Public Consultation Notice: Interpretation of GMO Definition

Public Consultation on the Interpretation of genetically modified organism (GMO) definition (INT-FSC-STD-01-001_19)

The Policy and Innovation Department is launching a public consultation on a draft interpretation related to the definition of genetically modified organism (GMO).

This interpretation intends to reinforce and clarify how FSC addresses organisms developed through modern genetic technologies, reaffirm the prohibition of these technologies in certified operations, and uphold FSC’s normative framework intent of preventing the use of GMOs in a manner that could compromise natural forest dynamics or ecosystem resilience.   This interpretation request focuses on clarifying that the definition of GMO covers also organisms in which the genetic material has been altered using modern genetic engineering technologies such as CRISPR-based gene editing.

This focus consultation is open for 60 calendar days, from 30 July 2025 until 23:59 (CET) 28 September 2025.

The public consultation is available in French and English. It includes background information and the proposed interpretation:

EN: Public Consultation on the Interpretation on GMO (INT-FSC-STD-01-001_19).

FR: Consultation Publique sur Interprétation sur les OGM (INT-FSC-STD-01-001_19)

For any questions or comments about the draft, please contact the Policy and Innovation Department at policyinnovation@fsc.org