FSC is the fastest growing forest certification system in the world. However, many forests still do not meet FSC’s standards and since products (e.g. paper, plywood) are made using fibre from many different sources, FSC has established strict rules regarding the type, amounts, and process for mixing fibre from different sources. These requirements are outlined in FSC‟s Chain of Custody standard (FSC-STD-40-004 v2).Currently, FSC’s Controlled Wood standards define the minimum requirements that non-certified forests and fibre must meet in order to be mixed, under strict control, with FSC-certified and/or recycled fibre through company-developed risk assessments.Development of a National Controlled Wood Risk Assessment by FSC Canada will help FSC provide a consistent application of our Standards & Policies and help FSC Certificate holders better avoid products from:
- Illegally harvested forests;
- Forests harvested in violation of traditional and civil rights;
- Forests in which high conservation values are threatened;
- Forests that are being converted to plantations or non-forest use; or
- Forests in which genetically modified trees are planted.
It is FSC Canada’s goal to support the successful development of a National Controlled Wood Assessment for Canada. FSC Canada is currently in the process of putting together a four person Controlled Wood Working Group which will consist of representation from FSC Canada’s four Chambers (Aboriginal, Social Environmental and Economic) and regions across Canada.
For questions, please contact Vivian Peachey, E: vpeachey@fsccanada.org