Investigating destructive forestry activities

Our mission is to protect forests for future generations. And our membership is made up of companies striving for environmentally and socially responsible practices – of environmental defenders, trade unions, human rights campaigners and those fighting for indigenous peoples.

The activities we prohibit are totally opposed to the mission of our organization and the members who make it. There is no place for this behaviour in FSC, whether activities happen in the forests of a certified forestry company or the non-certified forests of one of their affiliates.

There are no requirements as to who can submit a complaint or raise concerns in the FSC system.

While anybody may share concerns, the information submitted must include necessary and relevant information and evidence for FSC to take the appropriate action. This required information is noted on the submission forms and processes, and defendants are encouraged to provide as much detailed information as possible so that FSC can make an informed decision as to whether the complaint will be accepted.

FSC membership is comprised of three chambers: economic, environmental and social. In building an investigation team, a single member from each chamber is selected and then approved by those raising concerns and the defendant organization to ensure impartiality and broad expertise.

While not a requirement, the investigation team will typically include FSC members from the country where wrongdoing is alleged. The investigation team is then not only uniquely qualified through their professional expertise, but also has a greater understanding of the national context.

The investigation team delivers their report to FSC, complete with the evidence and level to which each allegation was verified. This report is presented to the FSC Board of Directors who make the final decision on whether the organization in question should be excluded from the FSC scheme.

Upon being excluded from the FSC scheme the organization’s trademark license agreements are immediately terminated, all certificates are withdrawn and they are blocked from further certification and association such as membership.

This exclusion extends beyond the organization found to engage in unacceptable activities, applying to any parent, subsidiary or sister company connected by more than 51% ownership. All companies are blocked from any FSC certification until a complete remedy and reform process has been fulfilled and all requirements met.

Excluded organizations can re-enter the FSC scheme after exhibiting the fulfilment of conditions addressing remedy caused by past harm and reformation. Only after concrete proof that these requirements have been fulfilled can the organizations potentially re-enter the FSC scheme.