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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.

Learn more about FSC governance and membership

Category: Membership general

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 that make decisions cooperatively. The three chambers represent environmental, economic and social interests. Each of these chambers in turn is 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.

Graph illustrating FSC weighting of organizational and individual votes

Category: Governance, Membership general

Why should I become an FSC member?

FSC is a participatory association. The membership is the highest authority of FSC and the ultimate decision-taker. FSC membership gives you a voice in an equitably-balanced forum.

As an FSC member, you have the right to attend and vote at the FSC General Assembly as well as to formulate and submit motions. It is in this dynamic environment where valuable concerns and constructive criticism are brought into a forum; different stakeholders work together in an equitable way to make important strategic decisions that define the further of the organization.

FSC members also vote and run for the position of Director of the FSC Board of Directors.

Here are some of the major benefits

• Empowerment through participation
• Get informed – you will be the first to know
• Networking
• Demonstrating your commitment

Find out more about these benefits

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.

Category: Membership general

Membership or certification?

FSC membership and FSC certification are often 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 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. There are many benefits to being an FSC member. However, it does not allow you to use the FSC trademark for promotion.

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.

Learn about the benefits of becoming an FSC member as well as how to apply for membership

Learn about the benefits of becoming FSC certified as well as how to apply for certification

Category: Membership general

Who can become an FSC Member?

Everybody who supports the idea of improved forest management around the world can become an FSC member. All members should demonstrate an active commitment to FSC and its Principles and Criteria.

FSC is an international association of members consisting of a diverse group of representatives from environmental and social groups, the timber trade and the forestry profession, indigenous people's organizations, responsible corporations, community forestry groups and forest product certification organizations from around the world.

FSC is however a non-governmental organization and therefore welcomes governmental bodies to support FSC through other means.

Learn about the benefits of becoming an FSC member as well as how to apply for membership

Category: Membership general

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.

Category: Membership application, Governance

Who are the members of FSC?

On the international level, there are over 800 members. Membership on the international level refers to membership in FSC A.C. (Asociación Civil).

Read the list of FSC AC members (English/ Spanish)

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

Category: Membership general

Will I receive regular information from FSC?

As a member, you will be the first to know. FSC maintains special email fora and a dedicated intranet to keep you updated. You can receive regular updates on upcoming ASI audits, drafts of standards, newly accredited FSC working groups as well as the newsletter, among other information. Members may circulate this information to staff in their organization.

Category: Membership general