Frequently Asked Questions
Select from a list of commonly asked questions about the Forest Stewardship Council and FSC-certification:
1. Who is the Forest Stewardship Council?
2. What is FSC certification?
3. What is responsible forest management?
4. Why should I buy FSC-certified products, or become FSC-certified?
5. Where can I buy FSC-certified products?
6. How do I become certified, and how much does it cost?
7. Who needs FSC Chain of Custody certification?
8. I'm not FSC-certified, but I buy FSC-certified paper; can I put the FSC logo on my document or write that it is FSC-certified?
9. Who can use the FSC logo and what are the graphical requirements?
10. Is there market demand for FSC-certified products?
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1. Who is the Forest Stewardship Council? (back to top)
FSC is an international, non-profit organization that supports environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests.
FSC was founded in 1993 in Toronto, Canada, by representatives from environmental groups, the timber industry, the forestry profession, Aboriginal organizations, and community forestry groups from more than 25 countries. FSC operates through its network of National Initiatives in 40 countries.
There are over 100 million hectares in more than 80 countries certified according to FSC standards, and thousand of products are produced using FSC certified fibre and carrying the FSC trademark.
For more information, visit the About Us section of the website.
2. What is FSC certification? (back to top)
FSC is a forest certification and labeling system for paper and wood products that come from responsibly managed forests, and verified recycled sources. Under FSC certification, forests are certified against a set of strict environmental and social standards, and fibre from certified forests is tracked all the way to the consumer through the chain of custody certification system. The end result is products in the marketplace carrying the FSC 'check-tree' logo. FSC certification is a voluntary and market-based mechanism for ensuring that our forests are healthy. Consumer demand for FSC-certified products encourages forest managers and owners to become FSC-certified. Independent third-party auditors conduct all FSC certification audits. For more information, visit the Certification section of the website.
3. What is responsible forest management? (back to top)
Responsible forest management practices aim to strike a balance amongst the environmental, social, and commercial interests in a forest. FSC's vision for responsible forest management is healthy forests providing an equitable sharing of benefits from their use, while respecting natural forest processes, biodiversity and harmony amongst their inhabitants.
All FSC-certified forests worldwide are evaluated against FSC's 10 Principles and 57Criteria for responsible forest management. FSC's Principles and Criteria form the guiding framework for developing regional forest stewardship standards appropriate to local social, ecological and economic conditions. The on-the-ground impact of FSC certification is that:
- Waterways are protected;
- Wildlife habitat and species are protected;
- High conservation value forests are preserved;
- Forest management practices are monitored annually;
- Genetically modified trees are not used;
- Pesticide use is reduced;
- Local people are involved in forest mgmt.;
- The rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected.
For more information on responsible forest management, visit FSC's Principles and Criteria section or Why FSC section.
4. Why should I buy FSC-certified products, or become FSC-certified?
(back to top)
Forests mitigate climate change, are a source and store of freshwater, provide habitat for wildlife, and are of great cultural and social importance to First Nations peoples and society. Forests also provide fibre for the 350 million tons of paper and 1.5 billion m3 of wood consumed globally per year. While recycling can reduce the need for fresh wood fibre, there isn't enough recycled fibre to meet society's demands, and the reality is that forests remain the anchor of the wood and paper supply chain. When purchasing paper or wood products, make sure you are choosing products that are FSC-certified from verified recycled sources or well-managed forests - a renewable and responsible resource - for all, forever.
If managed correctly, forests are a renewable and responsible source of fibre for paper and wood products. Environmental groups around the world agree that when it comes to responsible forestry, FSC is the only credible assurance. FSC-certified forests protect wildlife habitat and endangered species, ensure clean water by respecting rivers and waterways, are not planted with genetically modified (GM) trees, or converted into plantations. The wide support FSC receives is not only because of its positive impact on forests and communities, but for its transparency, focus on a participatory consultation process, third party auditing, and supply chain tracking.
