Q & A on FSC/CoC – Forestry management standard

What is FSC?                                 

• FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council. FSC is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization established in 1993 in Toronto. The headquarter of FSC is now located in Born (Germany).  The main activities of FSC is to set out measures to control the management of forests in the world in accordance with the environment, at the same time to benefit the society and achieve economic efficiency.
• FSC established a set of international standard on forestry management which is socially responsible. It also sets up program system for Certification Body (called Third party) representing for FSC to certify businesses.  
• In order to increase consumer’s awareness, FSC’s logo and product label will be proof for certification and supervision from representatives.

Frequently asked question on FSC: 

1. What is FSC?

SC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. There are 2 types of certification:

• for forest owners and managers, forest management certification is a guarantee your processes and operations meet FSC standards;
• for businesses manufacturing or trading forest products, chain of custody certification verifies that products are handled correctly at every stage of production – from forest to shelf.

Introduction of FSC-CoC

CoC – Chain of Custody

Between the forest and the final user, products may undergo many stages of processing, manufacturing and distribution.

FSC Chain-of-Custody certification traces the path of products from forests through the supply chain, verifying that FSC-certified material is identified or kept separated from non-certified material throughout the chain.

Current FSC-CoC standards include:

• FSC-STD-40-004 (Ver.02) – Chain of Custody standards for companies processing and providing FSC certified products.
• FSC-STD-40-005 (Ver.02) – FSC standard for Company Evaluation of Controlled Wood
• FSC-STD-30-010 (Ver.02) – Controlled wood standard for FM enterprise.
• FSC-STD-40-201(Ver.02) – on- products labelling requirement

2. What are benefits of FSC?

• Help enhance the trust of consumers with products of the business.
• Obtaining the ticket to better enter the market through the difference thanks to FSC certification.
• FSC helps to protect the forest resources effectively.
• Having FSC will help improve the brand image of the business to consumers.

3. How to promote certification?  

Forest Stewardship Council allows FSC accredited enterprises to use FSC brand internationally on their products and brochures. This helps demonstrate the supply chain partners’ compliance with higher standards of forest management.

4. Why should enterprise get FSC?
5. Certification creates tangible economic benefits for your business

As public and private sector organizations around the world increasingly enforce stringent requirements on environmentally responsible procurement practices, becoming FSC certified gives forest owners and timber producer’s access to new markets and a stronger, more diverse customer base, creating higher revenues.

2. Certification creates stronger links between your business and your customers

Being FSC certified gives your brand credibility, as customers can be confident of the responsible origins of your products. It also enhances your corporate reputation and creates new marketing opportunities.

3. Certification protects forest ecosystems and helps fight climate change

FSC prohibits illegal logging, forest degradation, and deforestation in certified areas. By becoming certified, you will be doing your bit to protect forest ecosystems and reduce the impact of climate change.

5. Certification ensures you will be up to date with government requirements

A growing number of countries and regions, including: the European Union, the USA, and Australia have legislation banning the use and trade of illegally harvested timber and products made from it. Respecting these laws is the foundation of FSC certification, so you will greatly reduce your risk of exposure to illegal timber.

5. What are principles of FSC certification? 

Basically, there are ten principles of FSC certification:

Principle 1: Compliant with the FSC’s internal rules and regulations.

Principle 2: The Organization shall maintain or enhance the social and economic wellbeing of workers.

Principle 3: The rights of indigenous people.

Principle 4: The Organization shall contribute to maintaining or enhancing the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.

Principle 5: Maintain or enhance long term economic viability and the range of environmental and social benefits.

Principle 6: Environmental Impact.

Principle 7: Management plan.

Principle 8: Monitoring and Evaluation.

Principle 9: Enhance the High Conservation Values in the Management Unit

Principle 10: Artificial forest

6. Who needs FSC- CoC certification?

Companies, enterprises, units work in these following fields are required:

• Exploiting and purchasing wood materials.
• Pre-processing timber.
• Refining of wood products.
• Distribution of wood products.

7. How to pre-audit and certify FSC?

• Sign the contract
• Survey and assess real situation.
• Assign responsibility and set up management system
• Implement
• Preliminary assessment
• Register official certification

8. How long does it take to receive FSC certification and what is the expense?

The cost and time depend on size and complexity of company’s structure. It takes several months to receive certificate.

9. In Vietnam, which unit issues FSC?

KNA is in association with TUV Austria Hellas for auditing and issuing FSC COC Certificate https://www.knacert.com.vn/ For detail of FSC, please visit homepage: https://tuvaustriahellas.gr/tuv-austria-hellas-became-accredited-certification-body-for-fsc-chain-of-custody-certification-for-14-countries/?lang=en