More than 500 forest managers and 2500 producers have demonstrated their committment to responsible forest management by certifying their operations to FSC standards.
A 2003 survey of certified forest managers identified the following benefits of FSC certification:
- Improved credibility
- Responsible thing to do
- Improved brand image
- Improved community relations
- Improved product image
- Improved forest management
There are two types of FSC certificates available from FSC Accredited Certification Bodies: Forest Management (FM) and Chain of Custody (COC).
Forest Certification
Forest Management Certification involves an inspection of the forest management unit by an independent organisation (Certification Body) to check that it complies with the internationally agreed FSC Principles for Responsible Forest Management and FSC standards.
If the forest complies with FSC standards, then the FSC accredited certification body issues a certificate for the operation. FSC certified operations can sell their forest products as FSC certified and gain recognition for their commitment to responsible forestry.
Chain of Custody Certification
Chain of custody is the process by which the source of a forest product is verified. In order for products originating from certified sources to be eligible to carry the FSC Trademark, the certified timber or raw material has to be tracked, traced and identified from the forest through all the steps of the production process until it reaches the end user.
Only when this process has been independently verified is the product eligible to carry the FSC logo.
FSC encourages chain of custody producers to manage their production processes in a way that allows consumers to buy products that are sourced directly from a responsible managed forest.
FSC certified product may also be combined with other material. Any material mixed with FSC wood, cannot be from illegal harvesting, forest where there is social conflict, uncertified high conervation value forests or forests that use genetically modified organisms. For additional information on how to become an FSC certified enterprise, contact one of FSC's accredited certification bodies.
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