly environmentally sensitive markets. Increasingly, governments and other organizations specify FSC certified products in their purchasing programs.

Because FSC is the only globally valid standard it is also the only standard that is no barrier to trade under the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Become certified

 

Related entries:

• Who makes the FSC rules?

Who makes the FSC rules?

The overarching FSC Principles and Criteria were adopted by the FSC membership and can only be changed or amended by a vote of the FSC membership. Everybody interested in the fate of the world’s forests can become an FSC member. FSC members meet at least every three years to a General Assembly. The FSC General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the FSC.

At the FSC International Secretariat, a group of international specialists develop the FSC policies and standards. All policies and standards are derived from the FSC Principles and Criteria.  And again, it is the members who ultimately define what rules need to be further developed or reviewed and through their representatives on the FSC Board of Directors have final say in what rules are adopted. All policies and standards go through at least two rounds of public consultations. In these consultations everybody interested in the fate of the world’s forests can comment.

The FSC Board of Directors unanimously adopts FSC rules and procedures. The FSC Directors are appointed by vote of the FSC members.

In a number of countries, FSC has national representations. They can initiate and facilitate a national standard setting process – again, involving all members and members and interested public. National FSC standards are adaptations of the international FSC rules to more specifically address the national situation.

How FSC standard setting works

More about FSC governance

What changes do FSC rules require foresters to make?

The FSC Principles and Criteria describe how the forests have to be managed to meet the social, economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual needs of present and future generations. They include managerial aspects as well as environmental and social requirements. In fact FSC rules are the strictest and FSC’s social and environmental requirements the highest.

The 10 principles and 56 criteria form the basis for all FSC forest management standards. Based on these 10 principles, the FSC has developed further rules (called policies or standards) that further define and explain certain requirements stipulated in the 10 principles.

Here is a summary of some of the points the FSC Principles and Criteria require. Many of the points listed below will appear almost basic – but in many places, even these basic requirements are not fulfilled. This is where FSC can have the biggest positive impact.

• Prohibit conversion of forests or any other natural habitat
• Respect of international workers rights
• Prohibition of use of hazardous chemicals
• Respect of Human Rights with particular attention to indigenous peoples
• No corruption – follow all applicable laws
• Identification and appropriate management of areas that need special protection (e.g. cultural or sacred sites, habitat of endangered animals or plants)

More info about the FSC Principles and Criteria

Who can become an FSC Member?

Everybody who supports the idea of improved forest management around the world can become an FSC member. FSC members are divided into Social, Environmental and Economic chambers. Each of these chambers is divided in Economic North (industrialized countries) and Economic South (developing countries). Each chamber carries the same vote. This guarantees that no one interest can dominate.

Join FSC

FSC governance

Why was FSC created?

FSC certification is widely regarded as one of the most important initiatives of the last decade to promote responsible forest management worldwide. Why is this and what prior efforts have been made?

Concerns and large-scale public debates about the state of world’s forests escalated globally in the 1980’s and led to a gridlock between different stakeholders fighting about environmental, social and economic interests. Initiatives from governments and international organizations did not manage to reduce forest destruction worldwide and the need to substantially improve forest management practices persisted.

In the late 1980’s, tropical timber boycotts proclaiming to save the last tropical forests, not only failed, but worse, caused opposite effects in many cases. Conversion of forests to more economical land uses continued and in some cases accelerated.

The clear need for an effective mechanism to improve forest management and conservation worldwide was further emphasized in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. The World Summit in Rio de Janeiro agreed that progress towards sustainable development is the shared responsibility of social, environmental and economic interests although no legally binding commitments were agreed.

Disillusioned by the continuous failure of international negotiations progressive forest industries, social groups and environmental organizations came together to develop an alternative solution. Rather than boycotting poor practices, they wanted to use market forces to promote socially beneficial, environmentally appropriate and economically viable forest management.

For the first time, leading social, environmental and economic players from the Global South and Global North joined in an international process with equal and equitable voices, decision-making powers and responsibilities and founded FSC. To this day, FSC provides a platform for these different interest groups to work together in a dynamic environment where each interest group has a voice and an equal say.

Since its inception countless stakeholders around the world have worked with the FSC in its equitable participatory processes in support of responsible forest management. However, also since its early days, FSC was often criticized by conservative industries which did not believe in sharing decision-making with social and environmental stakeholders. Much like conservative industries, some environmental stakeholders believe that confrontational campaigns are a more appropriate conservation tool than equitable participatory solutions-oriented approaches. FSC will continue to try to engage conservative industries as well as confrontational NGOs in its approach.

