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Chain of custody certificate holders
As an FSC certificate holder you are helping to ensure forests for all forever - thank you!
Chain of custody certificate holders are required to implement and maintain a chain of custody management system to ensure their continuous conformity with all applicable certification requirements. On this page you will find key FSC chain of custody documents and information. Should you have any questions, you can contact your FSC-accredited certification body or your national office, FSC UK.
Chain of custody standards
Sourcing reclaimed material for use in FSC Product Groups or FSC Certified Projects (FSC-STD-40-007 V2-0)
Chain of custody control systems
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Transfer system
The transfer system provides the simplest approach for determining output claims by transferring the FSC claims of input materials directly to the output products. Eligible materials must be segregated from ineligible materials to ensure that the link between input and output material is preserved throughout all stages of processing.
This system allows outputs to be sold with an FSC claim that is identical to, or lower than, the input material category and, if applicable, the lowest associated percentage claim or credit claim. It can be applied to all types of product groups, FSC claims, and activities.
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Percentage system
The percentage system is an FSC control system which allows all outputs to be sold with a percentage claim that corresponds to the proportion of claim-contributing inputs over a specified claim period.
The percentage system can be applied to FSC Mix and FSC Recycled product groups at the level of a single or multiple physical sites.
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Credit system
The credit system is an FSC control system which allows a proportion of outputs to be sold with a credit claim corresponding to the quantity of claim-contributing inputs and the applicable product group conversion factor(s).
The credit system can be used for FSC Mix and FSC Recycled product groups at the level of a single or multiple physical sites.
Core labour requirements
In 2021 FSC introduced new core labour requirements, as part of the chain of custody certification standard, to provide added protection for the rights of workers in all FSC-certified operations.
FSC certificate holders must demonstrate conformity to the requirements, which cover the abolition of child labour, elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, elimination of discrimination with respect to employment and occupation, upholding freedom of association, and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
Guidance for certificate holders can be found here.
Advice and interpretations
A directive includes all advice issued in relation to a single standard. The relation to a standard is reflected in the document code. An interpretation is a formal normative clarification provided by the FSC Performance and Standards Unit to requirements included in documents of the FSC Normative Framework.
Directives
FSC Directive on Chain of Custody Certification (FSC-DIR-40-004)
FSC Directive on FSC Controlled Wood (FSC-DIR-40-005)
FSC Directive on Project Certification (FSC-DIR-40-006)
Interpretations
Chain of Custody Interpretations
Controlled Wood Interpretations
Online training
We offer free online training for UK certificate and licence holders. Our training courses are designed to introduce and explain the FSC system and how it relates to your business or organisation. Our FSC chain of custody online training course provides organisations the opportunity to easily access and learn about FSC Chain of Custody certification.
Trademark use
The FSC trademarks are the primary communication tools for FSC certificate holders to demonstrate that their products meet the standards set by FSC. Compliance with the FSC trademark standard is mandatory for all FSC certificate holders making use of the FSC trademarks.
News
News, case studies and technical updates from FSC UK.
Consumer Insights
The latest consumer UK and global FSC consumer survey results.
Forest Matters
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