FSC Chain of Custody certification process

Kickstart your certification journey by completing our service request form or reaching out to us directly. Our experts will guide you through the certification scope that aligns best with your company setup and needs.

Step 1: Certificate scope  

We help you determine the suitable certification scope tailored to your needs. Once you accept our offer, we'll assign a Preferred by Nature contact person to your organisation.

Step 2: Certification preparation

Use resources on our website to prepare for certification. Develop company-specific Chain of Custody procedures, and we provide feedback before the on-site visit.

Step 3: On-site evaluation

When you're ready, we'll conduct an on-site assessment to ensure compliance with FSC Chain of Custody requirements. This includes document reviews, field observations and staff interviews.

Step 4: Audit report

We'll draft a comprehensive report, reviewed by a senior Preferred by Nature expert. You'll have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft report.

Step 5: Obtaining certificate

Based on a positive outcome, we issue your certificate. Your FSC certificate remains valid for five years, subject to annual audits. After this period, a full-scale re-assessment is needed to renew your certification.

Complaints and resolutions

If a complaint is raised about our certification services or one of our clients, we handle this in accordance with our Dispute Resolution Policy. We may call on our Impartiality Committee if Preferred by Nature’s impartiality is under question.

Certificate scope

We can help you identify the type and scope of FSC services that suit you best. 
Below are the main options:

• Traceability system: Choose among three distinct traceability systems for FSC Chain of Custody certification: the transfer system, the percentage system, and the credit system. This choice is closely linked to your company setup, including the need to mix certified with non-certified materials. Depending on your production and trade complexity, you may need to select more than one system.
  Access the introduction guide.

   

• Controlled Wood: This system enables you to mix non-certified material with your FSC-certified material in “Mix” products. The non-certified material must be controlled to prevent unacceptable sources from entering your certified products. Adding Controlled Wood to your Chain of Custody certificate can be a good option, providing that you have access to controlled material. By offering a higher volume of products sought after by certified industries, you can engage more strongly with FSC-certified buyers. 
  Learn more about the Controlled Wood certification.  

   

• Multi-site certification: Ideal for operations with several facilities, this setup requires a robust internal auditing system and designates a “central office” to manage the multi-site certificate. This reduces external auditing requirements and can cut costs. We offer services involving local experts for multinational enterprises and can also provide supplier training.

   

• Group certification: Smaller enterprises can become certified without managing the certification themselves. The group manager takes responsibility for most administration.  

   

• Project certification: Opt for this type of certification for construction or renovation projects. It allows the project manager to make public claims about the amount of certified material used in the project.

Complementary services

Enhance your FSC journey with additional support:

• FSC Expert training: Join our comprehensive FSC-endorsed FSC Expert Course, where you will learn to think like an FSC auditor and acquire more comprehensive knowledge and skillsets within FSC certification.

   

• PEFC Chain of Custody certification: Obtain dual FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody certification by engaging in both types simultaneously. We can conduct FSC and PEFC assessments in a single process.

FSC Chain of Custody guides and tools

Prepare for FSC certification with confidence, or share these materials with your suppliers.

Learn how to use the FSC trademarks in product promotion and labelling. Find tips on promoting your company based on your certification.

>> Access FSC Marketing Resources

FSC Regulatory Module

Expand your Chain of Custody certification to include the FSC Regulatory Module. This add-on service simplifies EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance through due diligence systems, risk assessments and traceability requirements. It is available as a standalone desk audit or alongside your annual FSC audit.

>> Learn more about the FSC Regulatory Module
>> Download our info sheet

FSC Chain of Custody Standards

Your scope of certification defines which FSC standards and policies apply to your company.

The FSC Chain of Custody Standard specifies the requirements that apply to all Chain of Custody certified and applicant organisations concerning sourcing, processing, labelling, and sale of forest-based products as FSC-certified.

This Standard covers various situations and entities, ensuring that many organisations can demonstrate their commitment to FSC’s requirements. Not only single organisations can be certified, but also groups of independent organisations and organisations with multiple sites. There is even an option for certification of individual projects rather than organisations.

>> Access the FSC Chain of Custody Standard

Other documents:

• FSC Chain of Custody Directive
• FSC core labour requirements: Questions and answers
• FSC core labour requirements: Guidance for organisations and certification bodies
• FSC Chain of Custody Multiple Site Standard
• FSC Sourcing Reclaimed Standard
• FSC Project Certification Standard

Visit the FSC Document Centre for more resources.

FSC CoC Standard update  

Changes announced by FSC in 2021

The FSC International Board of Directors has approved the addition of FSC Core Labour Requirements based on ILO Core Conventions to the FSC Chain of Custody standards.

The FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1 Chain of Custody Certification now includes:

• abolition of child labour, elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, respect of freedom of association, and effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining

   

• adopting and implementing policy statements that encompass the FSC Core Labour Requirement
  demonstrating compliance through certification with other social certifications

   

• an option for other organisations such as certification bodies to submit certification schemes that comply with the FSC Core Labour Requirements

   

• incorporating a risk-based approach via self-assessments in which organisations describe how they apply the requirements to their operations

Organisations looking to fulfil the requirements specified by the FSC Core Labour requirements can download the fillable Self-Assessment template. Additionally, for further details, there are country-specific FSC Core Labour Requirements Self-Assessment Templates available on the FSC website.

For more information, on the FSC core labour requirements, check out:

• Preferred by Nature's introduction webinar on FSC core labour requirements
• Question & answers from Preferred by Nature's webinar
• FSC's resources & recorded webinars for FSC core labour requirements

Need support in creating your own company-specific supply chain procedures?

Use our Sample FSC Chain of Custody procedures as guidance for single-site certificate holders using the transfer system.