FSC® Forest Management Certification

1. Apply for Certification

   The applicant completes and submits the SCS application form. Upon reviewing the application, SCS prepares a proposal, including a suggested audit plan, timeline, and quote. The applicant authorizes work to proceed by signing a Work Order.

2. Stakeholder Consultation

   The SCS assessment team conducts stakeholder consultations to acquire outside input regarding the applicant’s management performance in relation to the FSC Principles and Criteria.

3. On-Site Audit

   The SCS assessment team conducts an on-site audit to assess forest conditions and to determine if the applicant’s management system is in conformance with the FSC standards. The team tours representative forest tracts as well as facilities where timber is handled, and interviews key staff to confirm understanding of and adherence with FSC requirements.

4. Assessment Report 

   The SCS assessment team prepares a report detailing the results of the assessment. The report is reviewed by the applicant for factual accuracy.

5. Peer Review

   For most operations, the evaluation report is submitted for independent peer review to validate the appropriateness of the team’s analytical methodology and conclusions.

6. Certification Decision

   The SCS certification committee reviews the evaluation report and decides whether to approve certification. If granted, a certificate is issued for a five-year period, subject to annual surveillance audits. Any conditional Major Corrective Action Requests (CARs) identified by SCS must be closed prior to certification.

Certified companies and product offerings are listed on the official FSC certificate holder database.

Certified companies are granted permission to use trademarks for on-product and off-product applications in conformance with the appropriate trademark standard.

Upon successful certification, SCS offers a wide range of Client Marketing Support services.

What is the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)?

FSC is an international non-profit multi-stakeholder organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting sustainable forest practices around the world.  Its consumer-facing logo is one of the most trusted environmental labels in the market today.  

What is FSC Forest Management Certification?

FSC Forest Management Certification is third-party confirmation that forests are being managed responsibly, meeting stringent international social, environmental, and economic criteria. Certification can apply to a wide range of operational and management configurations, including single-site or multi-site, small and low intensity managed forests (SLIMF), group certification under one management system, non-timber forest products (NTFP), and controlled forest management certification (CFM) as an onboarding opportunity for forests not yet ready for full FSC certification.

Why should I get FSC certified?

FSC certification gives you new or strengthened access to supply chains that require certified wood, and demonstrates your operation’s tangible efforts to engage in responsible forest management. Companies, governments, and other institutions are increasingly developing purchasing policies that prefer or require FSC-certified materials and products to demonstrate their commitment to environmentally and socially responsible forest practices.

How much does FSC Forest Management certification cost?

Costs vary depending on the location, size, and complexity of your forestry operation. Please contact us for a custom quote.

How long is my FSC certificate valid?

FSC certificates are valid for five years, subject to annual surveillance audits.

How do I know if I'm ready for FSC Certification?

FSC certification is the gold standard for responsible forest management. A preliminary assessment conducted by SCS is the best way to determine whether you are ready for a full certification evaluation.

Is my FSC Certification aligned with the EUDR and other emerging regulatory frameworks?

In 2024, the FSC took steps to align with the requirements of European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). As stated on the FSC website, “This new voluntary add-on module FSC-STD-01-004 FSC Regulatory Module supports EUDR compliance by providing additional requirements for Forest Management, Chain of Custody, and Controlled Forest Management Certification as well as accreditation requirements ... The module outlines robust due diligence systems, conducting thorough risk assessments with FSC’s Risk Assessment Framework, and maintaining transparent supply chain documentation.”

Should I use the SCS Kingfisher Responsible Forestry logo as well as the FSC logo?

SCS FSC certificate holders in good standing can use the Kingfisher Responsible Forestry logo for on-product and promotional claims in conjunction with use of the FSC logo. Co-branding with SCS’ Kingfisher resonates with consumers, as the claim “Responsible Forestry” clearly communicates what the FSC certification is all about.
 

Technical program documents can either be accessed below or on the FSC Document Centre as indicated:

•    FSC® Forest Management Certification Process
•    FSC® Forest Management Certification (Visit FSC Document Centre). 
•    SCS FSC Chain of Custody Indicators for Forest Management Enterprises
•    FSC® Controlled Forest Management Certification Standard (Visit FSC Document Centre)
•    FSC® Regulatory Module (Visit FSC Document Centre)

For countries with approved FSC Forest Management National Standards, please search the FSC Document Centre for the particular country. The FSC Document Centre also contains other FSC normative documents.