FSC launches revised Dispute Resolution System
FSC has launched a new Disputes Resolution System that will enable a consistent and timely evaluation of complaints and appeals raised by stakeholders against decisions, performances or any other issues within the FSC scheme.
Designed in a modular way, the system supports stakeholders to express concerns they may have with the operation of the FSC system and to find the best way of resolving disputes.
FSC has approved a set of documents, of which the umbrella document “FSC Dispute Resolution System” (FSC-STD-01-005) sets the basic principles for managing a dispute in a transparent and consistent manner. It guides the complainant to the right process and contact, detailed in the following procedures:
- FSC-PRO-01-005 – for stakeholders to appeal a formal decision take by FSC (e.g. on the approval of a national forest management standard or pesticides derogation)
- FSC-PRO-01-008 – for stakeholders to make an informal complaint against any decision or performance related to FSC or ASI
- FSC-PRO-01-009 – for stakeholders to make a formal complaint against any decision or performance related to FSC or ASI
- ASI-PRO-20-103 – for certification bodies to appeal a formal decision related to their accreditation status (part of the ASI Quality Management System)
Disputes can be resolved on different levels within the FSC system and we encourage stakeholders to try to resolve them first informally though dialogues with the affected parties before submitting them formally.
The Dispute Resolution System takes immediate effect following its approval on 1 November 2009. These documents replace previous dispute resolution requirements, including the “FSC Interim Dispute Resolution Protocol”. FSC developed the system in line with internationally recognized ISO regulations and considered stakeholder input on the previous drafts.
FSC is developing a dispute resolution center for stakeholders to submit and track complaints and appeals online. Stakeholders will be informed when this web-based system is up and running.
FSC-STD-01-005 V1-0 FSC Dispute Resolution System
FSC-PRO-01-005 V2-0 Processing Appeals
FSC-PRO-01-008 V1-0 Processing Complaints in the FSC Certification Scheme
FSC-PRO-01-009 V1-0 Processing Formal Complaints in the FSC Certification Scheme
ASI-PRO-20-103- Appeal V 2-0 Appeals Procedure
