The FSC brand is increasingly well-known by European consumers. For example, FSC ranks fourth among the best-known quality assurance trademarks in the Netherlands, and 33% of the Danes recognize the FSC label. Sources: FSC International and FSC-Denmark. 

The Estonian Forest Certification Scheme has been endorsed by the PEFC Council. This endorsement brings the number of PEFC endorsed national certification schemes to 24. At the same time the PEFC Council re-endorsed four other national certification schemes. Read more

The Latvian Forest Certification Scheme is no longer endorsed by the PEFC Council, and forest management certificates issued against it can not be considered as PEFC recognised. Read more

A major step forward for the FSC process in Poland: The Polish FSC National Initiative has been accredited by the FSC. The NI is now able to move forward with the development and finalization of a national FSC-endorsed forest management standard for Poland.

The Swedish Nature Conservation Society is leaving the Board of FSC-Sweden. However, the Society remains a member of FSC and will participate in the system's further development. Download press release 

The FSC has released a Market Info Pack revealing the latest FSC-related market figures. For example, the global market for FSC products has now topped 20 billion USD - and is still growing. Download market info pack

A new online FSC marketplace has been jointly launched by 4 FSC National Initiatives. Initially, the database covers FSC certified products from Denmark, Germany, Brazil and Australia, but more countries are expected to follow. Check it out at www.fsc-products.org

One of the world's largest FSC trade fairs, the Certified Brazil Trade Fair, will take place in São Paulo, Brazil, during April 16-18 2008. The event brings together producers and buyers of FSC products from around the world.  Read more  

The PEFC Council is inviting comments on the organisation, structure, and mission of the PEFC. Please note that the deadline for submitting your comments is close - 31 March. Read more

NEPCon's next FSC auditor training course will take place during April 7-11 in St. Petersburg, Russia. The course will be conducted in the Russian language and is a full auditor course covering forest management as well as chain of custody and controlled wood auditing. Participants who pass the final exam will receive an auditor certificate. You must sign up before 31st of March. Read more