FSC Controlled Wood of Forest Management Enterprises
The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Controlled Wood standard is a part of the FSC certification system, which sets criteria for responsible forest management and sustainable sourcing of forest products. The Controlled Wood standard specifically focuses on the verification and management of the non-certified wood that enters the supply chain of FSC-certified products.
The objective of the FSC Controlled Wood standard is to ensure that non-certified wood used in FSC-certified products does not come from controversial sources, such as illegal logging, violation of traditional and human rights, conversion of natural forests to plantations or non-forest uses, and significant environmental damage. The standard establishes requirements for risk assessment and risk mitigation to prevent the inclusion of such materials in FSC-certified products.
Forest Management Enterprises seeking FSC Controlled Wood certification must comply with the following key requirements:
Risk Assessment: Forest Management Enterprises must conduct a risk assessment to identify and evaluate the potential risks associated with non-certified wood sources. The assessment considers criteria such as legality, high conservation value (HCV) areas, and social and environmental impacts.
Risk Mitigation: Based on the risk assessment, Forest Management Enterprises are required to develop and implement risk mitigation measures to minimize or eliminate the inclusion of wood from unacceptable sources in their supply chain. This may involve enhanced due diligence, supplier engagement, and traceability systems.
Chain of Custody: Forest Management Enterprises must establish a robust chain of custody system to track and verify the flow of non-certified wood through the supply chain. This ensures that only wood from acceptable sources is used in FSC-certified products.
By implementing the FSC Controlled Wood standard, Forest Management Enterprises demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing practices and contribute to the overall goal of promoting sustainable forestry. The standard provides assurance to customers and stakeholders that the non-certified wood used in FSC-certified products meets certain criteria and does not contribute to the negative impacts associated with controversial sources.