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Changes related to FSC-STD-40-005 Version 3
The latest version of the FSC Controlled Wood Standard (FSC-STD-40-005 V3) becomes effective on 1 July 2016 and mandatory on 30 June 2017. The standard incorporates all advice notes previously communicated through the FSC Controlled Wood Directive (see below), and includes a number of additional changes. The additional changes are summarised below.
Please note that this is only meant as an initial overview of key changes. You will need to consult the standard itself to gain a full overview of the requirements.
Overview of key changes in Version 3 compared to the previous version
| 1 Due Diligence system |
Certificate holders need to set up a due diligence system comprising the following elements:
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| 2 Usage of FSC's Risk Assessments | Certificate holders are obliged to use the risk identification and classification covered by FSC-endorsed risk assessments (RAs) in countries where an RA has been completed. FSC is conducting RAs for 60 countries. |
| 3 Expanded definition of risk categories | Risk categories 1-4 have been expanded to cover additional risk categories. The most significant change relates to High Conservation Values, where the new standard operates with six types of HCV as opposed to only two in the previous standard. |
| 4 Transparency requirements | Certificate holders need to make their due diligence system public, and provide guidance on how to file complaints. |
| 5 Possibility to forward the CW claim to non-certificate holders | Certificate holders may forward material accompanied by the CW claim to any company, e.g. for use as part of due diligence under the EU Timber Regulation. |
Changes related to FSC-STD-40-005 Version 2.1
Note: This standard is being phased out, but remains in force until 30 June 2017. Below, you can find an overview of the most recent changes to this standard.
Changes to the Controlled Wood requirements set out in the FSC Standard for Company Evaluation of Controlled Wood (FSC-STD-40-005) are communicated through the FSC Controlled Wood Directive. The Directive contains a number of Advice Notes which clarify existing requirements contained in the Controlled Wood Standard or add new requirements and deadlines.
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FSC Controlled Wood Directive Note that the guidance included in FSC directives is mandatory. You need to follow them in order to ensure system compliance. |
Changes in the directive 2012-2014
The following table provides an overview of key changes that have been announced through the FSC Controlled Wood Directive.
| Advice note | Change/new requirements | Published | Deadline for compliance |
| Advice note on applicable legislation (ADVICE-40-005-19) | Requires FSC CoC/CW certified companies sourcing from areas classified as “unspecified risk” for legality to use a list of applicable legislation and any legally required verifiers, such as licenses or permits in conducting Controlled Wood field verification. The advice note includes a minimum list of applicable types of legislation. | 27 February 2013 | 1 March 2013 |
