FSC Controlled Wood standards

Download FSC standards and other documents that are relevant for your certificate.

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 31 December 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: Collection of supply chain information covering sourcing area and species. Evaluation of the risk of receiving wood from unacceptable sources. Certificate holders must use FSC’s risk assessments (see below) to evaluate the risk of unacceptable forest activities within the sourcing area. In addition, they must evaluate the risk of mixing, that unacceptable wood is mixed with controlled material in the supply chain. Establishment of control measures: For each risk identified under step 2, certificate holders need to adopt control measures and minimise the risk before sourcing any material connected with the given risk.
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.

Changes related to FSC-STD-40-005 Version 2.1

Note: This standard was phased out, but remained in force until 30 June 2017.

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.