FSC believes that it is part of the solution for the conservation of natural forests and that a full set of different complementary conservation strategies are necessary to protect and maintain the world’s forests.

A short history

How is FSC funded?

Currently about 60% of FSC (International) funds comes from the support of charitable foundations, government donors and business contributions. The other 40% are collected from fees (membership, accreditation and others) and services rendered.

Over the next few years, FSC will reverse the ratio between donor funds and commercial funds to 60% income from commercial activities and fees and 40% from donations.

FSC National offices are financially independent of FSC International.

Support FSC

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What role does FSC see itself play in the carbon market?

FSC certification supports the conservation and long-term maintenance of forests so that they are permanently maintained and managed in a socially and environmentally responsible way. FSC certified timber does not include raw material from damaging forestry practices or forest conversion which lead to carbon emissions from deforestation, forest degradation and forest fires.

Nevertheless FSC does not claim that certification to its standards can offset carbon emissions. Furthermore, to the best of FSC’s knowledge, there are no companies or FSC initiatives at present making such claims.

FSC is currently exploring and carefully debating the role it could play in relation to the global climate debate including the possible role of forests in carbon sequestration.

How can FSC certification contribute to reducing the impact of climate change?

FSC certification supports the conservation and long-term maintenance of forests so that they are permanently maintained and managed in a socially and environmentally responsible way. FSC certified timber does not include raw material from damaging forestry practices or forest conversion which lead to carbon emissions from deforestation, forest degradation and forest fires.

Nevertheless FSC does not claim that certification to its standards can offset carbon emissions. Furthermore, to the best of FSC's knowledge, there are no companies or FSC initiatives at present making such claims. If you do hear of such claims, please contact us.

The FSC Board of Directors, with the support from FSC staff, is currently debating the role FSC will play in relation to the global climate debate including the possible role of forests in carbon sequestration. The FSC Global Strategy published in December 2007 already provides some insight on this issue.

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Why does FSC certify forest management in natural forests?

FSC is very aware of the pressure that primary forests face throughout the world. Much of the remaining natural forests still suffer from illegal exploitation, poor management and conversion to other land uses, commonly resulting in severe degradation or complete destruction. In fact, these same concerns led to the establishment of FSC in 1993.

A key factor behind the threats faced by natural forests is their lack of economic value seen by society at large. The extraordinary social and ecological value of forests in comparison to other land uses is often not considered. In other words, forests are often converted to other land uses, which lack many of the social and environmental values of forests but promise higher economic returns.

FSC uses certification to engage market dynamics in driving recognition for forests at large and in improving social and environmental standards in forest management practices worldwide. FSC standards ensure that these forests maintain the values and benefits they provide to society. By providing a market differentiation mechanism, FSC enables responsible forest managers to capture more value from their forests, allowing them to compete with pressures from other land uses and the artificially low prices caused by predatory and illegal logging.

Demand for forest products around the world will not only continue but also accelerate. Wherever and whenever decisions are taken to manage forests, FSC attempts to influence and convince forest managers to implement responsible social and environmental practices, including in primary natural forests.

The quickly growing demand for forest products worldwide will inevitably result in parts of natural forests being used for production purposes. It is FSC’s mission to help ensure that not only economic considerations, but equally social and environmental concerns are taken into account whenever forests are managed. FSC does not promote exploration of forests but equitable incorporation of social and environmental considerations when this happens.   

Natural forests in comparison to semi-natural forests or plantations often provide a unique set of social and environmental attributes. When decisions are taken by societies, industries or communities to further explore natural forests for economic purposes, we feel that it is particularly important that the FSC standards are met. To withdraw from applying the FSC standards to logging in natural forests, would not end further exploration of natural forests, but only sacrifice a tool to promote equitable consideration of social and environmental issues in forestry, where it matters most. It is in natural forests where FSC standards can result in substantial social and environmental improvements and ultimately support the conservation and long-term maintenance of these forests.

FSC is a multi-stakeholder organization equitably involving social, environmental and economic stakeholders from the Global South and Global North in decision-making. FSC rules and procedures have been developed through strong multi-stakeholder processes, and are supported and endorsed by social, environmental and economic constituents in the Global South and Global North alike. FSC is recognized for the highest social and environmental standards for forest management worldwide.

