FSC Regulatory Module process

Getting started with the FSC Regulatory Module is straightforward. Follow these steps to enhance your current FSC certification:

Step 1: Determine scope

Identify the scope of your certification and whether you want to integrate the FSC Regulatory Module into your existing FSC Chain of Custody or Forest Management certification. Determine your EUDR obligations and identify the products to include in the FSC Regulatory Module. The FSC EUDR Journey website guides interested companies through understanding their role with EUDR, providing clear steps and comprehensive resources. Additionally, our training programmes and seminars offer insights into the FSC Regulatory Module and the risk assessment framework.

Step 2: Supply chain engagement

Collaborate with suppliers to incorporate EUDR requirements into your operations and ensure alignment across the supply chain.

Step 3: Audit preparation

Develop or update your due diligence and risk assessment systems to ensure compliance with the EUDR.

Step 4: Audit and evaluation

The FSC Regulatory Module audit can be conducted as part of your annual FSC audit or as a standalone desk audit. The evaluation includes document reviews and interviews.

Step 5: Receive certification

Once the audit is complete and compliance is confirmed, you’ll receive an updated FSC certificate showing your expanded scope with the FSC Regulatory Module, allowing you to begin using the Regulatory claims and promotional statements.

Step 6: Ongoing monitoring

The FSC Regulatory Module will be evaluated as part of your annual FSC audit, ensuring continued compliance and identifying areas for improvement.

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.

When adopting the FSC Regulatory Module, you can choose how to integrate it with your existing FSC certification. Below are the main options:

• Standalone audit: A dedicated desk audit for the FSC Regulatory Module scope expansion.
• Annual audit integration: Add the FSC Regulatory Module audit as part of your annual FSC audit for cost efficiency and streamlined reporting.

FSC Regulatory claims

Organisations using the FSC Regulatory Module can boost their credibility by including “Regulatory”, or “REG” claims for short, for certified products. These claims signify conformance with the FSC Regulatory Module, reflecting FSC standards and alignment with the EUDR’s deforestation-free sourcing requirements.

Types of claims

• Regulatory (REG) claims
  • Applied to products that meet FSC Regulatory Module requirements.
  • Accompanies standard FSC claims (excluding FSC Recycled) on eligible products.

• Regulatory+ (REG+) claims*
  • Available for products made entirely of input materials from a fully verified supply chain where all upstream certificate holder meet FSC Regulatory Module. 
  • Indicates enhanced assurance for deforestation-free sourcing.

Promotional Statements

The FSC Regulatory Module offers the option to use promotional statements for products within its scope. These statements can be featured on websites, brochures or other promotional materials.  For example: “We conduct the EUDR-required due diligence for our products with support from FSC®'s robust system (fsc.org/reg).”   This example or similar statements may be used.

*Certificate holders with a fully certified supply chain can also use deforestation-free promotional statements to further highlight their leadership in sustainability and regulatory compliance.

FSC Trace: Enhancing traceability and compliance

FSC Trace is an innovative platform designed to complement the FSC Regulatory Module, providing enhanced traceability and data integrity across your supply chain. Built on blockchain technology, FSC Trace ensures seamless verification of sourcing data, making it easier for companies to comply with regulations such as the EUDR.

With FSC Trace, companies can securely track and share critical data, such as species, geolocation, harvest timing, and product classifications, ensuring transparency and verifiable compliance across the supply chain.

FSC trace is available to FSC certificate holders at no additional cost. By adopting FSC Trace alongside the FSC Regulatory Module, businesses can streamline certification processes while strengthening their commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing.

Complementary services

Enhance your FSC journey with additional support:

• FSC certification 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.
• FSC Trademark User Course: Our trademark user training for FSC certificate holders helps you use the FSC and Rainforest Alliance trademarks more efficiently by understanding the full range of options and constraints.

FSC Regulatory Module Standard  

The FSC Regulatory Module (FSC-STD-01-004) is designed to support EUDR compliance by providing additional requirements for Forest Management, Chain of Custody, Controlled Wood and Project certification. This module outlines the necessary due diligence systems, risk assessments, and documentation required to ensure that products are deforestation-free and comply with relevant legislation.

Key features of the FSC Regulatory Module

• Additional due diligence requirements: These include information collection, risk assessment and risk mitigation procedures tailored to meet the regulatory standards of the EUDR.

   

• Risk Assessment Framework: The module requires the use of the FSC Risk Assessment Framework to evaluate potential risks in the supply chain related to deforestation and other environmental impacts.

   

• Supply chain documentation: It mandates the collection and transmission of precise information on the origin of products, including geolocation and production timelines.

Applicability of the module

The FSC Regulatory Module can be applied by organisations both within and outside the EU. It is especially relevant for companies aiming to extend their FSC certification to align with the EUDR. However, organisations outside the EU may be exempt from certain requirements as outlined in Annex 1 of the FSC Regulatory Module.

Moreover, companies can choose to apply the module to specific product groups within their FSC certification. Products not covered by the FSC Chain of Custody are outside the scope of the Regulatory Module and cannot be assessed or promoted as compliant with FSC standards.

Relevance to different types of companies

The FSC Regulatory Module is a voluntary standard designed for use by organisations applying for or holding FSC certification. It can be used in addition to existing certification types and focuses on wood, wood-based products, and rubber.

Companies can select which products or product groups to include in the scope of the Regulatory Module. Only certified FSC products are covered; non-certified products are outside the scope.

The standard provides clarity on which requirements apply to different types of businesses, distinguishing between “operators”, “traders”, “SMEs”, and “non-SMEs” as defined by the EUDR.

Access the related documents:

• FSC Regulatory Module Standard
• FSC Risk Assessment Framework