Forest Management Certification
Meet the world’s most rigorous standards for sustainable forestry.
If a forest owner or manager has a FSC Forest Management Certificate, it means that the forest is managed according to FSC standards, which is confirmed through independent audits. FSC Forest Management Certification provides assurance that an FSC-certified forest can continue to support the people, plants, and animals that depend on it.
What FSC certification means for forests
FSC forest management certification means committing to 10 principles to ensure your forest is managed in a way that’s:
- economically viable
- environmentally friendly
- socially beneficial.
You also agree to follow FSC’s Policy for Association. This policy states any organization within your corporate group must refrain from unacceptable forestry practices that include illegal logging and human rights violations.
What can forest management certification do for you?
When you obtain your forest management certification through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), you’re showing that your operations meet the world’s highest environmental, economic, and social standards.
-
Make a real difference
You’ll follow responsible forestry practices proven to help fight climate change and protect biodiversity.
-
Protect and strengthen your reputation
You’ll receive independent verification of your commitment to responsible forestry practices
-
Benefit from a global mark of trust
The FSC label is one of the world’s most trusted marks for sustainable forestry. It signals your commitment to sustainable forest management.
-
Gain market access
You’ll have the opportunity to secure and expand your access to attractive markets and benefit from the growing global demand for sustainably sourced wood.
Forest management certification roadmap
To initiate the certification process, the general process includes the following steps:
step
01
Choose an FSC-accredited certification body
Only third-party, accredited certification bodies can conduct audits and certify your organization. You will select an independent body to work with.
step
02
Submit an application
Your application will detail the steps your organization is taking to meet the FSC-certification requirements outlined by your chosen certification body.
step
03
Complete an assessment
Your certification body will conduct an assessment to verify you are following all appropriate standards and policies.
step
04
Complete FSC Check
Submit the information FSC requests you to provide by filling up the questionnaire in FSC Check before signing the Trademark License Agreement to become a certificate holder.
step
05
Receive approval
Once you receive certification approval, you can begin producing and selling FSC-certified materials and products.
step
06
Complete an annual audit
Your certification body will conduct annual audits to assess conformance to your forest management certification.
You also may be interested in
Choose the right FSC certification or licence
Manifacturers
Manufacturers that use forest-based materials can obtain FSC’s chain-of-custody certification.
Chain-of-custody certification shows your supply chain and customers that you’re committed to sustainable sourcing...
Retailers and brands
Organizations that are not FSC-certified but want to promote FSC-certified finished and labelled goods can apply to obtain FSC’s promotional licence. This licence enables you to use the FSC logo in your...
Architects, builders, artists, and other project...
Obtaining FSC project certification shows your commitment to forest-friendly practices. Project certification verifies you’ve put in place a control system that ensures the forest-based materials you use in your...