FSC works with its partners to enforce the implementation of such standards in FSC certified areas which includes over 50 million hectares of natural forest. Under FSC certification civil and indigenous rights are respected, areas of high social and environmental conservation value are maintained or enhanced, forests are not converted, highly hazardous pesticides and genetically modified trees are prohibited, and harvesting must meet national laws and international treaties. In fact, FSC developed the concept of High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) specifically to recognize socially and environmentally valuable areas.

FSC is recognized as the most credible system in forest management certification and is widely regarded as one of the most important initiatives of the last decade to promote better forest management worldwide. However, it is only part of the solution for the conservation of natural forests and FSC believes that a full set of different complementary conservation strategies is necessary to protect and maintain the world’s forests.

Further information:

• Independent reports on FSC (English/Spanish)
• Who is supporting FSC and why? visit whyFSC

How does FSC avoid certifying forests that are illegally logged?

Principle 1 of the FSC Principles and Criteria requires compliance with all applicable laws and is verified by certification bodies. This and the accreditation control mechanisms ensure that FSC is not unwillingly certifying illegal logging.

Furthermore, FSC is constantly monitoring our performance and develop the FSC system further to deal with particular difficult or new issues.

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Do the FSC Principles and Criteria only apply to forests?

The FSC Principles and Criteria apply to natural forests, plantations and also includes some non-forest vegetation types.

As a rule of thumb the FSC Principles and Criteria generally apply to the growing of trees which can also extend to forest and 'non-forest' land-uses as they contribute to the mission of FSC.

We have developed a number of advice notes on the applicability of the FSC Principles and Criteria from bamboo to windbreakers. You can find all available advice notes in the document center.

Which safeguards exist against timber from unacceptable sources entering my supply chain?

FSC has developed tools that help FSC certified companies to avoid wood produced from sources that are considered to be socially and environmentally damaging. It specifically helps manufacturers and traders to avoid wood that has been:

1. Illegally harvested
2. Harvested in violation of traditional and civil rights
3. Harvested in forests that have been identified to be of particular biological and/or cultural value
4. Harvested from conversion of natural forest (or other natural habitat)
5. Harvested from genetically modified trees

What is forest management certification?

As a forest manager or owner, certification is a way of ensuring that your careful and long-term forest management is recognized. Certification is voluntary. FSC accredited certification bodies certify and audit each individual forest management operation.

FSC is the only global forest management certification system that requires regular yearly controls of each forest management operation certified to its standards.

If the forest management is in full compliance with FSC requirements, the FSC certificate is awarded. If minor non-compliances are noted, the certificate can be issued with conditions that have to be met within a clearly determined time frame. To trade the forest products with the FSC logo and claim, the forest manager or owner must also obtain FSC Chain of Custody certification.

If the forest management is not fully compliant with FSC requirements, preconditions are noted which have to be fulfilled before the FSC certificate can be awarded.

FSC accredited certification bodies audit each FSC certificate at least once a year. If during these audits the certification body finds that a company has non-compliances with FSC requirements, Corrective Action Requests (CARs) are issued and the company is required to make the prescribed changes within a given time frame or else it will loose its FSC certificate. Depending on the seriousness of the infringement, the time line can vary from one year for minor administrative infringements to three months or less for major infringements.

The timber can then carry the FSC label, guaranteeing that it comes from a well-managed forest and enabling you to pass on the benefits of certification to your customers.

What is accreditation?

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. Compliance with these rules and procedures is verified by Accreditation Services International (ASI) - the company managing the FSC accreditation program.

Accreditation controls the proper implementation of the FSC rules and procedures by the FSC accredited certification bodies.

FSC is the only global forest management certification system with an integrated accreditation program that systematically controls its certification bodies.

ASI conducts an office audit and the witnessing of one trial audit in the field.If the certification body is compliant to FSC standards, it will gain 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 one office and one field audit for each FSC accredited certification body. 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. Summaries of ASI surveillance audits are publicly available on the ASI website.

If an FSC accredited certification body is found to not fully comply with FSC rules and procedures, Corrective Action Requests (CAR) are raised. These must be fulfilled within a certain time frame. Depending on the seriousness of the infringement, the time line can vary from one year for minor administrative infringements to three months or less for major infringements. If the certification body fails to comply with FSC requirements within the given time, the certification body will be suspended and loose its FSC accreditation.

