As a professional retailer, you have thousands of FSC certified wood species and products to choose from globally to meet your consumers' expectations. Contact us for a license, we are ready to help.

As a construction professional, you have thousands of FSC-certified wood products and species to choose from globally to meet your construction or design needs. Contact us to get certified, we are ready to help.

The Policy and Standards Committee plays a crucial role in the standard setting process.

The PSC is a six-person group of advisors to the FSC Board of Directors on a wide range of issues including the approval of new and revised FSC policies, and national forest stewardship standards.

Log in here

Membership doesn’t just give you a seat at the decision-making table. It allows you to become part of a vibrant international group of individuals and organizations. Start your application via the members’ portal today.

Members have exclusive access to dedicated resources personalized to their needs in the FSC members’ portal. 

Visit the portal here.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) regards climate change as a very serious threat to global humanity. Climate change undermines the natural ecosystems on which we rely for our basic needs – food, health, and shelter – and many of the products that support our livelihoods and economies.

More than 25 years ago, the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio failed to produce an agreement to stop deforestation. In response, a committed a group of businesses, environmentalists and community leaders banded together to create a revolutionary concept: a voluntary, market-based approach that would improve forestry practices worldwide. That meeting marked the birth of the Forest Stewardship Council. 25 years ago we pioneered certification for sustainable forestry, and we remain the most trusted sustainable forest management solution thanks to our committed and diverse stakeholders. 

Since it was founded in 1993, FSC has grown to become the world’s most respected and widespread forest certification system. Maintaining and consolidating this leading position means working to update, promote and grow the FSC system. FSC also demands constant awareness of cutting edge issues in a context of rapid economic and environmental change, and the capacity to extend existing partnerships and alliances and build new ones.

Due to their direct line of communication with consumers, retailers can influence the decisions made by consumers, and in this way, drive sustainability trends forward. A Globescan survey found that 50% of the surveyed consumers worldwide recognise the FSC label and they trust that FSC is effective in protecting forests. As consumers are increasingly looking for information on the sustainability of the products they buy, the role of retailers in conveying such messages is becoming even more relevant. The FSC label is therefore a powerful tool that can help retailers to communicate their commitment to sustainable forest management.

Intact forest landscapes (IFLs) are the last remaining large unfragmented forest areas, undisturbed by roads or other industrial infrastructure, in which there has been no industrial harvesting in the past 30-70 years. Most IFLs consist of dense and open forest (81 per cent) with the remainder being swamps, rocky terrain, grasslands, rivers, lakes, etc. IFLs occur in 60 countries, and 65 per cent of the world’s total IFL area is concentrated in Canada, Russia and Brazil.

FSC-certified forests are distributed all over the world. FSC has been collecting maps of certified operations, while understanding the different conditions experienced by different forest managers and respecting the confidentiality of some of this data.

The FSC Global Strategic Plan 2015-2020 clarifies FSC’s identity and role in the global forest system to ensure that our trajectory fits the challenges that the world’s forests and forest stakeholders face. In the 25 years since our founding, we have created a certification system that mobilises the force of the market, offering people a way to create positive impact in forests and communities through their purchasing decisions.

FSC National Standards revision processes were initiated in 2015 in the Congo Basin, in the Republic of CONGO, Cameroon and Gabon.

The revised national forest management standards of Cameroon and Gabon apply to all types and scales of forests (FMUs, Communal Forests, Community Forests) including forest plantations. These standards do not apply to non-timber forest products. The revision process has mainly consisted in adapting the FSC Principles and Criteria version 5 and including important indicators related to Intact Forest Landscapes, timber monitoring, ILO fundamental conventions, promotion of women, as well as strengthening indicators related to workers' rights, rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, among others.

This process began with the establishment of Standards Development Groups (SDG) in each of the countries involved. The approval and publication of the revised standards of the different countries takes place according to the following publication schedule:

CAMEROON

Cameroon's revised national standard was approved and published by FSC on September 28, 2020. It came into force on December 29, 2020.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO

As for the Republic of Congo, its standard was approved and published on October 6, 2020 and came into force on January 6, 2021.

