What is the FSC Chain of Custody Certification?

The FSC Chain of custody certification ensures that FSC materials and products have been checked from the forest to the end-user, so that customers purchasing FSC labelled products can be confident that they are genuinely FSC-certified.

Organisations must meet the Chain of Custody Standard, including maintaining the required records, and complete a certification audit by an accredited body before becoming certified.

Assent’s FSC Consultants can help you understand the requirements of the standards and implement the appropriate processes and procedures to achieve compliance and satisfy the requirements of an audit.

Using the FSC Logo

Displaying the FSC logo can have a marked effect on purchasing decisions; 

55% of respondents confirmed a preference for FSC-certified products bearing the FSC logo**. Further, when FSC certification is specified as the only differentiator (e.g. cost, quality etc. are the same), this figure rises to 72%***

Only FSC Chain of Custody Certified organisations can use the FSC logo on products.

All uses of the trademark must comply with the FSC’s requirements, set out in a separate standard.  

In addition, all artwork must be submitted for approval to the appropriate certification body.

Assent Risk Management can provide on-going support to FSC Chain of Custody Certified clients, including trademark advice and review prior to submission.

Benefits of FSC Chain of Custody Certification

• Ensure that raw materials are sourced from a responsibility managed forest,
• Support FSC’s commitment to responsible management of the world’s forests,
• Promote the use of sustainable material to your customers and users,
• Make valid FSC claims on-products and use the FSC logo in promotional material, under license.

Maintaining the Chain – Legal Ownership

The chain of custody must be maintained each time the legal ownership of the material changes.  Every link in the chain must be FSC-Certified in order to make a valid FSC claim on the finished product.

It should also be noted that the FSC Chain of Custody system traces material from forest-to-user and not the other way around.

Get Started with FSC Chain of Custody 

Contact our consultants to discuss how we can help you achieve FSC Certification and ensure proper use of the FSC trademarks.

How ISO 9001 Supports FSC CoC

While it is not a mandatory requirement, organisations who have implemented a quality management system to ISO 9001 may find it gives them a head start in achieving FSC CoC.

This is because the FSC standard requires the organisation to identify risks in its operational processes that could lead to an incorrect FSC claim being made.

Compliance with Timber Regulations (EUTR, UKTR)

The FSC Chain of Custody Certification does NOT automatically mean you comply with timber regulations such as the EUTR or UKTR.

However, implementing controls over the sourcing and handling of materials, alongside accurate record keeping can support your legal compliance.

Disclaimer

•  ‘FSC^® is not responsible for the content of any training/consultation/services offered by Assent Risk Management’.
  
• Assent Risk Management takes full responsibility for the accuracy of any reference to the Forest Stewardship Council^® / FSC^®
  
• Find out more about FSC.

Sources:

• *TNS Omnibus survey of 2151 adults
  (Fieldwork 12/04/17 – 16/04/17)
  
• **TNS Omnibus survey of 2151 adults
  (Fieldwork 12/04/17 – 16/04/17)
  
• ***YouGov Omnibus survey of 2080 adults
  (online 30/03/17 – 31/03/17)