FSC® Certification
RESPONSIBLE FOREST MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCT CHAIN TRACKING
With the growing awareness of the negative impacts of uncontrolled consumption of terrestrial forest resources, there emerges a need for control that can distinguish and highlight proper management of natural resources. In this scenario, specific certification and labeling standards are spreading, which guarantee the origin of wood and wood derivatives from forests that are responsibly managed both from an environmental perspective and for the protection of local populations.
What is the Forest Stewardship Council?
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1993 in response to growing concerns about deforestation. It is now recognised worldwide as an international certification system for forest management.
What is FSC® Certification and What Are Its Benefits?
FSC® certification is primarily a certification of responsible forest management and the products derived from it. It also holds significant economic importance, as it represents a trust element between suppliers and customers, enabling businesses to expand and access new markets.
The Forest Stewardship Council® provides certificate holders with the right to use the internationally recognized FSC® label. The logo and certificate reference allow companies to demonstrate their commitment and meet the requirements of numerous national and international organizations.
All FSC®-certified forest products undergo verification along the entire supply chain – from their origin to the end consumer.
The voluntary certification standards introduced by the FSC®
FSC® FOREST MANAGEMENT
From spatial planning to utilization to timber harvesting. In this case, the issuance of the certificate and the use of the label confirm that the forest is managed in accordance with ecological, social, and economic standards.
FSC® CHAIN OF CUSTODY
The FSC® chain of custody certification is for companies that process or use FSC® certified wood products (e.g. furniture manufacturers, installers, the wood pulp industry and all other wood products) to confirm the traceability and legal origin of the wood and that are allowed to use the PEFC label (see above).
Unique to all other certifications, the FSC® approach is to set minimum requirements for the non-FSC® part of the wood in the final product, in case of a product chain certification with a share of non-FSC® certified wood. These are formulated in the Controlled Wood Standard to promote forest certification.
With chain-of-custody certification, its customers have the right to use the PEFC mark on their wood products, provided they have their own certificate.
ADVANTAGES WHEN BOOKING THROUGH BUREAU VERITAS
What Does Bureau Veritas Offer for FSC® Certification?
- Expertise
Bureau Veritas Certification has extensive experience in certifying both forest operators and companies using FSC®-certified products. - Recognition
As a globally recognized certifier, we are accredited by the ASI (Assurance Services International) to conduct FSC® certifications as an independent certification company, meeting high requirements worldwide through our broad international network. - Trust
Over 2,500 customers have entrusted Bureau Veritas Certification with their FSC® certification needs, gaining peace of mind in their forestry operations. - Global Network
Bureau Veritas operates in over 140 countries. This global presence allows us to offer customers international expertise combined with in-depth local knowledge.
The FSC-STD-40-005 V3-1 standard applies to the purchase of wood that is not FSC® certified. The certified companies concerned must establish a due diligence system to avoid material procurement from unauthorised sources.
The five FSC® "Controlled Wood" categories of unacceptable sources and the definitions of FSC® Controlled Wood are described in the FSC® Standard for Controlled Wood FSC-STD-40-005 V3-1.
FSC® certification services are provided in cooperation with Bureau Veritas Certification Holding SAS.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about FSC® certification
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Who Benefits from FSC® Certification?
FSC® offers two distinct types of certification for forest operators and companies using forest products.
Bureau Veritas Certification is an independent certification company accredited by ASI (Assurance Services International) for FSC® certification. This accreditation covers both forest management and chain of custody certification. -
What are the main advantages of FSC® certification?
- FSC® certification gives your company access to important markets around the world while protecting forest resources
- The FSC® certificate strengthens customer confidence in your products
- FSC® certification makes your products special: it gives you the opportunity to position your wood products outstandingly on the market and improves your brand image