FSC aligns with the EU Timber Regulation

FSC has engaged in a process of alignment with the new EU Timber Regulation, to ensure that FSC certified products provide assurance for timber legality on par with the legislation.

The process of alignment involves amendment of three core FSC standardsThe regulation comes into force on 3 March 2013, by which date importers of timber products to the EU will need to operate due diligence systems including risk assessments of their supply chains.
 

Important for FSC's brand value

“This move is crucial for protecting and enhancing the market value of the FSC brand on one of the world’s largest timber markets, the EU,” says Verification Services Manager at NEPCon Christian Sloth.

“Legality assurance that corresponds in full to the definitions and criteria used in the EU timber Regulation is the basis for making sure that FSC certification will be recognised on the EU market as providing sufficient assurance for legality of timber products. FSC obtained a clear mandate to move forward on this issue from its members during the FSC General Assembly in July this year.”

The EU Timber Regulation is a key measure to exclude illegal timber from the EU market. The aim is to halt illegal timber trade, which is associated with serious social and environmental problems and constitutes unfair competition for responsible timber producers.
 

Minor components exemption to be phased out

FSC has found that three of its core standards are affected by the regulation: the FSC Controlled Wood, Forest Management and Chain of Custody standards.

The most significant change announced by FSC is the elimination of any non-certified uncontrolled materials from FSC products.

The current option of including up to 5% of minor non-certified components in an FSC-certified product will thus be phased out and expires at the end of 2012. 

“This change may pose challenges for some companies,” says Roman Poljatsenko, Chain of Custody expert at NEPCon. “However, an increasing volume of minor components such as dowels are in fact available as FSC certified, and the phase-out will further push the market to produce these elements. We recommend companies with minor components in their certified scope to consider alternatives or work with their suppliers to obtain FSC certification. The timeline is relatively short, so affected enterprises should move fast in order to solve this issue.”
 

Other changes

FSC is also conducting a review of the standard for company evaluation of FSC Controlled Wood, where companies will need to meet an extended list of requirements, including specific details about supplies that need to be recorded. FSC has further announced that it will release an advice note on legality for Forest Management certification. 
 

The next steps

The alignment of the FSC system with the EU Timber Regulation is only the first step in FSC’s efforts to support its implementation. FSC plans to take a much more active approach to help its certificate holders comply fully with the legislation and to support the effectiveness of the Regulation.

FSC works to develop a Due Diligence System that FSC certificate holders who import timber products into the EU may use to cover the non-certified portion of their trade. The system will be based on the Controlled Wood Risk Assessment approach, but will include technical adaptations and innovations. The Due Diligence System is expected ready by the end of 2011.

In addition, FSC expects to include legal verification as a first step for those participating in the Modular Approach Program (MAP) and as part of the FSC Due Diligence Risk Assessment.

Finally, the development of a Tracking & Tracing Platform (TTP) is expected to “complete these activities towards a solid DDS package ensuring robust compliance with today’s regulatory mechanisms”. During the FSC General Assembly, the plans for an online traceability platform were presented to an enthusiastic audience. The planned system seems very promising in terms of offering a streamlined volume tracking system that may reduce the potential for fraud and help operators identify the country of origin.

Source: FSC