FSC has released and continues to provide changes due to COVID-19:
- Forest Management Standard Transition Period Extended Learn more.
- Conducting Certification Audits Remotely FSC-DER-2020-001 (Updated May 7): Provides increased flexibility for most kinds of FM and CoC audits, either through use of desk audits for an extended time available for scheduling the audit. Does not address CoC main audits.
- Use of Virgin Fibre in FSC Recycled Products FSC-DER-2020-003 (Updated June 30): Allows companies to use virgin fiber for tissue and hygiene products carrying the FSC Recycled label.
- Conducting CoC Main Evaluation Audits Remotely FSC-DER-2020-005 (Updated June 30): Provides increased flexibility for CoC main audits.
- Reducing the labelling threshold for FSC Mix Percentage products FSC-DER-2020-006 (Effective April 30): Allows for a decrease in the minimum percent of FSC material required for an FSC Mix Percentage products in the timber, furniture and construction industry.
- CoC Interpretation INT-STD-40-003_05 (Updated June 15): Allows central offices the option of desk audits (remote audits) for all types of participating sites.
These derogations and interpretations have been published in a single volume, together with related frequently asked questions. The document is available for download here.
Any certificate holder who would like to take advantage of the flexibility provided by these derogations will need to work with their certification body to ensure that the necessary preconditions are in place.
Please see also COVID-related updates and information from FSC International here.
The FSC General Assembly will be postponed until 2021, following a decision by the FSC International Board of Directors to protect the health and safety of our members, staff, supporters, and others. The event will still be held in Bali, Indonesia, and the new date is forthcoming: Learn more.
While there is no shortage of news related to COVID-19, the following articles offer direct relevance to businesses and the forest products industry:
- Forestry businesses deemed ‘essential’ across provinces
- Rayonier Advanced Materials announced lumber and newsprint downtime
- Resolute Forest Products to adjust production capacity
- Canfor Northwood pulp pauses production at BC pulp mill
- American Institute of Architects issued analysis of how the economic slowdown will impact design and construction.
- Domtar announces temporary idling of paper capacity for three months
- Cariboo Pulp & Paper will be down for a month
- Mercer's Celgar pulp mill downtime
- Canfor pulp pauses production at two BC pulp mills