Introduction to FSC Certification
The full name of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is the Forest Stewardship Council, which aims to promote responsible global forest management. FSC is composed of representatives from environmental protection organizations, timber trade associations, government forestry departments, local resident organizations, social forestry groups, and timber product certification bodies from over 70 countries. FSC is currently a mature and comprehensive forest certification system.
The amendment to the Lacey Act, which came into effect on September 1, 2010, stipulates that all forest products exported to the United States, including wood products, live plants, bulbs, wood pulp, paper, paper products, musical instruments, furniture, etc., must indicate the type and source of wood. Otherwise, the United States will refuse to allow these products to enter, and illegal products will be confiscated.
Note: The FSC certificate is valid for 5 years and needs to be re certified after expiration. The re examination is conducted once a year, and if it fails, the certificate issued will be revoked.
Types of FSC Forest Certification:
Applicable to forest operators or owners.
The FSC responsible forestry standards are reflected in a strict certification system. At present, FSC has two main certification types - Forest Stewardship (FM) certification and Chain of Custody (CoC) certification, as well as Promotion License (PL) for non certificate holders.
Forest Management Certification FM:
Suitable for manufacturers, processors, and traders of FSC certified forest products.
Assess and validate forest management based on a series of specific standards of the forest management system. This standard covers environmental, social, and economic activities related to forests and meets local legal requirements to ensure that your forest management practices comply with internationally recognized standards such as the China Forest Certification and Management Committee (CFCC), the Forest Certification System Accreditation Program (PEFC), and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ™） Waiting for standards.
Chain of Custody Certification - COC: Chain of Custody is the pathway for wood products from forests to consumers, including all manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, and distribution processes. The production and sales supervision chain certification certifies the origin of timber and ensures the traceability of timber raw materials throughout the entire supply chain, providing independent third-party proof of the company's commitment to customers.
Promotion License PL:
Applicable to non FSC certificate holders.
Promote and advertise FSC certified products or services purchased or sold by them,
The cost and cycle of FSC certification:
[Cost] Based on the specific situation of your company, the influencing factors include: company size, number of employees, annual revenue, number of auditors, etc.
[Cycle] 15-30 days for trading companies and 20-30 days for production enterprises.
Special circumstances can be expedited, please consult our online customer service for details.
The benefits of FSC certification
1. Bidding tools: more and more governments and other organizations specify FSC certified products in their procurement plans, such as IKEA, B&T Home, Home Depot, etc;
2. Improve the competitiveness and reputation of enterprise products in the international market: Ensure that wood raw materials come from well managed forests. Being able to gain the trust of foreign customers and win more orders.
3. Unique globally effective standard: FSC is the only globally valid standard and the only non trade barrier standard under the World Trade Organization.
4. Customers have needs; Enhance customer confidence; Strong qualification certificates demonstrating the relevant management level of the enterprise;
5. Establish a good corporate image, enhance corporate reputation, use FSC trademark, enhance product features, advertising, and improve product market competitiveness.