GABONESE REPUBLIC

Launched within the framework of the policy of generalizing the certification of responsible forest management, the national standard FSC Gabon was approved and published on December 15, 2020 and its entry into force is scheduled for March 15, 2021.

It is important to note that these new national standards have also been simplified and better adapted to the specific context of each country to facilitate not only their use by forest concession managers but also understanding by auditors. These standards have also been aligned with the legality requirements of the VPA-FLEGT agreements for the countries where these agreements have been signed (Cameroon and the Republic of Congo).

FSC welcomes the completion of its draft standards and encourages forest concessions to comply with them for the valuation of their forest products on the national and international markets.

FSC would particularly like to thank its various partners involved in promoting responsible forest management in the Congo Basin and more specifically the members and experts of the FSC Standards Development Groups in the countries concerned for their availability during the long period of revision of national FSC standards.

If you have any questions about the new standards, please contact:

For Cameroon: Professor Roger Ngoufo, Chair of the FSC standard development group: ngoufocew08@yahoo.fr

For the Republic of Congo: Inès Gady Strarov Cabare Mvoukani, Chair of the FSC standard development group: inesgady@yahoo.fr

For Gabon: Mr. Emmanuel Bayani, Chairman of the FSC standard development group: e.bayani1968@gmail.com / scoutgabon@yahoo.fr                           

An innovative approach to wood sample testing. FSC is part of a leading partner in an innovative project, reinventing how wood sample collection and forensic sciences can help us protect our forests worldwide. Traditional wood identification technologies have long made it possible for scientists to determine the genus, and/or family of a timber of a small piece of wood using forensic techniques. In short, the tests can tell both FSC and authorities whether a product is made from the genus, family and sometimes species of timber which it is claimed to be.

Businesses that use the world’s resources have a duty to ensure they’re responsibly sourced and cared for. Because of this, and as part of our dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, FSC is proud to introduce the Vancouver Declaration.

How FSC certification can help companies meet Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) and EUTR timber legality requirements.

Seen on thousands of product labels around the world, the FSC trademarks – most recognisably the famous FSC logo – are trusted by ethical consumers worldwide.

FSC works to take care of our forests and those who rely on them: by protecting plant and animal species, Indigenous Peoples rights, forest workers’ safety, and much more. Follow us to get inspired, learn about forests and find out how you can help take care of forests for future generations.

Concerned about accelerating deforestation, environmental degradation and social exclusion, a group of timber users, traders and representatives of environmental and human rights organisations met in California in 1990.

We have a selection of media resources and materials related to FSC and our work available for journalists to use.

Please find more information on the website of FSC International.

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FSC in Eastern Africa sub region’s existing and future growth is focused to the following countries:

• Ethiopia
• Rwanda
• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Uganda
• Kenya
• Tanzania
• Seychelles
• Burundi
• Somalia
• Eritrea
• Djibouti

The FSC Southern Africa region consists of the following countries:

• Angola
• Comoros
• Botswana
• eSwatini
• Lesotho
• Madgascar
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• South Africa
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

FSC certification ensures that products come from well managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. Forest owners and managers may want to become FSC certified to demonstrate that they are managing their forests responsibly. Along the supply chain, FSC certification can provide benefits such as access to new markets.

FSC is an international membership association, governed by its members. 

These members may be organizational – which means that they represent their institution or organization – or individual. Members are from diverse backgrounds and include representatives of environmental and social non-governmental organizations, the timber trade, forestry organizations, indigenous people's organizations, community forestry groups, retailers and manufacturers, and forest certification organizations, as well as individual forest owners and interested parties. 

Forest-based textiles, such as rayon, viscose, modal or lyocell are increasingly being used in the fashion industry. If cellulose fibres come from well-managed forests they can be more environmentally friendly than synthetic fibres, such as nylon or polyester, or even natural fibres, such as cotton.

A large portion of FSC’s work includes consultations with its members and stakeholders. These consultations are on a large variety of topics, including trademark revisions, standards, policies and many more.

The consultation platform allows you to review documents and provide feedback at the same time. 

