November 29, 2007: The FSC International Board of Directors have approved a “FSC Standard for Chain of Custody Certification” (FSC-STD-40-004 V2), which specifies the management and production requirements for Chain of Custody control with respect to sourcing, labeling (where applicable) and sale of products as FSC-certified, thereby providing a range of options for making FSC claims. The standard will replace the current FSC normative documents for Chain of Custody certification and becomes effective for all new certifications from 2008 onwards, and for existing certificate holders from 2009 onwards.
The new standard supersedes a number of CoC policies, standards and advice notes. Under the new standard, CoC certified operations now have three options:
With the new 'transfer system', companies identify the minimum claim from the input materials and use this for the product claim. This system is applicable for products made with only single material (e.g. 'FSC Pure' product groups). It can also be applied for products made withseveral materials without needing to calculate the exact percentage or volume of certified material. For example, a printer using 'FSC Mixed 70%' paper for the inner pages of a book and an ' FSC Mixed 80%' cardboard for the cover could simply claim 'FSC Mixed 70%' for the totalproduct. The transfer system created, complements the two existing systems for making FSC claims: the percentage system and the credit system.
Under the 'percentage system' (formerly the 'threshold system') all product within a product group can be sold with a percentage claim. The percentage indicates the proportion of FSC certified material used over the production period. For example, a paper manufacturer using equal amounts of 'FSC Mixed 70%' and 'FSC Mixed 80%' pulp would use an 'FSC Mixed 75%' claim for the final paper.
With the 'credit system' a proportion of products within a product group can be sold with a credit claim. The proportion corresponds to the quantity of FSC certified material used over the production period. For example, a paper manufacturer using 100 tons of 'FSC Mixed 30%' pulp could make the claim 'FSC Mixed Credit' for 30% of the final paper. Other than a percentage claim, a credit claim allows subsequent manufacturers to use the full quantity as FSC input for their own purposes.
Some of the main innovations offered by the new standard are:
Wider range of processes and products: The new version is no longer restricted to manufacturers. All types of CoC operations from the forest to the final point of sale, including printers and traders, are able to use a single set of requirements. The three systems for making FSC claims outlined above can now be applied to both 'FSC Mixed' and 'FSC Recycled' product groups.
Revised labeling thresholds: 'FSC Mixed' product groups no longer require a minimum of 10% of FSC certified materials. Claims can now be based on any combination of FSC certified and post-consumer reclaimed material used in the production. For chip and fiber products under a percentage system, companies can continue to apply the current reduced labeling threshold of 50%, as specified by the 'FSC Policy on Percentage Based Claims', until the end of 2009 when it will be raised to the general 70% threshold. Producers of 'FSC Recycled' products may now include up to 15% pre-consumer reclaimed material under a percentage system.
Controlling co-products: Co-products - a secondary material produced during the process of primary manufacturing - will have to be classified depending on the material from which they are co-produced. This is a change from the previous version of the standard which specifiedtheir exemption from FSC Controlled Wood requirements. Uncontrolled co-products can still be used in 'FSC Mixed' product groups until end of 2009.Verification of reclaimed material: A revision of the requirements for using reclaimed material are and included in a new standard 'FSC-STD-40-007 V1-0: FSC Standard for Sourcing Reclaimed Material for Use in FSC Product Groups or FSC-certified Projects'. This standardstipulates good practices for specifying, purchasing and verifying reclaimed materials. An organization must specify and implement a supplier audit program aimed at ensuring the authenticity of supplied reclaimed materials regarding their material quantity, quality and compliance with FSC definitions and examples.
Exceptions for minor components: Some companies are unable to source FSC certified or controlled material for minor components of a product. In these instances, they can apply for an exemption from chain of custody requirements. A company must demonstrate the plannedand existing activities that will lead to controlled sources.
All CoC certified companies will have to classify their FSC products according to a new product classification system. This should help buyers source products more easily and is aimed to support market research and development. The classification system is based on the United Nations Statistics Division "Central Product Classification" as well as on the related Standard International Trade Classification. The new standard will be mandatory for all organizationsapplying for FSC Chain of Custody certification from 2008 onwards. Existing FSC Chain of Custody certificate holders will be assessed against the new standard at the time of their 2009 audit.
If you have any questions about this standard, please contact Stefan Salvador s.salvador@fsc.org at FSC International.
FSC-STD-40-004 Version 2FSC Standard for Chain of Custody Certification **NEW Learn more about this standard.
FSC-ADV-40-004FSC Advice NoteTransitory Requirements for Chain of Custody Control and Labelling
Find FSC-certified Printers
Find FSC-certified Wood Products
canühome visits IIDEX NeoCon
Join FSC Canada at events this fall!
Email This Page
Print This Page