|
 |
FSC and PEFC requirements: update on key changes
8 December 2012
The FSC and PEFC forest certification systems are constantly evolving based on stakeholder feedback and new developments in the political and legislative spheres. Hence the schemes need to update their requirements relatively often.
The past year has been no exception. In fact it seems to have been a particularly busy one for those drafting and consulting revisions and issuing new requirements. In addition to other developments, both schemes have revised their Chain of Custody standards and incorporated social issues in their systems.
Overview of key changes
Below is a summary of key changes in the FSC and PEFC certification requirements that need the attention of most certificate holders. We have just passed the deadline for implementation of some of the listed requirements; however, we have included these changes in the tables to offer a full overview of recent changes.
FSC requirements
| Topic/standard |
Key changes |
Deadline |
Minor components
Chain of Custody standard FSC-STD-40-004 V2-1 EN
Learn more
|
Use of non-certified minor components in FSC products shall be phased out by the deadline
|
End of 2012
|
Social issues
Chain of Custody standard FSC-STD-40-004 V2-1 EN
Learn more
|
Self-declaration forms shall be duly signed
A representative for occupational health and safety shall be appointed
The Certificate Holder has procedure(s) for occupational health and safety
The Certificate Holder has conducted training of staff on health and safety procedures
|
1 October 2012
|
Other changes in the
Chain of Custody standard FSC-STD-40-004 V2-1 EN
Learn more
|
New claims shall be used on invoices and transport documents, more in line with the claims used for on-product labeling
The Addendum FSC-STD-40-004b FSC Species Terminology has been withdrawn, and FSC has abolished its requirements for on-product declarations for minor components.
|
1 October 2012
|
Product Classification addendum
FSC-STD-40-004a V2
Learn more
|
New product classification that needs to be followed in the product group list; this also has implications for the annual volume summaries, etc.
|
1 June 2012 |
Controlled Wood
FSC-STD-40-005 Company Evaluation of FSC Controlled Wood
Learn more
|
Amendmends of the standard are under consultation; companies are likely to need to meet some additional documentation requirements pertaining to collection and reporting of information regarding species, country of harvest, trade and custom laws.
|
Not known, but likely during 2012 |
“Sourcing reclaimed material for use in FSC Product Groups or FSC Certified Projects” (FSC-STD-40-007 V2-0)
Learn more
|
There are a number of changes. A key change is that the supplier audit program is now only required for supplies that do not qualify for “inspection/classification upon receipt”, a new concept introduced with the revised standard. |
1 April 2012 |
PEFC requirements
| Topic/standard |
Key changes |
Deadline |
Chain of Custody standard (PEFC ST 2002:2010) – social requirements
Learn more
|
Compliance with ILO core conventions is required. The certificate holder shall ensure that elementary rights of workers are respected and ensure that the working conditions do not endanger the employees’ safety or health. |
26 November 2011 |
Chain of Custody standard (PEFC ST 2002:2010) – other key changes
Learn more
|
Procedures for handling complaints
Written agreements and internal audit procedures covering subcontractors
A number of requirements for documentation have been changed, and PEFC has provided clarification on several points that needs to be followed by certificate holders.
|
26 November 2011 |
Trademark use
Learn more |
New PEFC logo toolkit |
26 November 2011 |
Related articles
FSC aligns itself with the EU Timber Regulation (23/11 2011)
FSC Controlled Wood standard to be amended (23/11 2011)
Social issues move into the FSC Chain of Custody standard (24/8 2011)
New PEFC Chain of Custody standard soon mandatory (18/8 2011)
FSC renames certified products (18/8 2011)
New PEFC logo usage toolkit launched (17/1 2011)
Landmark progress: PEFC addresses social issues (15/12 2010)
Six core PEFC documents revised (15/12 2010)
|
 |
|
|
|