Open the platform here

During this unprecedented and difficult time, many foresters are continuing to work in FSC certified forests. In many rural areas, these jobs provide vital stimulus to local economies and communities, and are considered “essential services.” Please make a donation to support community foresters and all the people working hard to manage forests during the COVID-19 crisis. Donations collected will be bundled and directed to communities working in forests around the world. FSC is working with organizations representing foresters and your support will ensure that forests continue to be managed in responsible ways during a time of global crisis. > Donate now

Policies, Standards and Procedures are being developed or revised. Our development, review and revision process is comprehensive, transparent, inclusive and robust, aiming to promote stability and predictability with the FSC system.

After an organization has been excluded from the FSC scheme and they demonstrate real commitment to change, we bring them together with those who’ve been affected by destructive activities. Through extensive collaboration and consultation, we work out how to remedy the harm caused and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

If anyone connected to FSC is involved in destructive forestry activities, inside or outside certified areas, we take action.

As the original pioneers of forest certification, we have 25 years of experience in sustainable forest management. We use our expertise to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests, bringing together experts from the environmental, economic and social spheres.

Forests are incredibly valuable, not only for the survival of people but for the rest of the planet. By looking after forests, we preserve one of our best defences against climate change. Forests are also home to many endemic and endangered species. We find medicinal plants, food and other non-timber forest products in certified forests.

Earth observation is continuously improving, and FSC is utilising this technology internally and through strategic partnerships to improve our transparency and our services to stakeholders. Geographic information system (GIS) mapping of certified forest area is just the beginning.

Integrity is a core value for FSC: a fundamental principle and value of who we are, how we work, and what we stand for. With its enhanced data security and traceability, blockchain technology has enormous, game-changing potential that reaches far beyond the realm of finance. And people around the world are researching, experimenting with, and increasingly deploying the technology to address the big problems of our time, from the refugee crisis to climate change. FSC is exploring how to best utilise this technology to improve supply chain integrity in the FSC system.

Wood identification technologies make it possible to trace the timber species and harvest location. Traditional wood anatomy enables scientist to determine genus and family, and even species, depending on the circumstances.

In 2016, FSC established the New Approaches project to develop alternative and additional ways to support smallholders and communities striving to achieve certification.

The Bonn Initiative was launched by FSC during the COP23 climate change event. This initiative builds on the Vancouver Declaration, with signatory companies, such as IKEA and SIG, supporting the development of scientifically-rigorous methodologies to quantify the climate benefits of FSC certification.

Small forest owners and communities are at the heart of FSC. We have launched a number of different initiatives over the last 25 years, and we have achieved a lot. The wealth of knowledge and resources we have built up was harnessed to inform our latest project, launched to look into new and innovative solutions. It is called the New Approaches for Smallholders and Communities Certification project.

Specific steps taken by FSC to ensure compliance with timber legality laws.

FSC owns a portfolio of trademarks worldwide. These trademarks form part of the foundation on which the FSC system is built. We're vigilant in protecting our valuable trademarks and take swift measures to deal with identified cases of violations. We enjoy a synergetic relationship with our stakeholders who are instrumental and integral in helping unearth and resolve cases of infringement.

Principle 1 of the FSC Principles and Criteria requires forest managers to comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the country of harvest, and with international treaties.

FSC issues three different types of certificates: Forest Management, Chain of Custody and Controlled Wood. The different types of certificates relate to different stages of production and subsequent progress of forest products through the value chain. Verification against all FSC requirements ensures that materials and products with the FSC label are from responsibly managed forests.

The FSC Board of Directors (BoD) established the Policy and Standards Committee (PSC) in order to streamline, facilitate and accelerate decision-making processes in relation to normative FSC documents.

Ecosystem services are the benefits that people obtain from nature. Forests provide society with a wide range of benefits, from reliable flows of clean water to productive soil and carbon sequestration. In FSC certified forests, valuable ecosystem services are protected – and in 2018, FSC introduced a procedure to demonstrate and communicate about the positive impact of responsible forest management on ecosystem services. These verified positive impacts aim to facilitate payments for ecosystem services and provide access to other benefits, thereby adding business value for those who responsibly manage forests and those who take action to preserve forest ecosystem services.

