Dear certificate holders and stakeholders,
FSC Canada would like to inform you of recent developments that are underway to assist certificate holders with transitioning to the new Controlled Wood Standard, including:
- A technical revision of the CW Standard (Version 3.1) by FSC International,
- A proposed a 6-month extension to the transition period of the new CW Standard until December 31, 2017;
- North American (NA) interpretation for the CW Standard.
Controlled Wood Standard (version 3.1) Technical Revision
FSC International is completing a technical revision of the Controlled Wood Standard (FSC-STD-40-005 V3-0), and are expected to release version 3-1 in the near future.
Proposed Extension of the Transition Period
The FSC International Board of Directors is reviewing a proposal to extend the transition period to Version 3-0 of the Controlled Wood Standard until December 31, 2017 and we are expecting to hear a final decision very soon.
North American Interpretation for the Controlled Wood Standard
In December 2016, FSC International announced that network partners could develop national interpretation of the Controlled Wood Standard (FSC-STD-40-005 V3-0) due to concerns raised over elements of the standard. FSC Canada and FSC US are jointly working on a North American interpretation, providing clarity on key requirements such as stakeholder consultation, information on suppliers and sub-suppliers, and the management of high conservation values.
This interpretation is being developed in coordination with certification bodies to ensure consistent messaging for North American certificate holders and it will be submitted to FSC International for review in February 2017.
Importantly, the technical revision to the Controlled Wood Standard, extension of the transition period, and North American Interpretation all need to be formally approved by FSC International before implementation by certificate holders or certification bodies.
Current Controlled Wood Standards remain in effect
In the meantime, both versions of the Controlled Wood Standard (V2-1 and V3-0) remain in full effect during the transition period. Knowing that the above initiatives are underway, please contact your certification body with respect to the specifics of your audit timing and the transitioning to V3-0 of the Controlled Wood Standard.
If you have specific comments on elements of V3-0 of the CW Standard, please send to info@ca.fsc.org and FSC Canada will forward feedback to its board of directors for consideration in the controlled wood interpretation.
Alternatively, comments can also be sent directly to Orrin Quinn, Western Canada Regional Manager, at FSC Canada at o.quinn@ca.fsc.org.
We hope that these related developments assist organization with transitioning to the new Controlled Wood Standard. Your patience in this matter is appreciated and any official approvals from FSC International will be promptly brought to your attention.
FSC Canada