DAkkS-related updates to certification statements and minimum audit duration requirements

Accelerated

ADV-STD-20-001-13_V1-0 D1-0 – Certification statements (FSC Regulatory Module) 
ADV-STD-20-007-28_V1-0 D1-0 – Minimum audit duration (Forest Management)

FSC is developing two targeted Advice Notes in response to observations identified during the DAkkS scheme review of FSC certification requirements against DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065:2013, with reference to scheme-level elements assessed under DIN EN ISO/IEC 17067:2013. 

The process focuses on two specific areas where additional clarification at scheme level was identified as beneficial for more consistent implementation by certification bodies:

• Clarification of certification statements applicable to the FSC Regulatory Module; and 
• Clarification of minimum audit duration requirements for Forest Management certification audits. 

ADV-STD -20-001-13_V1-0 D1-0 clarifies certification statement wording related to conformity with due diligence processes under the FSC Regulatory Module.

ADV-STD-20-007-28_V1-0 D1-0 introduces minimum audit duration requirements and related clarification on audit planning, audit-time justification for Forest Management certification.

The corresponding Chain of Custody topic on minimum audit duration is addressed separately through the ongoing revision of FSC-STD-20-011.

The objective of the process is to develop targeted clarifications to FSC certification body requirements that:

• Support clearer certification statements under the FSC Regulatory Module; 
• Establish a clearer minimum baseline for determining audit duration in Forest Management certification audits; and 
• Support more consistent implementation, audit planning and audit reporting by certification bodies.

System Performance Programme, systemdevelopment@fsc.org

Internal FSC staff comprise the Experts Working Group for this accelerated process.

Revision of Chain of Custody Standards and FSC-STD-20-011 Chain of Custody Evaluations