FSC certification can raise a furniture company’s credibility across the supply chain. As consumers are increasingly looking for information on the sustainability of the products they buy, the role of furniture companies in responsible sourcing is becoming even more relevant. The FSC label is therefore a powerful tool that can help furniture companies to communicate their commitment to sustainable forest management. 

As a packaging professional, you have thousands of FSC-certified wood products and species to choose from globally to meet your clients expectations. Contact us to get certified, we are ready to help.

With more than 75,000 organizations holding FSC chain of custody certification, FSC is the leading sustainable forest management solution, providing the highest global assurance of supply chain integrity from forest to end user. FSC is not restricted to products on a store shelf, however. Your business has the opportunity to use the FSC trademarks to promote your projects! By complying with the FSC Standard for Project Certification, the projects you manage can be FSC-certified, allowing you to manage several projects in a continual basis or a one-time project certification, whichever is more convenient for you.

FSC owns a portfolio of trademarks worldwide. These trademarks form part of the foundation on which the FSC system is built. We're vigilant in protecting our valuable trademarks and take swift measures to deal with identified cases of violations. We enjoy a synergetic relationship with our stakeholders who are instrumental and integral in helping unearth and resolve cases of infringement. Find out more.

FSC Board of Directors is accountable to the FSC members. It is made up of twelve elected representatives, with four elected from each of the chambers for a four-year term.
 

FSC’s position papers are short essays that present our position and/or approach on a given topic relevant to the FSC system. We strive to adhere to an evidence-based approach in our framing of the issue and subsequent approach and/or recommendation(s). Please find a list of papers below.

FSC’s principle decision-making platform, the triennial General Assembly, has been postponed to 2021.

The cycle of creating and revising FSC normative documents begins with identifying the need for a new normative document or the revision of an existing one. This need can be communicated to us by contacting FSC International directly or by looking out for a review consultation on our Consultation Platform.

FSC is the world’s most trusted sustainable forest management solution. We take our integrity seriously. Since no system is perfect, we take action when a problem is detected or reported.

This is an area with relevant trademark resources for certification bodies. If you are a certification body, please log in. If you have forgotten your log in details, please contact us.

Corporate social responsibility and sustainability are more than just buzzwords. Consumers and societies expect businesses to be part of the solution when it comes to environmental and social issues. For any business associated with productive forests and forest products, working with FSC makes sense. We can help your business with improved efficiency, market access, meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and more. We have tailored solutions for different sectors, from furniture to pulp and paper. And we provide additional tools for businesses that choose to work with us, such as marketing materials to promote your collaboration with FSC.

FSC has a strong focus on securing workers’ rights by incorporating core labour requirements into its system. These requirements include effective abolition of child labour, elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, respect of freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.

Indigenous Peoples make up some five per cent of the world’s population – that’s one in twenty of us. Belonging to around 5,000 different groups or communities, Indigenous Peoples usually have (or had) their own language, cultures and traditions, influenced by their ancestral homelands.

To provide forest materials to a growing world population, production must be increased. At the same time, we are faced with a global need to stop deforestation and forest degradation, and the need to protect high conservation values, including intact forest landscapes. To stop biodiversity loss and retain forest ecosystem services, much more forest area should be protected.

The Forest Stewardship Council International (FSC International) consists of the entities FSC Asociación Civil (FSC AC), FSC International Center GmbH (FSC IC) and FSC Global Development GmbH (FSC GD). FSC GD and FSC IC are subsidiaries of FSC AC. FSC has a number of regional offices, sub-regional offices and independent national offices around the globe. There are a number of local FSC offices across the world. If you would like to find out more about a specific local office,  please visit the relevant website using the list below. 

There are some forestry practices we believe are so destructive that they cannot be tolerated, even if the wrongdoing happens in forests that aren’t FSC certified. We conduct extensive investigations when we receive credible allegations that an organization associated with FSC is involved in destructive activities. Organizations found responsible for these activities face exclusion from the FSC scheme.
 

