Forest Management Evaluation Requirements: Extension of Transition Period for Certification Bodies

FSC has extended the transition period associated with FSC’s standard on Specific Requirements for Certification Bodies - Forest Management (FSC-STD-20-007). Certification Bodies can now move from Version 3-0 to Version 4-0 by 31 March 2027. This update is reflected in the revised ADVICE-20-007-25 V2-0, available on page 51 of the FSC Directive on Forest Management Evaluations (FSC-DIR-20-007). 

The extension is necessary because FSC is currently undergoing a review process by the German national accreditation body, DAkkS (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle). During this process, German Certification Bodies cannot complete the transition to Version 4-0 under the regular timeline. Extending the transition period ensures continuity of accreditation until the DAkkS review concludes.