What is FSC?

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification helps you to meet market demands, enhance your reputation and support the world's forests. FSC certification ensures timber product origins are responsible.

Founded in 1993 as a global membership-based NGO, FSC promotes responsible forest management through eco-labelling. Today, FSC certification is widely regarded as the gold standard for responsible forest management.

For business-to-business organisations to endorse and sell FSC-marked certified products, certification is mandatory. The FSC logo and labels create a robust connection between well-managed forests and end consumers, offering market incentives for certified forest operations and companies.

Preferred by Nature is an accredited FSC certification body (FSC™ A000535) for Forest Management, Chain of Custody, Controlled Wood, Project Certification and Ecosystem Procedures. Learn more about our accreditation scope. 

>> Access the FSC Database to check the certification status of products
>> Learn how the FSC system works

Four reasons FSC is unique

1. NGO support: FSC stands as the sole international forest certification scheme endorsed by major NGOs like WWF, cementing its "street credibility" and real-world impact.
2. Stakeholder engagement: FSC organises itself into three chambers - social, economic and environmental - ensuring equitable influence at all decision-making levels.
3. Globally aligned: FSC certification adheres to global standards and requirements. Certified forests span around 80 countries worldwide.
4. Transparency: FSC is an international membership organisation guided by participation, democracy, equity and transparency principles.

Certification options

FSC Forest Management certification

For forest operators committed to responsible forestry, FSC Forest Management certification verifies environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable forest management.

>> Learn more about the Forest Management certification
>> Download our info sheet 

FSC Chain of Custody certification

Manufacturers using forest-based materials can achieve FSC Chain of Custody certification, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable sourcing, ensuring processes are in place to produce and trade FSC-certified products. FSC Chain of Custody certification enables the use of the globally recognised FSC label on products, signifying support for responsible forestry.

>> Learn more about the Chain of Custody certification
>> Download our info sheet

FSC Project certification

Project certification underscores commitment to forest-friendly practices, ensuring the use of forest-based materials meeting FSC standards in your project. Project certification can apply to all or selected projects.

>> Learn more about the Project certification

FSC Forest Management Consultations

See scheduled FSC Forest Management assessments and stakeholder consultations here. 

FSC Controlled Wood certification

FSC controlled wood, from acceptable sources, can be mixed with FSC-certified material in products with the FSC Mix label, reducing the risk of forest products from unacceptable sources, including illegally harvested wood, violations of human rights, forest conversion to non-forest use, and more. There are two types of Controlled Wood certification: Forest Certification and Chain of Custody Certification.

>> Learn more about FSC Controlled Wood

FSC Control Wood Consultations

Find scheduled FSC Control Wood assessments here.