Part of FSC's vision is a shift in global forest trends – from social and environmental degradation to sustainable use, conservation, restoration and respect for forests and those that depend on them. FSC pioneered forest certification decades ago, and we continue to innovate, whether that means certification in new sectors or using more efficient, digital tools.

It is essential to limit inaccurate claims in FSC-certified supply chains. This is especially true for high-risk supply chains. Transaction verification is the verification process required by the FSC chain of custody standard to ensure that FSC output claims made by certificate holders are accurate and match the FSC input claims of their trading partners.

"Anyone can be a leader for change."

Governments help shape the world, not only through policy decisions but also in their day-to-day practices. Find out how procurement in the public sector can promote sustainable forest management.

FSC works to improve forest management worldwide, and through certification creates an incentive for forest owners and managers to follow best social and environmental practices. The growing demand for FSC certified products tells forest owners that businesses and consumers prefer products from well managed forests.

The FSC Principles & Criteria (P&C) describe the essential elements or rules of environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable forest management. There are ten principles setting out this vision; each principle is supported by several criteria that provide a way of judging whether the principle has been met in practice.

Becoming FSC certified shows that you comply with the highest social and environmental standards on the market. Public concern about the state of the world’s forests and timber resources is increasing, and FSC provides you with a credible solution to complex environmental and social issues

• Harrison Kojwang 
  Regional Director - h.kojwang@fsc.org
• Israel Bionyi Nyoh
  Africa Communications Manager - i.bionyi@fsc.org
• Paul Opanga
  Labour Issues Manager - p.opanga@fsc.org 
• William Lawyer
  Policy and Standards Manager - w.lawyer@fsc.org

Create your own campaigns to tell your sustainability story.

You can now listen to a variety of forestry-related topics on the go with our podcast series. Our podcasts feature a range of interviews with experts from different sectors, covering topics from value chains to digitalisation.

Supporters pledge to go beyond current commitments and increase the share of materials and products sourced from responsibly-managed forests. As support grows, this declaration will have a positive impact on three core areas of sustainability: environmental, social and economic.

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Demand for packaging to be renewable and responsibly sourced has never been greater. As consumers are increasingly looking for information on the sustainability of the products they buy, the role of retailers and packaging producers is becoming more relevant. In a global consumer survey conducted by Globescan, 82% of the respondents who recalled purchasing FSC labelled products said they are influenced by the label when buying. The FSC label is therefore a powerful tool that can help retailers and brand owners to communicate their commitment to sustainable forest management. 

If you have an active FSC certificate, you can add the ‘Forests For All Forever’ logo and assets to all your communications with consumers, clients and suppliers to tell your sustainability story by showcasing your efforts to fight against climate change.

You can add the ‘Forests For All Forever’ logo and assets to all your communications with consumers, clients, investors and suppliers to tell your sustainability story showcasing your efforts to fight against climate change.

Responsible sourcing of wood can benefit construction projects in many ways. Wood is more carbon and energy efficient in comparison to other building materials. However, wood can originate from unsustainable forest management practices which can undermine its benefits. This risk can be mitigated by sourcing FSC certified wood. FSC is the world’s most trusted sustainable forest management solution that adds environmental, social and economic benefits to construction projects. It also helps in meeting different environmental regulations like EUTR, the US Lacey Act etc.

The work of FSC is helping achieve 40 targets under 14 sustainable development goals (SDGs). FSC helps achieve sustainable forest management in the world, one of the targets of SDG 15 (Life on Land). The broad environmental, social, and economic focus of the FSC forest stewardship principles also contribute to the SDGs focused on poverty, equality, natural resources, production and consumption patterns, decent work, climate change, inclusive and accountable societies, and global partnerships.

This website is owned by: 
FSC Global Development GmbH

Legally represented by: 
Managing Director, Mr. Kim Bering Becker Carstensen

Registered Office: 
Adenauerallee 134
53115 Bonn
Deutschland / Germany
Phone: +49 (0)228 367 66-0
Fax: +49 (0)228 367 66-30
E-mail: info@fsc.org
Handelsregister / Commercial register: Bonn HRB15990 
USt.-Id Nr. / VAT No: DE 258067376

A career at FSC means joining a great team, working together for a great cause. Our diverse staff bring their various expertise to find solutions to promote sustainable forest management. 

