Become FSC Certified
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More than 1,000 forest managers and 19,000 producers globally have demonstrated their committment to responsible forest management by having their operations certified to FSC standards. Benefits of becoming FSC certified include:
FSC certification is carried out by FSC accredited certification bodies. FSC itself does not certify forest operations or manufacturers. This maintains FSC's independence between its standards and requirements, and operations seeking certification. There are two types of FSC certificates available from certification bodies: |
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Chain of Custody (COC) Certificate
Chain of custody certification provides a guarantee about the production and source of FSC-certified products. The main objective of CoC certification is to ensure that material from FSC certified forests is tracked through the production and distribution process. Chain of Custody certification applies to manufacturers and others who process, transform or trade forest products. Every link in the supply chain that takes legal ownership that wishes to on sell the 'FSC certified product' claim must be CoC certified. Businesses that only retail FSC certified products do not need to be certified, but do need FSC authorisation to promote those FSC products.
From a customer perspective, the FSC label represents a promise that is being made to them. Chain of custody standards are the mechanism FSC has to ensure that 'promise' is delivered.
Operations that have been independently verified for FSC chain of custody certification are eligible to label their products with the FSC logo.
Click here to view the FSC Chain of Custody Standard
What does it cost and how to I get certified?
FSC does not undertake certifications itself. You need to contact one (or more) of the accredited certification bodies listed below.
The cost will depend on a number of variable factors, such as organisation type, number of sites, the current state of the organisation's systems etc. Accredited certification bodies will ususlly provide a quote (after first ascertaining the individual circumstances of the applicant). Applicants will need to pay for their initial certification, and for ongoing audit/monitoring by their certification body. As a very general guide, a straightforward certification might cost a few thousand dollars.
How long does it take?
Again, it is not possibile to be definitive due to variable factors. However, initial certification can be achieved within a few weeks.
Forest Management (FM) Certificate
Forest management certification involves an inspection of the forest management unit by an independent FSC-accredited certification body to check that the forest complies with the internationally-agreed FSC 10 Principles of Responsible Forest Management.
If the forest complies with FSC standards, then the FSC accredited certification body issues a certificate for the operation. Certified forest operations can claim the forest products they produce come from a responsibly managed forest.
Before a certified forest operation can sell their products as FSC certified, they must also obtain chain of custody certification (FM/COC).
For more information on FSC Forest Management standards in Australia please click here
Accredited Certification Bodies
There are currently four primary FSC-Accredited certification bodies operating in Australia. Please use the links below to enquire about Chain of Custody certification. The last two organisations conduct FSC Forest Management certifications as well.
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS)Dr Robert Hrubes (US) Nick Capobianco (Australian representative) |
SGS QualiforKiran Bhagat
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SmartWood Program (Rainforest Alliance)Walter Smith Anita Neville UPDATE: SmartWood Program is not conducting |
Soil Association WoodmarkEmily Blackwell
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DNV Business Assurance (DNV)Elisabet Bröms Sterner Yogesh Desai (Australian representative) |
You can download an up-to-date list of certification bodies operating worldwide by clicking here