Chain of Custody Certification
Printers

All printers must have an FSC chain of custody certificate in order to put the FSC label on a printed document, or make any claim stating that the paper they are using is FSC-certified.

Download Printer Checklist and Requirements

Printer certification A printer MUST be FSC-certified if they purchase FSC-certified paper from the merchant and want to label a printed piece with the FSC label. Print Broker Certification A print broker MUST be FSC-certified if they purchase FSC-certified paper from the merchant directly and having it delivered to a printer and want the FSC label to be applied.  The broker is taking ownership of the FSC product and therefore considered within the 'chain of custody'.  In this situation it is the broker that places the FSC label (and their certification code) on the document.This also means that the broker can choose to work with any printer, certified or not, since they are verifying the paper's authenticity and labeling it. A print broker DOES NOT need to be FSC-certified if their printer is FSC-certified and purchases the paper from the merchant directly. The broker in this case is not taking ownership of the FSC product and therefore not within the 'chain of custody'. In this situation it is the printer that places the FSC label (and their certification code) on the document.

Printer Checklist

This checklist is to be used by printers prior to undergoing an FSC Chain of Custody certification audit.

• Find a reliable source of FSC-certified paper and check the validity of the FSC chain of custody certificate of the supplier.
• Request a copy of the FSC certificate from the supplier;
• Keep in a database the quantities and specifications of paper purchased and the corresponding FSC certification numbers for each job. Produce monthly summaries;
• Identify critical control points in the printing facility where a mix with non-FSC paper is possible during the various steps of the printing process. Develop instructions to minimize these risks, train the operators accordingly and keep records of the training;
• Ensure that the purchasing department is making references to FSC paper on relevant documentation (purchasing documents need to refer to FSC paper);
• Suppliers' documentation needs to refer to FSC paper and needs to clearly display the valid FSC certificate number on both delivery documents and the paper packaging;
• All documentation related to the chain-of-custody must be archived at least 5 years;
• Upon first receiving FSC certification, all uses of the FSC label on a printed document must be approved by your certifier prior to use. If you can demonstrate to your certifier that you understand the requirements, this may be removed.

Requirements

Documented Control System

Company shall have a documented control system that details the following:

• The company’s procedures for the tracking and handling of certified material from ordering through final product sales and shipping, 
• The responsible personnel for the control system,
• The forms and records used for certified tracking and handling and how they will be used,
• The procedures for labeling and logo use,
• The protocol for keeping records that pertain to certification.

CoC System Responsibilities

Company should designate an overall lead contact person as well as one at each facility or location, and level of production, who will be responsible for enforcing chain-of-custody procedures. 

Purchasing and Receiving of Certified Inputs

• Specify FSC-certified material when ordering/purchasing inputs.
• Verify the certified status, percent of FSC-certified content, and volume received of inputs on accompanying delivery documentation.
• Verify an indication of the certified status of inputs on the product, e.g., labels, tags, FSC certification code.
• Store certified product together in a well-marked area.
• Maintain a distinguishing mark on certified product, e.g., color code, tag, and FSC certification code.
• Record certified inputs in inventory system.

Specify FSC-certified material when ordering/purchasing inputs.

• Verify the certified status, percent of FSC-certified content, and volume received of inputs on accompanying delivery documentation.
• Verify an indication of the certified status of inputs on the product, e.g., labels, tags, FSC certification code.
• Store certified product together in a well-marked area.
• Maintain a distinguishing mark on certified product, e.g., color code, tag, and FSC certification code.
• Record certified inputs in inventory system.

Certified Product Processing

• Maintain physical separation of certified from non-certified materials during each stage of processing, e.g., batch runs.
• Maintain distinguishing marks on or with certified materials, e.g., use of unique tags on pallets of certified paper, while in transport for production.
• Utilize production records indicating certified products for each stage of processing.

Certified Product Shipping

• Store final certified products separate from non-certified.
• Utilize distinguishing marks or FSC logos and/or the Company FSC certification code on certified product packages.
• Record certified outputs in inventory system.
• Specify the certified status, percent FSC-certified if applicable, and its FSC certification code on sales and shipping/transport documentation.

Personnel Training

• Provide training/orientation on the handling and representation of certified products.
• Provide written instructions on CoC handling procedures and policies for certified products.
• Certified Product Records top
• Maintain records of all inputs, processing, and outputs of certified products for a minimum of 5 years.

Marketing, Advertising, and Public Information

• All public representation of certified product must be consistent with FSC policies as well as the type of certification being granted (exclusive vs. non-exclusive).
• All public information referencing the FSC must be reviewed and approved by the FSC-accredited certifier prior to use to ensure consistency with guidelines.  This includes product labels, catalogues, brochures, mailings, letters, manifestations to investors, etc.
• Company must maintain a file with all marketing, advertising, and public information pertaining to certified products.

New FSC Chain of Custody Standard approved by FSC Board

In November 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. 

To read more about the new standard CLICK HERE.

Documents

Documents