How do I get forest management certified?

FSC accredited, independent, 'third-party' certification bodies or 'certifiers' certify forests. They assess forest management using the FSC principles, criteria, and national standards. This allows FSC to remain outside of the assessment process, and supports the integrity of the standard and of the FSC certification system.

If you are interested in obtaining an FSC certification, please contact an FSC accredited certifier. They will be able to provide you with information regarding how the assessment process works, costs, and a timeline for certification completion.

 

How much does forest management certification cost?

The costs, timescale and resources required for FSC forest management certification can vary considerably, as it depends on the size and complexity of the woodland and its setting.

FSC has developed different models for small or low intensity managed forests and small forests that may wish to become certified by joining a group certification of similar forest owners.

If I have a complaint about an FSC certificate, what should I do and who should I speak to?

FSC has an official Complaints and Disputes Procedure which is designed to help stakeholders make their concerns known and to find the best way of resolving complaints.

This can be resolved on different levels within the FSC system and we encourage people to take a stepwise approach and hope that most complaints can be resolved in this way. FSC developed a fact sheet that explains this procedure very well. This procedure is currently being revised to improve its application.

If a stakeholder, for example an environmental NGO, is concerned about how a certified forest or a forest in the process of certification is managed, they should contact the forest manager, the certification body and/or the FSC National Initiative. They should explain their concerns, listen to the explanation and try to come to a solution. This is often the fastest and easiest way to solve a problem.

If a certificate holder is not fully compliant, they are required to make the prescribed changes within a given timeframe or else it will loose its FSC certificate. This could be a temporary suspension where it cannot trade with the FSC claim, or immediate termination depending on the severity of non-compliance.

If a stakeholder still has concerns, this could be related to the certification audit itself (i.e. the process in which a forest was certified or the activities of a certification body) or the quality of FSC's standards.

In the former case, the stakeholder should file a complaint directly to the certification body. In the later case, the complaint should be filed to the FSC National Initiative who developed the standards. FSC standards are reviewed every 5 years so complaints can feed into the standards review consultation process.

If the stakeholder is concerned with the quality of an FSC accredited certification body, they should contact Accreditation Services International (ASI) who is managing FSC's accreditation program. This often leads to additional audits of certification bodies by ASI to ensure that they are compliant with FSC's standards.

If the certification body is not fully compliant, they are required to make the prescribed changes within a given timeframe or else it will loose its FSC accreditation. This could be a temporary suspension resulting in the suspension of all certificates it has issued and a ban to make any new contracts, or the immediate loss of FSC accredited status. This depends on the severity of their non-compliance.

All FSC certified forest operations, certification bodies and National Initiatives have a system for managing and responding to complaints. These are in line with FSC and ISO standards.

The list of FSC accredited certification bodies does not include an address for my country. What do I do?

The list contains the contact details for the main offices. It does not include local offices. Please contact the certification body directly for information on certification in your country.

How does FSC control its certification bodies?

Accreditation Services International (ASI), manages the FSC accreditation program. It conducts an office audit and the witnessing of one trial audit in the field. If the certification body is compliant to FSC standards, it will gain 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 one office and one field audit for each FSC accredited certification body. 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. Summaries of ASI surveillance audits are publicly available on the ASI website.

If an FSC accredited certification body is found to not fully comply with FSC rules and procedures, Corrective Action Requests (CAR) are raised. These must be fulfilled within a certain time frame. Depending on the seriousness of the infringement, the time line can vary from one year for minor administrative infringements to three months or less for major infringements. If the certification body fails to comply with FSC requirements within the given time, the certification body will be suspended and loose its FSC accreditation.

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What is FSC chain of custody certification?

FSC chain of custody (CoC) certification provides information about where the wood or other forest-based material used in a product comes from or does not come from. It requires to identify the origin of raw materials used in FSC-certified products, to keep FSC-certified products separate from other products throughout the production process, and to allow their tracking from one operation to the next - from the forest to the consumer, including all successive stages of processing, transformation, manufacturing and distribution. Only operations covered by an FSC CoC certificate are allowed to label products with the FSC trademarks.

The FSC label thus provides the link between responsible production and consumption and thereby enables the consumer to make socially and environmentally responsible purchasing decisions.

Who needs FSC chain of custody certification?