Wood is a wonderful material: beautiful to look at, easy to work with, renewable, recyclable, carbon-efficient, low-energy and high-performance. FSC-certified timber is a strong pillar for more sustainable timber industries, such as construction and furniture. Not only does FSC certification ensure the use of environmentally-appropriate forest management practices in the production of wood, but it is also increasingly useful for companies participating in the green building industry, as well as helping ensure compliance with changing timber regulations and meeting increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly options.

FSC chain of custody certification provides credible confirmation for products with environmentally and socially responsible sources to access the market.

FSC works with the International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labelling Alliance (ISEAL) and other ISEAL members to develop an information and data standard for sustainability. This work is supported by the ISEAL Innovation Fund.

From forest to store, we are committed to creating credible supply chains. As a result, transparency and simplification are key priorities for FSC.

FSC does not issue certificates itself. Independent certification bodies carry out the forest management and chain of custody assessments that lead to FSC certification. FSC sets the standards for forest management and chain of custody certification, and defines the procedures that certification bodies should follow in their certification assessments.

FSC provides businesses with new tools to demonstrate and communicate the positive impact that their purchases, investments and financial support have on the conservation and restoration of forest ecosystem services.

FSC regards compliance with relevant legislation regulating timber trade and related matters as an essential component of responsible forest management.

From endemic species to sacred sites, all natural habitats – especially forests – inherit conservation values. Those biological, ecological, social or cultural values of outstanding significance are known as 'high conservation values,' or HCVs.

The development of the FSC standards is managed internationally by FSC International.  The development process is participatory FSC standards. It is transparent, democratic, non-discriminatory and provides an opportunity for stakeholders to engage.

Our objective is to promote responsible management of the word's forests that is to say a management that is environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable.

By following the seven steps of the Ecosystem Services Procedure, forest managers demonstrate how their management practices conserve or restore valuable forest ecosystem services. Once these positive impacts are verified by an FSC accredited certification body, the resulting ecosystem services claims can be used to tell impact stories about the forest and attract financial and non-monetary benefits. 

Find out more about the benefits of FSC-certification and the difference certification makes on the ground through our video series. Share these videos on your channels and help to promote sustainable forestry and forests for all, forever

Sample testing of FSC-certified products allows buyers, sellers, and traders to ensure that the products they receive from their suppliers are really what they are claimed to be. If you’d like to submit a product for testing, please fill in the form below, and we will get back to you with a quote and shipping documents. Generally, traditional wood anatomy testing costs USD$100 per component tested and isotope testing costs between USD$600-800 per component tested. Bulk discounts for traditional wood anatomy testing can apply.

As a professional, you have thousands of FSC-certified wood products and species to choose from globally to meet the expectations of your clients and end-consumers. Contact us to get certified, we are ready to help.

Consumer demand is growing for products that are environmentally sustainable and socially beneficial. So choose the materials you can trust to deliver better results for forests, people and businesses. Choose wood, paper and packaging with the FSC label. 

As a furniture professional, you have thousands of FSC-certified wood products and species to choose from globally to meet your clients expectations, and the ones of end-consumers. Contact us to get certified, we are ready to help.

If your organization holds a valid FSC certificate, you can add the ‘Forests For All Forever’ logo and assets to all your communications with consumers, clients, investors and suppliers to tell your sustainability story showcasing your efforts to fight against climate change. 

You can add the ‘Forests For All Forever’ logo and assets to all your communications with consumers, clients, investors and suppliers to tell your sustainability story showcasing your efforts to fight against climate change. 

We are pleased to welcome you, whether you are a new Certificate Holder or renewing your commitment to responsible forest management. We work to improve forest management worldwide, and we value your commitment to our mission. We're pleased that you've chosen to join our efforts to ensure the world’s forests meet the social, ecological, and economic rights and needs of the present generation without compromising those of future generations. The FSC team is here to help you better understand the system and help you take full advantage of your certification. We look forward to working with you!

