Due to the pandemic of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), vast areas of the world continue to be subject to travel restrictions, affecting certification bodies’ ability to perform on-site audits. To address this ongoing situation, FSC has
- updated two derogations,
- issued one new derogation, and
- withdrawn two derogations which expired (CoC-specific derogations addressing supply chain constraints).
The amended derogations (FSC-DER-2020-004 and FSC-DER-2020-001) continue to be applicable and have been adapted to reflect the continued impact of the pandemic on certification bodies and certificate holders in performing audits on-site and ability to be audited on site. This includes extensions through June 30, 2021, or until withdrawn by FSC (in response to the global development of the COVID-19 pandemic).
Key elements of the new derogation FSC-DER-2020-012:
- A ‘hybrid model’ for FM audits where on-site audit parts can be supported by technical experts/auditors on the ground while the audit team leader may conduct the audit remotely.
- A section on pre-conditions that need to be fulfilled and covers the competence and required previous experience of supporting technical experts.
- Applicability of the hybrid model to any type of audit.
Derogations may be viewed within a single volume that includes derogations, interpretations, and frequently asked questions, or individually:
All COVID-19-related updates and information from FSC may be accessed here: https://www.fsc.org/en/news?category=271