Project objective
The purpose of the project was to develop a free checklist integrating all requirements contained in the FSC’s as well as PEFC’s chain of custody standards. This tool enabled users to ensure compliance with both systems based on a single list of requirements. Since several requirements in the two standards are almost identical, the integrated list is considerably shorter than a simple list of all requirements in the two standards put together
Project approach
To maximize their access to the fast growing market for certified goods, many companies choose certification according to both the PEFC and the FSC systems. This may often be achieved at a modest additional cost compared to single-scheme certification. However, subsequently many companies find it demanding to stay updated within two different systems. This situation tends to reduce the interest in certification and puts small and medium companies at a disadvantage.
Thus, this checklist made it easier for companies to stay updated on the requirements for certification, as project manager Peter Feilberg explained: ”We expect that companies, which are already certified according to both systems, will find the checklist a help in reducing their certification-related work. The chain of custody requirements are comprehensive and complex, so it is no easy matter for the companies to work with two systems. Also, when the work is simplified, smaller companies will be enabled to join both systems.”
Results and impact
The end product of this project was a final checklist and user guidance, ready for use.
The checklist and user guidance is publicly available and may be used freely by companies as well as certification bodies.