FSC’s e-training platform gives you access to a variety of online courses related to FSC’s work. Find out more.

Discover how brands from all over the world communicate their sustainability stories using the FSC branding framework and use our assets to create your campaign. Visit the toolkit.

We have updated the look and feel of the public search. This is the one stop location for inquiries about certificates and their status. Updates to data can take up to 24 hours. Start the search!

Effective engagement with a variety of stakeholders is a crucial part of our strategy as an organization, and a determining factor in the success of our projects. From solutions forums to direct engagement with governments and other important partners, we take an active role in many dialogue platforms.

Are you ready to help change how forests are managed around the world? Through our governance model, FSC members have real influence.

Visit the Members' Portal here.

Rubber is used in many items of our daily lives, including shoes, tyres, footballs, condoms and even medical products, such as catheters and gloves. When it is not managed responsibly, it can have grave negative impacts on the environment, communities and workers' livelihoods.

FSC has an array of resources to help you navigate the certification process. The links below provide an overview, and more comprehensive materials can be downloaded from the document centre. Please consider subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates from across the FSC system.

Forests have always produced more than the quintessential forest products such as furniture, construction materials, pulp and paper. However, technological advancements are expanding the potential for surprising and innovative forest products to replace less sustainable alternatives. FSC certification adds an additional guarantee that the forests where these products are sourced are managed responsibly.

The fibre value chain encompasses the packaging, paper and hygiene sectors, all of which source pulp for the production of a variety of products – from tissues to paperboard and printing paper. According to recent FSC/GlobeScan global consumer research, people expect companies to do more to protect the environment, and increasingly check information about a product before they buy it. Sustainable forest management practices allow the packaging and paper sectors to highlight their commitment to responsible sourcing and to enhance their brand reputation.

Our facts and figures map provides a new way to see the growth in global forest area certified to FSC Principles and Criteria, as well as the global supply chain certification growth.

FSC international members come from all across the globe and represent the global South and global North, with interests spread across three chambers: social, environmental and economic.

FSC labels can be found on millions of products around the world – from toilet rolls to your favourite book, to that milk carton in your fridge, and other food products. What does the label mean? Simply put: by choosing products with FSC labels, you are helping to take care of the world’s forests.

Each label provides information about the origin of the materials used to make the finished and labeled product.

FSC does not issue certificates itself. Independent certification bodies carry out the forest management and chain of custody assessments that lead to FSC certification. The certification bodies are held to account by Assurance Services International.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than 25 per cent of the world’s population rely on forests for their survival. Ensuring that the rights of forest-dependent communities are prioritised is really important to us. FSC-certified organizations around the world must meet certain requirements to prove they adhere to relevant principles.

We are introducing digital audit reporting to the FSC system in 2020/2021. This will enable us to appropriately access audit data and easily identify trends, impacts and risk areas to evaluate and improve the FSC system. 

We are dedicated to compiling evidence to demonstrate outcomes and impacts of FSC certification. Currently, the two main sources of evidence are internally generated data and independent scientific studies.

How does FSC intend to generate social, environmental and economic benefits on the ground? In this section, we explain the mechanisms linking our standards with our mission to promote responsible forestry.

"It will help give brands and businesses a way to communicate."

Go deeper into our investigations and our work with organizations currently excluded from the FSC scheme, and those who have been re-admitted after taking remedial action.

We are committed to data-driven monitoring. FSC is continuously updating traditional methods of data collection and analytics, in order to help us expand data sources and conduct more comprehensive and innovative data projects. These projects will be carried out by the Data Analytics, Evaluation and Learning Programme.

FSC strives to identify the best feasible approach to reduce the use of chemical pesticides in FSC-certified forests and plantations, and to prevent, minimise and mitigate the related environmental and social impacts.

If anyone connected to FSC is involved in destructive forestry activities, inside or outside certified areas, we take action.

The forests of the Congo Basin are considered the second lung of the planet after the Amazon, known for their biodiversity and low human density. The countries that make up the Congo Basin are:

• Congo (Republic of Congo)
• Cameroon
• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
• Central African Republic
• Gabon