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Development of National Group Chain of Custody Eligibility Criteria
Procedure (PRO)
FSC-PRO-40-003
The objective of this document is to provide the procedures to be followed by the NOs for the definition of national eligibility criteria for Group COC certification.
List of Approved Derogations for use of ‘Highly Hazardous’ Pesticides
Procedure (PRO)
FSC-PRO-30-001a
This addendum lists temporary derogations for the use of pesticides that are considered by FSC to be ‘highly hazardous'. These derogations have been individually approved by the FSC Pesticides Committee on behalf of the FSC Board of Directors. Derogations have been approved only when all the requirements of the Pesticides Derogation Procedure were met. They include strict conditions to be fulfilled by the certificate holders during the derogation period. Derogations are approved for the smallest applicable geographical scope. The derogations listed below are not valid for national use. The rationale for establishing such a list is to provide an overview of derogations used at global level.
Development and Transfer of National Forest Stewardship Standards to the FSC Principles and Criteria Version 5-1
Procedure (PRO)
FSC-PRO-60-006
The objective of this Procedure is to provide a methodology for developing and transferring National Forest Stewardship Standards (NFSSs) to the P&C V5-1.
Transaction Verification Procedure
Procedure (PRO)
FSC-PRO-10-201
The objective of this document is to provide a transparent procedure for transaction verification. Transaction verification is one of the certification activities carried out by accredited certification bodies and Assurance Services International to safeguard the integrity of the FSC system and address integrity risks in relevant supply chains.
Calculating Financial Penalty/Compensation Fee and Processing Evidence for Blocked Organizations
Procedure (PRO)
FSC-PRO-10-003
The objective of this document is to provide the procedures for the calculation of the financial penalty/compensation fee and the process for blocked organizations to contest their blocked status in response to false claims. This procedure is not subject to the rules and regulations outlined in FSC-PRO-01-001."
Processing FSC Policy for Association Complaints
Procedure (PRO)
FSC-PRO-01-009
This document describes the process that FSC adopts to ensure a timely, independent and effective resolution of Policy for Association complaints. These are complaints against organizations associated with FSC about their compliance with FSC-POL-01-004, the Policy for the Association of Organizations with FSC.
FSC Remedy Framework
Procedure (PRO)
FSC-PRO-01-007
FSC Remedy Framework defines permanent and effective measures required for remedy of harm caused by unacceptable activities as defined by the Policy for the Association of Organizations with FSC V2-0 or by conversion between 1 December 1994 and 31 December 2020.
FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for the United States of America
Forest Stewardship Standards (FSS)
FSC-STD-USA-01-2010
The present document contains certification requirements for certifying forest operations in the United States of America, developed in accordance with FSC's normative document for the development and maintenance of Forest Stewardship Standards. Revisions of Forest Stewardship Standards are ongoing, and all existing standards will be transferred to the revised Principles & Criteria version 5-2. All standards are valid until replaced by a new Forest Stewardship Standard.
The FSC National Forest Stewardship Standard of Swiss Confederation (and Principality of Liechtenstein)
Forest Stewardship Standards (FSS)
FSC-STD-CHE-01-2018
This standard was developed in accordance with FSC's normative documents for the development and maintenance of Forest Stewardship Standards. The document is applicable to all forest operations seeking FSC certification within Switzerland and Principality of Liechtenstein. The standard applies to all forest types and scales. The scope does not cover non-timber forest products. Revisions of Forest Stewardship Standards are ongoing, and all existing standards will be transferred to the revised Principles & Criteria version 5-2. All standards are valid until replaced by a new Forest Stewardship Standard.
FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for Honduras
Forest Stewardship Standards (FSS)
FSC-STD-HND-01-2014
The present document contains certification requirements for small and low intensity managed forest operations in Honduras, developed in accordance with FSC's normative document for the development and maintenance of Forest Stewardship Standards. Revisions of Forest Stewardship Standards are ongoing, and all existing standards will be transferred to the revised Principles & Criteria version 5-2. All standards are valid until replaced by a new Forest Stewardship Standard.
(827 results)
FSC_Policy_responses_Ukraine__2022-12-19
FSC core labour requirements self-assessment_Australia V1-0
Greenpeace Report - Stolen Future
FSC-STD-01-003 SLIMF Review Report
Focus Forests Landscape Dialogue – Info Sheet_EN
First Draft - FSC-STD-50-002 V2-0 EN
2018.07 New Members EN- FSC Internacional
2020.12 New Members EN - FSC Internacional
FSC core labour requirements self-assessment_USA V1-0
FSC-STD-RAP-01-2021

Intensified forestry and shared values in the wider landscape

FSC, together with an advisory group of members, has committed a study 'Forestry Intensification for Shared Value' to identify if and when we can consider intensified forestry as sustainable. Coming from this work, we found that implementing shared values can make intensification sustainable if shared value is considered at the landscape level, not just at the management unit level.

Shared values are the positive result of (intensified) forestry, such as in plantations, which are commonly recognized amongst the different stakeholder groups (social, environmental and economic) across the wider landscape.

shared values banner

How can intensification deliver shared values?

For centuries, forestry has been intensified but today, with the increasing demand for more forest products and the urgent need to protect our forests at the same time, FSC has raised the question - Can we provide renewable forest materials to a growing world population, and increase contributions to biodiversity at the same time? And in this process, how do we foster ecosystem services, community resilience, and protect the rights of women, Indigenous Peoples, and workers in the wider landscape? Can we identify how forestry practices provide not only enhanced productivity but also positive long-term contributions to achieve environmental and social benefits in the wider landscape? 

