FSC Chain of Custody certification

Key steps

To begin your process and receive a service quote, fill in our service request form or contact us. We will guide you on the scope of certification that best fits your needs and company set-up. 

The process normally entails the following steps: 

Your FSC certificate remains valid for five years, providing that you pass annual audits. Once the validity period ends, you need to undergo re-assessment to renew your certificate.

The scope of your certificate 

We can help you identify the type and scope of certification that best matches your needs. Here are some of the key choices available regarding the scope of an FSC chain of custody certificate:

• Traceability system: You need to choose among three distinct traceability systems used for FSC chain of custody certification: The transfer system, the percentage system and the credit system. This is closely linked to your company set-up, including whether you will need to mix certified with non-certified material or not. You may need to select more than one system, depending on the complexity of your production and trade.

          Learn about these options in this guide

• Controlled Wood (CW): This system enables you to mix non-certified material with your FSC-certified material in “Mix” products. The non-certified material must be controlled to prevent unacceptable sources, such as illegally harvested wood, from entering your certified products. Adding CW to your CoC certificate can be a good option, providing that you have access to controlled material. By offering a higher volume of products that are sought after by certified industries, you can engage more strongly with FSC certified buyers.

  Learn more about combined FSC CoC/CW certification

• Multi-site certification: This may be the right choice for you if you are operating several facilities. Within this set-up, you are required to set up a robust internal auditing system and you assign a “central office” to manage your multi-site certificate. This reduces the requirements for external auditing and can reduce costs. Based on our global network of experts, we offer services involving local experts to multinational enterprises. We can also provide training of your suppliers.

• Group certification: Smaller enterprises can become certified without having to manage the certification on their own. The group manager takes responsibility for most of the administration. 

• Project certification: Opt for this type of certification to cover a construction or renovation project. It permits the project manager to make public claims about the amount of certified material used in the project.

Complementary services

You may wish to consider the following services to complement or support your certification process:

• FSC certification training: You can join our comprehensive FSC-endorsed FSC Expert Course, where you will learn to think like an FSC auditor and acquire more comprehensive knowledge and skillsets in FSC certification. 

• FSC Trademark Course: Our trademark user training for FSC certificate holders helps you to get grips with the rules for using the FSC trademarks. Be more effective by understanding the full range of constraints and options available to you. 

• PEFC chain of custody certification: If you wish to obtain dual FSC and PEFC chain of custody certification, you can save resources by engaging in both types of certification at the same time. We can conduct FSC and PEFC assessments in a single process. 

Our credentials

• Expertise:  For 25 years, we have worked extensively within the FSC system, assessing companies for certification and providing high-level training. Our current FSC customer portfolio totals over 3500 companies worldwide. We draw on our expertise in developing collaborative projects to make the FSC system more accessible to business and credible to stakeholders.  

• Focus on customer experience. Our aim is to provide you with a positive experience throughout your certification process. Our professional services are delivered on time and in consistently high quality. We maintain a series of client tools to help you manage and profit from your certification. And we keep you up to date with the rapidly evolving certification requirements through our newsletter and regular client updates. 

• Industry insight. We cater to FSC-certified enterprises of all sizes and from all business sectors along the timber supply chain. Whatever your line of business, we are familiar with the options and challenges that apply to your certification.

• Local presence, global reach. With staff located in 40 countries across the globe and backed by an extensive global network of experts, we service companies worldwide.

Additional value of engaging with us

• Wide service choice. You can choose additional services that support your sustainability efforts. For example, enlist in training that helps you to prepare for and manage your FSC certification. We can also help you to meet timber regulations and cut your carbon emissions.

• The non-profit factor. We are mission-driven. This is reflected in our focus on quality, information sharing and capacity building. We are actively engaged in the FSC system, where we advocate credibility and impact as well as solutions that enhance the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of FSC certification.

Seven benefits of choosing FSC certification

	Enhanced access to new markets and customers. FSC is amongst the world's most successful forestry eco-labelling schemes, as documented repeated in FSC's annual market surveys. Demand for FSC certified material often outstrips the supply.
	Enhanced visibility and branding opportunities based on your access to using the FSC trademarks and joining unique marketing platforms, campaigns and events.
	Public trust.  Viewed by many as the gold standard for responsible forestry, FSC enjoys broad support from leading NGOs such as WWF and Greenpeace.
	Enhanced investor relations. Sustainability performance is increasingly viewed as a key factor in investment decisions.
	Green is cool, but greenwashing is not. Boost your brand based on a real commitment. FSC certification enables you to make strong and safe claims backed by third-party verification to a credible scheme.
	Improved quality and management systems. Many certified companies find that the certification process itself brings unexpected benefits such as cost savings.
	You will be doing the right thing. Independent studies confirm that FSC forest certification brings benefits for forest workers, local communities and forest wildlife.