As a forest manager, manufacturer or supplier of paper or wood products, by becoming FSC-certified you will receive the following benefits:
- Contribute to healthy forests, clean water, wildlife protection, and conservation;
- Greater customer satisfaction;
- Stronger reputation and brand image;
- Access new markets;
- Value-added integrity and quality of products;
- Improved efficiency, productivity and employee retention;
- Strengthened supplier relationships;
- Pro-active risk management;
- Free media and public relations;
- International recognition.
For more information on where to find FSC-certified products visit the Products section.
For testimonials from environmental groups and others please visit the Quotes & Testimonials section.
For more information on how to become FSC-certified visit the Become Certified section.
5. Where can I buy FSC-certified products? (back to top)
FSC-certified wood and paper products are available through a variety of retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.
For FSC-certified wood product suppliers, visit the Wood Products section of the website.
For FSC-certified paper product suppliers, visit the Paper Products section of the website.
6. How do I become certified, and how much does it cost? (back to top)
The first step in receiving an FSC forest management certificate or chain of custody certificate is to contact an FSC-accredited certifier. Independent third party certifiers, conduct all FSC certification audits. Once you have submitted an application to the certifier, an auditor will visit your company to complete an on-site audit to ensure compliance with FSC standards. Once certification is approved, your company will receive a unique certificate number that will be used as an identification number on all FSC-certified products sold by your company.
The length of time between application and receipt of certificate will depend on the type of certificate (FM or CoC) you are applying for, and the size of the company. Most CoC certificates are granted within 4 to 6 weeks after application. FM certificates will depend on the area to be certified and the public consultation requirements.
The cost of certification will depend on the location and size of the company or forest area. Part of the fee is paid to the certifier for the auditor's time and the application process, and a small program fee (starting at $10/yr) is paid to FSC's International Centre. Typically, certification for a medium sized business will range from $2,000 to $3,000. There are also costs associated with the annual surveillance audit that all certified companies must undergo.
Certificates are valid for five years, at which time they may be renewed.
Once certification is approved, companies receive a unique Certificate number (e.g. AAA-COC-1234).
For more information on how to become FSC-certified and the relevant standards visit the Become Certified section.
For contact information of the FSC accredited certifiers in Canada visit the FSC Certifiers section.
7. Who needs Chain of Custody certification? (back to top)
Chain of Custody (CoC) certification provides a guarantee to consumers that any product with the FSC label can be tracked back to an FSC approved source. A product can only carry the FSC label or logo if the forest receives an FSC forest management certificate, and if all steps along the supply chain receive a chain of custody certificate.
CoC certification is applicable to companies or individuals involved in all successive stages of processing, transformation, trading, manufacturing and distribution of products carrying the FSC label. Companies with multiple operating facilities, can apply for multi-site certification.
For more information on Chain of Custody certification visit the Chain of Custody Certification section.
8. I'm not FSC-certified, but I buy FSC-certified paper; can I put the FSC logo on my document or write that it is FSC-certified? (back to top)
No. A printed document can only carry the FSC logo or make a claim about the paper being FSC-certified if both the paper AND printer are FSC-certified.
This is part of FSC's supply chain tracking system whereby fibre is tracked from FSC-certified forests (or verified recycled sources) all the way to the consumer. For paper products this means pulp providers, mills, merchants and printers must all obtain FSC chain of custody certification in order for a product to carry the FSC logo or label.
To find an FSC-certified printer, visit the Printers section.
For more information on Chain of Custody certification visit the Chain of Custody Certification section.
9. Who can use the FSC logo and what are the graphical requirements?
(back to top)
The FSC on-product label identifies forest products that meet FSC's environmental and social standards.
Only companies that are FSC chain of custody certified are allowed to place the FSC label on a certified product. Certified companies must place their certification code (e.g. XXX-COC-####) on the FSC product label.
For FSC Trademark Guidelines please visit FSC Trademark section.
For graphical requirements for FSC logo use please visit the FSC Product Label section.
For a list of FSC-certified papers and their applicable FSC labels please visit the Paper - Search for Products section.
10. Is there market demand for FSC-certified products?
(back to top)
For more information visit our Why FSC section, or learn more about paper market demand and wood market demand.
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