Document Code: ADV-STD-01-003-01
Topic: FM Standards
Document Type: Advice Notes (ADV)
Publication Date: July 3, 2025
FSC has published a new Advice Note ADV-STD-01-003-01, available here.
This Advice Note provides clarification on national Forest Stewardship Standards (FSS) which still reference outdated eligibility criteria for Small and Low Intensity Managed Forest (SLIMF), excluding non-timber forest product (NTFP) plantations.
With the adoption of the second version of the FSC standard on SLIMF and Community Forest Eligibility Criteria (FSC-STD-01-003 V2-0), NTFP plantations may now qualify as low intensity managed forests and therefore be eligible as SLIMF. The new Advice Note enables certificate holders in Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Central America to apply the updated criteria without revising their FSS immediately.
The Advice Note was developed following an accelerated revision process, including a focused consultation with Certification Bodies (CBs) and Network Partners in the relevant countries and regions .
The Advice Note was approved on 24 June 2025 and it becomes effective on 1 January 2026. It applies to organizations seeking or holding FSC Forest Management certification, their CBs, and parties involved in the development or revision of FSS in the countries listed. You can read the related news item here.
For any questions, please contact the Policy Innovation Team at policyinnovation@fsc.org