Any operation making, changing, trading, re-labeling or repackaging FSC-certified products needs to be CoC certified in order to use the FSC trademarks and to enable its customers to make an FSC claim about these products.

Brokers or agents, who neither take physical nor legal possession of the products, and retailers, who sell FSC products to end consumers that do not want to make an FSC claim, usually do not need to become certified.

What are 'controlled sources’?

FSC has developed tools that help FSC certified companies to avoid wood produced in socially and environmentally damaging ways. It specifically helps manufacturers and traders to avoid wood that has been:

1. Illegally harvested
2. Harvested in violation of traditional and civil rights 
3. Harvested in forests that have been identified to be of particular biological and/or cultural value
4. Harvested from conversion of natural forest (or other natural habitat)
5. Harvested from genetically modified trees

Are there different types of chain of custody certification?

Yes.

Small enterprises may form or join a group of operations and apply for group chain of custody certification. FSC has specifically designed Group CoC certification to make CoC certification accessible to small operations for which individual CoC certification may be too costly.

Larger companies operating at multiple locations can, if they comply with certain requirements, choose to apply for multi-site chain of custody certification. This makes use of elements of scale and thus is more economical than to seek a separate certificate for each site.

Both, group and multi-site CoC certification, allows certification bodies to evaluate participating operations or sites based on samples in recognition of existing common, centrally administered and monitored control and reporting systems and thereby reduce the auditing costs.

FSC project certification is a non-bureaucratic way to get one-off and complex products FSC certified without each involved participant having to become individually FSC certified. It has been specifically designed for building projects. In some countries FSC project certification has been a great success with the building industry.

How much does chain of custody certification cost?

The costs and timescale for CoC certification vary depending on the size and complexity of the operation. It also depends on the range of products and processes.

If you are interested in becoming FSC CoC certified, please contact an FSC accredited certification body for a cost estimate. Please also contact an FSC accredited certification body for more information on how to become an FSC certified enterprise.

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There are so many labels. Why should I buy FSC?

Trying to do the right thing and buying responsibly produced products can be confusing. The FSC label makes it easy to make the right choice when buying timber or paper products. Here is why choosing FSC makes a difference:

Only FSC

• prohibits conversion of natural forests or other habitat around the world
• prohibits the use of highly hazardous pesticides around the world
• prohibits the cultivation of genetically modified trees (GMOs)
• respects the right of indigenous peoples around the world
• controls each certified operation at least once a year – and if they are found not to comply, the certificate is withdrawn

Check out the FSC Principles and Criteria for more detail about FSC's requirements.

This is why FSC is the only forest certification system that is supported by all major environmental groups. And a number of certification assessments, such as the US and the Australian green building council only accept FSC as proof of sustainability.

The range of FSC products grows every day. Today, almost every product is available in FSC quality and generally they are not more expensive than non-certified products, but often better quality. To find FSC products, check out the FSC Certificate Search or contact the FSC office near you.

• Find FSC products
• Independent research and other voices confirm FSC as leading forest certification system (English/Spanish)
• What others say - why FSC; WWF; Greenpeace

Why do FSC labels show a 'chain of custody' code?

Before companies are allowed to produce, sell and label FSC certified products, they need to prove to fully comply with FSC requirements in an initial evaluation followed by at least annual monitoring audits. Only FSC accredited certification body can evaluate, monitor and certify companies to FSC standards. Once a company is certified, it obtains an FSC chain of custody code which they have to use for all activities related to sale and labeling of FSC certified products.

The consistent use of the chain of custody code in all sale documents and labels ensures that FSC certified materials can be tracked back through the production process to the respective suppliers. Ultimately, this allows traceability of FSC products through the production chain.

How do I report an FSC trademark misuse?

1. Check validity of certificate

Check that the FSC certificate code located at the base of the FSC logo is valid at the FSC Certification Search.

2. Collect evidence

Make a copy of the misuse and make a note of where you found it, the date you found it, and any contact information for the source of the misuse. If the misuse is an advertisement, please take a copy of the advertisement as well as the front cover of the publication. Electronic copies are preferred wherever possible.

3. Contact FSC

Email the evidence you have collected to the FSC Trademark Unit and attach all evidence of the misuse, including your contact information if you would like confirmation of receipt. This is our preferred method.

You can also fax this information to the FSC Trademark Unit at ++49 228 367 66 30, clearly marking this for the attention of the Trademark Protection Officer.