FSC, together with certificate holders, rights holders and other stakeholders is seeking ways to identify if and how FSC-certified intensified production is advancing responsible forest management while enhancing shared values in the wider landscape.

Examples of shared values in the wider landscape from sustainable forest management

shared value icon 1

Community Economic Development: Provision of local livelihood support such as the collection of non-timber forest products and mushrooms or medicinal plants, contribute to the creation of economic value in a way that also creates value for community. However, shared values also emphasize the importance of equitable economic value creation within communities. Shared values in this context involve not only the sustainable utilization of forest resources but also the benefit sharing by all stakeholders. 

shared value icon 2

Ecosystem Services Conservation: The promotion of recreational activities and ecosystem services provisions like hiking, biking or wildlife observation, demonstrate shared commitment to conserve natural areas, promote sustainable land-use practices, and promote nature-related recreation. Shared values at the same time explore how stakeholders collectively prioritize the conservation and enhancement of ecosystem services in the wider landscape and promote its benefits amongst the community.

shared value icon 3

Cultural and Spiritual Connection: Traditional practices, ceremonial gatherings, spiritual rituals, and community resilience emphasize the deeper cultural and spiritual significance of forests to local communities. Shared values encompass not only the preservation of cultural heritage sites and traditional practices within the forest management units, but also include the empowerment of local and indigenous communities in the wider landscape in consultation processes. 

shared value icon 4

We are exploring methods for identifying shared values in the wider landscape by evaluating for example, their social and environmental benefits, the level of engagement in consultation processes for livelihood support, supporting community initiatives, conservation programs, participation in restoration projects, conducting community consultations, indigenous people’s consultations, and participatory mapping exercises.

SV timeline

How do we co-create to identify the contributions of FSC-certified plantations in the wider landscape? 

Co-creating shared values in intensified forests involved a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, members, experts, certificate holders, each bringing perspectives and expertise to the discussions. Through extensive engagement sessions, workshops, and forums, we fostered an inclusive environment where ideas could be exchanged.

Main supporters of developing shared values are the Sustainable Intensification Advisory Group (SIAG), appointed by the FSC Board of Directors, the SIAG consists of six members, equally representing the interests of the social, environmental, and economic chambers of the FSC membership. SIAG is tasked with providing a balanced understanding of sustainable intensification and shared values, promoting broader engagement, knowledge-sharing and collaborative initiatives to support the development of FSC solutions.

"We are a dedicated team of 6 FSC members around the world working on a voluntary basis since 2018 to support the
FSC in it’s efforts to achieve sustainable forest management in a context where forest intensification is no longer
a hypothesis but rather a reality”
- SIAG members

SIAG members

iufro congress

Moving forward: Next steps

To advance the Shared Values project, we are expanding our approach. Collaboration with stakeholders and certificate holders is crucial as we identify appropriate shared values and how these can be identified for the wider landscape. For this purpose FSC will use the  "Sphere of Influence" concept. The Sphere of Influence refers to decisions and actions by stakeholders that influence what happens in the wider landscape, not just in the forest management unit that is FSC certified. The influence can be over ecological processes (migration corridors, gene flows, watershed alteration), social processes (delivery of critical civil services, land tenure clarification) or economic processes (job creation, benefit sharing schemes, infrastructure development). It is expected that through the concept of Sphere of Influence, stakeholders interact with their colleagues, other professionals, Indigenous Peoples, businesses and agencies, including government ministries, departments and other agencies, to achieve shared values objectives. 

FSC's goal is to develop outcome-based values. Next steps involve establishing a roadmap, engaging stakeholders, streamlining surveys, initiating pilot projects, and crafting a robust communication plan. We plan launching new pilots, expanding into additional regions and intensified forestry practices, also beyond plantations. The aim is to finalize a methodology and tools for identifying and communicating shared values from intensified forestry by 2025, with applicability across all regions.

Forestry intensification for shared values by Lars Laestadius
PDF, Size: 2.19MB

Forestry Intensification for shared values

In 2022, FSC published a Discussion Paper that explains the concept of shared-value at ethical and operational levels, examining the relationship between intensified forestry and consumption through the lens of shifting population needs.

FSC and the discussion on Genetic Engineering

FSC forbids the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for commercial purposes in certified forestry, as well as in certified products. This is based on Principle 10.4 in the FSC Principles and Criteria, as well as in the Policy on GMOs. In addition, the FSC Policy for Association forbids certified organizations to use GMOs in uncertified products and forestry, other than for research purposes. 

In the context of an ongoing discussion in forestry on growing the global supply for wood and forest products by intensifying forest management, FSC wanted to explore sustainable intensification, and if and how this could contribute to the protection of forests, biodiversity and social wellbeing while ensuring long-term sustainability. Next to forest intensification and shared values, the issue of genetic engineering was raised. The focus was on understanding sustainable intensification practices and identifying shared values to find innovative social, environmental, and economic solutions within the FSC.

GMOs have been discussed in FSC General Assemblies since 2010. In February 2022 the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) announced the start of a process to discuss GE (Genetic Engineering) outside of FSC certified area. The FSC International Board appointed a Panel of Experts to provide advice on how a GE Learning Process could help FSC gain sufficient and trusted knowledge on developments in genetic engineering in forestry.  After a planned review of the GE Learning Process during their Board Meeting in March 2023, the FSC Board of Directors has decided to discontinue the learning process. The decision considered the different views in FSC’s membership around the learning process, the division this bring to FSC as well as the potential risk to FSC’s mission and reputation. The Board affirmed that (apart from literature reviews, desk studies and research allowed by the current Policy for Association) no investigations of genetically modified trees would be undertaken or called for by FSC without first ensuring broad membership engagement and agreement. A statement from the FSC Board of Directors can be found here.