New IFSS for South Africa Natural Forests

FSC Policy and Performance Unit (P&P) is pleased to announce the publication of V1-0 of FSC-Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Natural Forests for South Africa (FSC-STD-ZAF-01-2026 Natural Forests) based on FSC Principles and Criteria V5-3. The effective date of the standard is 1 July 2026.   

CBs operating in South Africa are required to inform all their clients about the English (official) version of the FSC standard immediately. The transition period of the standard will be 18 (eighteen) months from the effective date, ending on 30 November 2027. Existing certificate holders will need to be audited against the new standard as applicable, within 18 months of the effective date, to retain their certification status.    

When using this FSC standard, certification bodies shall address major and minor nonconformities as usual. The applicable version of FSC standard FSC-STD-20-001 determines the conditions for closing non-conformities.   

For more information, visit FSC News Centre: English | Español   

For queries about the assessment and approval process of IFSS, please contact FSC Country Requirements Programme via: country_requirements@fsc.org.