Can I find out which forest the FSC certified product comes from?

In theory the FSC system is set up in such a way that it allows the identification of which forest the material for a given product comes from. This, however, becomes increasingly difficult as products and production processes increase in complexity.

In the modern global economy, many different materials are mixed and merged together. This means that depending of how much materials were mixed together, in the end a single FSC product may contain material from three, five or more FSC certified forests.

What does the FSC ‘Mixed Sources’ label stand for?

The wood used to produce FSC certified products with a ‘Mixed Sources’ label comes from FSC certified well-managed forests, controlled sources and/or recycled material.

Is there a minimum content of FSC input in products labeled as FSC ‘Mixed Sources’ required?

The proportion of FSC-certified and recycled material used in the production must be at least 70% to qualify for the FSC ‘Mixed Sources’ label. This means that if a manufacturer produces 100 chairs and has FSC-certified and recycled material for 70 chairs, then all the chairs can carry the FSC ‘Mixed Sources’ label.

If a manufacturer uses less than 70% FSC-certified and recycled material, but a minimum of 10% FSC-certified and recycled material it is only allowed, to label a proportion of the production which is equivalent to the proportion of FSC certified and recycled input used in the production. For example, if a manufacturer produces 100 chairs, but only has FSC-certified and recycled material for 30 chairs, then only 30 chairs can carry the FSC ‘Mixed Sources’ label.

What are 'controlled sources’?

FSC has developed tools that help FSC certified companies to avoid wood produced in socially and environmentally damaging ways. It specifically helps manufacturers and traders to avoid wood that has been:

1. Illegally harvested
2. Harvested in violation of traditional and civil rights 
3. Harvested in forests that have been identified to be of particular biological and/or cultural value
4. Harvested from conversion of natural forest (or other natural habitat)
5. Harvested from genetically modified trees

Why does the FSC ‘Mixed Sources’ label refer to ‘product group’ and not just ‘product’?

‘Product group’ is the technical term. It refers to products with the same input including same proportion of FSC certified and non-certified material. A specific type of garden chair would be an example of a product. Different lines of garden chairs made of the same material are examples for a ‘product group’.

Where can I read more about the technical requirements for materials to be used and mixed in an FSC-certified product?

FSC standards relevant for chain of custody requirements include the following documents:

• FSC-STD-40-004: “FSC Chain of Custody standard for companies supplying and manufacturing FSC-certified products”

The standard specifies the management and production requirements for companies with respect to sourcing, identification, segregation, mixing (where applicable) and sale of products as FSC-certified.

• “FSC-STD-40-005: FSC Standard for Company Evaluation of FSC Controlled Wood”

The standard includes the requirements for companies who want to use material from non FSC-certified forests in the production of FSC-certified materials.

• “FSC-STD-40-201: FSC On-product Labelling Requirements”

The standard specifies the requirements for the correct use of the FSC label on-product.

• “FSC-TMK-50-201:”FSC Requirements for the Promotional Use of the FSC Trademarks by FSC Certificate Holders and Non-certified Commercial Organizations”

These requirements apply to organizations using the FSC logo for promotional purposes.

• FSC Accreditation Manual, Part 3.6: “FSC Chain of Custody Principles”

The standard specifies the management and production requirements for companies with respect to sourcing, identification, segregation, and sale of products as FSC-certified.

• “FSC-POL-40-001: FSC Policy on Percentage Based Claims”

The policy describes the minimum percentages required for mixtures of FSC-certified and other materials in the production of solid wood, assembled products, and chip & fibre products.

All documents are available from the FSC Documents Center.

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Where can I find FSC certified products?

Finding FSC products becomes easier everyday. Literally every day more FSC products become available. Follow these simple steps to find and buy FSC products:

1. Check the FSC products database at www.fsc-info.org

Please note this database will currently only search for manufacturers and distributors, not retailers. To find products carried by your local retailer, please contact them directly. We are working on including other search options to this database in the future.

2. Ask your retailer

Chances are, they will carry both - FSC certified and non-certified products. Ask them. But do not let them talk you into buying any other certified product. Not all certification systems are equal and only FSC guarantees that the product has been made from environmentally and socially sustainably managed forests. Find out more

Also, by asking for FSC certified products, you show that there is a demand. This is an important and simple way how you can help FSC to make a difference. Because the larger the demand the larger the supply. And of course, because Forests and People matter!

