FSC certification is not an alternative to having an EUTR Due Diligence System. However, FSC certification can help to make the implementation of such a System much easier. Until recently it remained unclear what level of trust the European Commission and national competent authorities would place in FSC certificates, and whether additional risk assessment/mitigation was necessary.
With the recognition of NEPCon (an FSC accredited certification body) as a Monitoring Organisation in the framework of EUTR, this has now become much clearer. The NEPCon LegalSource system recognises FSC certified and Controlled Wood material as posing a low (negligible) risk if it is verified that the FSC certificate is valid; the material in question is covered by the scope of the certificate; the correct claim is used; and that there is access to the required information (country of harvest and species).
Risk mitigation is necessary only if the risk assessment has NOT concluded the risk is negligible/low. Therefore in case of FSC certified or Controlled Wood material and products, duly verified as described above, risk mitigation is not necessary and the procedure is completed.
FSC has produced, in consultation with NEPCon, a briefing document (see below) on how NEPCon’s Guidance can be understood and utilised by FSC Certificate holders that import into the EU.
For more information please contact John Hontelez, Chief Advocacy Officer: j.hontelez@fsc.org.