FSC-STD 40-004 V3-1 – Certification of woodworking and paper processing companies
The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) is a not-for-profit, international, membership-based organisation with a worldwide remit to fight for environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable forest management.
The FSC COC certification (Chain of Custody) was introduced to ensure that timber can be traced all the way back to its original source.
Leading certification body in Switzerland
Recognised internationally for access to markets worldwide
We have been certifying management systems since 1983
Around 7 000 customers trust our Services
Quality guidelines FSC-STD 40-004 V3-1
Certified companies can use the FSC logo to demonstrate their good stewardship of timber resources. Documented evidence that the wood which they process is sourced from ecologically sound and socially responsible production sites strengthens their public image and is a key selling point.
The FSC CoC standard demands in return that processing plants or trading firms have clear and transparent procedures in place with regard to the handling of the materials they use. Exact documentation, thorough record-keeping and careful tracking of the flow of materials all play a part in improving efficiency in production processes and in providing greater proof of authenticity in purchasing and sales.
Target groups of FSC-STD
Woodworking enterprises, paper processing companies and organisations along the entire production chain.
Validity period of the certificate
5 years - there is an annual audit to ensure that standards are being maintained and a recertification audit after 5 years.
Recognition of the SQS certificate
The SQS certificate of conformity with FSC COC has international recognition.
Responsible for the product and there for you
Peter Böckli
Do you have any questions about the standard or our service? Would you like to know more about the certification process and the costs? Or may we provide you with a concrete offer for the certification?
We are happy to help you. Our account management team and I, as the product manager, will be happy to forward your questions to our experienced auditors. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to access certified management systems.
Please let us know how we can support you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Kind regards
Peter Böckli
Sustainable procurement and image enhancement
FSC-certified companies demonstrate their commitment to responsible forest management and environmentally friendly production. This credibility has a positive effect on the brand image and promotes trust among customers, authorities and NGOs.
Traceability and quality improvement
Through clear documentation and control of the material flow, it is ensured that only wood from responsible forestry is used. This leads to traceable processes in purchasing, warehousing and production.
Access to new markets and competitive advantage
FSC-certified products are in demand in many national and international markets. Certification opens doors to public tenders and attractive major contracts, as the proof of responsible forest management is increasingly required.
If you feel fit for the standard, you are welcome to use the form above to register for certification. Otherwise, your path to FSC certification could look like this:
#1 – Building up the system
Implement your management system in accordance with the requirements of the standard so that you are ready for your first external certification audit by SQS.
#2 – Registration for the certification
After registering for certification, you can benefit from a preliminary talk or pre-audit. The pre-audit identifies system-relevant gaps and enables efficient certification.
#3 – Auditing
We first review your system documentation, assess your readiness for certification and draw up a detailed audit plan together with you. Our auditors then visit your company to assess the relevant test objects and the maturity degree of the management system and compile a report.
#4 – Certificate with a five-year validity
If the report is positive, you receive the certificate in digital and printed form. You can communicate it internally and externally for five years. Annual audits ensure compliance with the standard and enable continuous improvements. A comprehensive recertification takes place after five years.
How long does it take to obtain a FSC certificate?
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The duration depends on the size and complexity of the company and your degree of preparation. Well-organised documentation and clear responsibilities speed up the procedure.
How often does a FSC certificate need to be renewed?
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FSC certificates are valid for five years. A surveillance audit takes place annually and a recertification audit is carried out after five years.
What are the costs associated with a FSC certification?
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The costs vary depending on the company size, product range and FSC control system (transfer, percentage, credit system). We will be happy to provide you with a customised offer.
In addition to the certification costs, FSC charges sales-related AAF fees.
Does SQS also offer consultancy services?
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No, our core competence is certification. However, if required, we will be happy to connect you with external experts or organise training courses so that you can optimally prepare for certification.
What role does the certification body play in FSC certification?
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The certification body checks neutrally and independently whether your Chain of Custody management system complies with the FSC specifications and issues the certificate if the assessment is positive.
How can a company verify the validity of a FSC certificate?
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Each certificate is given a unique licence number (FSC licence code). This information can be used to check the validity in the official FSC database.
What happens if a company does not fulfil the requirements of the FSC standard?
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If non-conformities are identified during the audit, the company is given a deadline to implement appropriate corrective measures. The certificate cannot be issued or maintained without successful implementation.
How does the FSC standard differ from other wood and forest certifications?
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FSC places particular emphasis on social and ecological criteria. These include, for example, the protection of human rights in forestry and the preservation of natural forest ecosystems. Other systems have similar objectives in some cases but differ in their requirements and audit processes.
How does an FSC-certified management system contribute to environmental protection?
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By ensuring the traceability of the wood and only using wood from responsible forestry, overexploitation and illegal logging are curbed. This promotes the preservation of ecosystems and contributes to climate protection.
How can FSC and ISO 38200 be combined?
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Both standards aim to ensure the traceability of wood and wood products and create transparency about their origin. While the FSC standard defines specific requirements for responsible forest management and the use of the FSC logo, ISO 38200 provides a more general framework for the chain of custody certification of various materials. In many areas, the processes and documentation requirements overlap, meaning that they can be easily integrated into a common management system, reducing the overall certification effort.