June 28, 2012- Following discussions with FSC International’s (FSC IC) Policy and Standards Unit, FSC IC has provided FSC Canada with clarifications regarding FSC’s international policies which may impact current Standard interpretations results regarding 2.3.3 and 3.1.2 under the FSC Canada National Boreal Standard.
To ensure that FSC Canada’s Standard Interpretations are in line with FSC IC’s policies, FSC Canada will immediately begin a Process to review and potentially revise these interpretations.
While FSC Canada reviews the Standard Interpretations, FSC International advises that Certification Bodies not to use the current interpretations when auditing new applicants for FSC Forest Management (FM)Certificates.
The revised Standard interpretations, regarding 2.3.3 and 3.1.2 under the FSC Canada National Boreal Standard, shall have immediate effect upon being published.Existing Certificate Holders shall have a period of 12 months to comply with the newly revised interpretations. Failure to fulfil these requirements within these 12 months shall be addressed by a major non-conformity with no possibility of extension. New Certificate Holders have to comply with the requirements included in these interpretations.
For questions or concerns, please contact Richard Robertson, Policy and Standards Unit at FSC International r.roberton@fsc.org or Vivian Peachey, Standards & Policy Advisor, FSC Canada vpeachey@fsccanada.org