Update: Chain of Custody Standard public consultation

The third public consultation on the FSC-STD-40-004 Chain of Custody Certification standard ended on 31 August 2016. The valuable feedback supplied by over 500 participants, 72 per cent of whom have been FSC certificate holders for five years or more, will be considered in the revised standard presented to the FSC International Board of Directors for approval in November 2016.

October 20, 2016

“It has always been our intention to address misleading claims in the FSC system,” says Achim Droste, Director of the FSC Policy & Standards Unit. “In terms of transaction verification, 43 per cent of respondents were in favour of the risk-based approach, while 57 per cent were against. However, the informed feedback we received has provided numerous solutions for us to consider moving forward.”

Approximately equal numbers of small, medium-sized, and large organizations provided feedback, and a majority of the stakeholders who responded were from the European region. Many respondents appreciated the improved clarity of the text, examples, and graphics in the draft standard. The section of the standard about transaction verification was the most commented upon, with many differing opinions.

Respondents were concerned about the risks to data security, an increase in costs, and increased complexity to chain of custody certification due to transaction verification.
Respondents suggested that various solutions for transaction verification should be tested before implementation, as its likely numerous solutions will have to work together to address supply chain challenges.
Respondents agreed that there should be clear consequences for falsifying claims and they should come into effect quickly when a certification body or Accreditation Services International (ASI) identifies a false claim.
Respondents agreed ASI should have a bigger role in monitoring and controlling purposeful fraudulent claims in the FSC system.
Respondents agreed that the Online Claims Platform (OCP) should remain available to anyone who wants to use it voluntarily.

“Reaching consensus amongst our stakeholders on this issue is not an easy task, but we encourage open dialogue about possible solutions because we are committed to strengthening the integrity of supply chain certification throughout the FSC system,” Droste continues. “To remain a respected and credible organization with the highest standards, we must continue to lead and push for an appropriate solution that meets the needs of our stakeholders, and the needs of the world’s forests.”

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