3. Contact FSC

First try your local FSC office – they know the retailers in your country best.

Or send a message to FSC international.

Last but not least, when you buy from certified companies or companies selling certified products, please check that individual products are FSC certified as many companies deal in both certified and uncertified products and you should make sure that you have the FSC certified version! How to find out a product is FSC certified?

In addition, where a company has multiple outlets, it is possible that not all stores will stock all items.

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Why have a chamber system?

In order to balance the interests of different stakeholders, FSC is governed by three chambers with equal vote and power who make decisions cooperatively. The three chambers are represent environmental, economic and social interests. Each of these chambers is in turn divided into sub-chamber north and south. This guarantees equal weight of vote and influence for the different interest groups as well as for representatives from different parts of the world and economic power.

What do Southern/Northern sub-chambers indicate?

Each chamber has two sub-chambers: Southern and Northern. We will place you in the Southern sub-chamber if your organization is legally registered in a non high-income country and the Northern sub-chamber if your organization is legally registered in a high-income country.

As an individual member, you join the sub-chamber of the country in which you hold citizenship.  We follow the World Bank definition in our classification of southern and northern countries.

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What is membership?

FSC is a membership association. This means that FSC is governed by its members.

Each member, whether organizational or individual, represents their interest based on their professional activities. The diversity of interests is reflected in the three chambers structure that forms the membership: economic, environmental and social.

As a member of FSC, you have the right to participate and vote in the General Assembly, and the responsibility to take an active part in elections and we charge a compulsory membership fee.

Why have a chamber system?

In order to balance the interests of different stakeholders, FSC is governed by three chambers with equal vote and power who make decisions cooperatively. The three chambers are represent environmental, economic and social interests. Each of these chambers is in turn divided into sub-chamber north and south. This guarantees equal weight of vote and influence for the different interest groups as well as for representatives from different parts of the world and economic power.

Why should I become an FSC member?

FSC membership gives you the right to attend and vote as well as to formulate and submit motions at the General Assembly. It is at the General Assembly that important strategic decisions are made.

As a member you can vote and run for the position of FSC Director and become part of the FSC Board of Directors.

As a member, you will be the first to know. We maintain special email fora to keep you informed. In addition, and depending on how much you will want to get involved, there will be sporadic special meetings.

FSC members are divided into Social, Environmental and Economic chambers. Each of these chambers are divided into North (industrialized countries) and South (developing countries). Each chamber carries the same vote. This guarantees that no one interest can dominate.

Everybody who supports the idea of improved forest management around the world can become an FSC member. FSC is however a non-governmental organization and therefore welcomes governmental bodies to support FSC through other means.

Membership or certification?

Sometimes FSC membership and FSC certification is confused. Both are ways to support the work of FSC.

FSC is a membership organization. Together, all FSC members form the General Assembly, the  highest decision–making body of the FSC.

FSC membership gives you the right to attend and vote as well as to formulate and submit motions at the General Assembly. It is at the General Assembly that important strategic decisions are made.

Everybody who supports the idea of improved forest management around the world can become an FSC member. FSC is however a non-governmental organization and therefore welcomes governmental bodies to support FSC through other means.

FSC certification of your business shows that you comply with the highest social and environmental standards on the market. This gives you credibility with customers and business partners as well as financial institutions and watchdog organizations.

FSC certification helps to protect your brand and reputation and it allows you to access highly environmentally sensitive markets. Increasingly governments and others specify FSC in their purchase policy.

Further information on how to become FSC certified.

Who can become an FSC Member?

Everybody who supports the idea of improved forest management around the world can become an FSC member. FSC members are divided into Social, Environmental and Economic chambers. Each of these chambers is divided in Economic North (industrialized countries) and Economic South (developing countries). Each chamber carries the same vote. This guarantees that no one interest can dominate.

More info on how to become an FSC member

Who are the members of FSC?

Check out the list of FSC international members (English / Spanish). Membership on the international level refers to membership in FSC A.C. (Asociación Civil).

You can also become a national FSC member of an FSC National Initiative.

Will I receive regular information from FSC?

After becoming a member we subscribe you to the FSC e-mail list. If you wish we will send you regular updates on FSC by e-mail. This includes up-coming ASI audits, drafts of standards, newly accredited FSC working groups among other information.

As a member you have a personal on-line account that allows you to manage and filter the information you receive from us.