What is FSC certification? Which industries need FSC certification?

Recently, in the textile and garment industry, we often hear customers asking fabric and garment factories to obtain FSC certification. Why did the textile industry also start FSC certification? Is there a connection between textiles and wood now? That is because the viscose fibers in textiles are all derived from tree bark.

1. What is FSC certification?

When it comes to FSC certification, we should start by knowing and understanding the FSC organization. FSC is the abbreviation of Forest Stewardship Council, an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization. Forest sustainable management certification is a tool that uses market mechanisms to promote sustainable forest management. It is referred to as forest certification, timber certification or certification in general.

2. What are the two types of forest certification?

Forest certification includes two basic contents, namely forest management certification (FM forest management certification) and chain of custody certification (COC forest chain of custody certification).

FM is forest management certification, which is applicable to forest management units.

CoC is a chain of custody certification, applicable to production and processing enterprises.

3. Which industries require FSC certification?

As long as it involves papermaking, printing, packaging, furniture, building materials, handicrafts and other wood-related industries, FSC certification is required. Now FSC is also popular in the textile industry.

4. Do exported products require FSC forest certification?

Yes, and FSC certification is a mandatory requirement for export markets. Since the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) was officially implemented in March 2013, the 27 EU importing countries have tightened the management of wood products and required risk assessment of wood products. Among them, passing FSC certification (FSC-COC certification) is the simplest and most effective way. At present, more and more domestic factories and trading companies that export wood products to developed markets such as Europe and the United States apply for FSC certification.

5. What is the validity period of the FSC certificate?

The FSC certificate is valid for 5 years, but an annual review must be carried out every year.