APPLICATION 01
Paper and packaging
Track eligible inputs through converting, printing and sales.
INTERNATIONAL / FOREST-BASED SOURCING
FSC chain of custody.
Know the story of your materials.
Prepare forest-based product operations for FSC chain of custody certification by organizing sourcing evidence, material controls and sales claims, with support for implementation and independent assessment of the defined business scope.
Scope review · Documentation · Coordination
FOREST-BASED SOURCING
International
FSC
SERVICE AT A GLANCEFSC Chain of CustodyInternational
YOUR MARKETInternational
YOUR FOCUSForest-based sourcing
OUR APPROACHConnected compliance support
FROM THE DETAILSTo the
possibilities.CLARITY AT EVERY STEP
possibilities.CLARITY AT EVERY STEP
Built around your organization.
Focused on your next market.
Focused on your next market.
01 / THE BIG PICTURE
Understand the requirements.
See the opportunity.
FSC chain of custody certification concerns the handling of forest-based materials through processing, manufacturing and trade. It supports credible claims by connecting eligible inputs to controlled outputs. This service focuses on chain of custody rather than forest management certification.
Complise Global helps organizations understand where certified material enters their operation, how it is identified and what evidence supports the final claim. Buying material from a certified supplier does not automatically authorize every downstream company to label its products.
Explore the requirements02 / WHERE IT APPLIES
Teams and operations.
A shared focus on improvement.
Start with your activities, sites and customer expectations. Here are some of the organizations and operations covered by this service.
APPLICATION 02
Wood products
Control material identity through processing and manufacture.
APPLICATION 03
Traders and distributors
Maintain valid claims across purchasing and sales records.
These are examples. The scope depends on your activities, sites and the selected standard or programme.
03 / THE PATH FORWARD
From assessment
to a clear outcome.
Connect scope review, implementation and assessment with a plan suited to your organization.
Map the material flow
Define sites, products and claim-making activities.
Build traceability
Review suppliers and material controls.
Prepare the operation
Train teams and check labour requirements.
Coordinate assessment
Support audit evidence and corrective actions.
One connected workflow, with your organization at the center.
Create your project brief04 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
Your requirements.
The details, made clear.
Open a topic for guidance on scope, requirements, documentation and practical considerations.
6 topics in this guide
CHAPTER 01Choose the appropriate scopeIdentify the products, sites and activities that will make or pass on FSC claims. Consider ownership, processing and outsourcing…
Identify the products, sites and activities that will make or pass on FSC claims. Consider ownership, processing and outsourcing arrangements. The scope should reflect the business flow and the certification structure agreed with an FSC-accredited certification body.
CHAPTER 02Check suppliers and incoming claimsCreate a purchasing process that checks supplier certification and the claim on relevant sales documents. Keep the relationship…
Create a purchasing process that checks supplier certification and the claim on relevant sales documents. Keep the relationship between material identity and purchasing records clear. A logo on a supplier brochure is not a substitute for verifiable transaction evidence.
CHAPTER 03Control material through productionMap where eligible and other materials are stored, transformed and combined. Select and implement the appropriate control system…
Map where eligible and other materials are stored, transformed and combined. Select and implement the appropriate control system under the scheme requirements. Staff should be able to explain how the organization avoids unsupported claims.
- Material identification and stock records
- Production quantities and output reconciliation
CHAPTER 04Integrate core labour requirementsFSC’s chain of custody requirements include core labour provisions. Preparation should therefore involve responsible personnel…
FSC’s chain of custody requirements include core labour provisions. Preparation should therefore involve responsible personnel beyond warehouse and sales teams. Review the relevant policies and implementation evidence alongside the material control system, including the required self-assessment.
CHAPTER 05Use claims and trademarks correctlyCertification scope, product eligibility and trademark permissions determine how FSC claims and labels may be used. Keep…
Certification scope, product eligibility and trademark permissions determine how FSC claims and labels may be used. Keep approvals connected to artwork and product records. Do not extend a certified claim to unrelated goods or imply that a consultant grants trademark rights.
CHAPTER 06Maintain the control systemReview supplier status, product changes and outsourcing arrangements regularly. Address discrepancies with documented corrective…
Review supplier status, product changes and outsourcing arrangements regularly. Address discrepancies with documented corrective action. We support procedure development, staff preparation and evidence organization; the accredited certification body independently assesses compliance and decides certification.
No matching topics
Try “testing”, “documents” or “process”.
Official sources & further reading
FSC — Chain of custody certification FSC — Chain of custody standard and core labour requirements FSC US — Chain of custody eligibilityRequirements depend on the scope, sites and programme. Confirm the applicable standard, assessment route and current scheme rules before proceeding.
05 / A LITTLE MORE CLARITY
Your questions.
Our starting points.
Practical answers to common questions about FSC Chain of Custody.
01Does FSC certify only forests?
No. Forest management and chain of custody are distinct certification functions. This page addresses the supply chain handling of forest-based products.
02Can we label products because our paper supplier is certified?
Not automatically. Your role, certification scope, material claims and trademark authorization must support the intended use.
03Does chain of custody address labour requirements?
Yes. FSC includes core labour requirements within its chain of custody framework.
04Can a trading business need certification?
Yes, depending on how it owns and sells products with FSC claims. Confirm the applicable scope with the certification body.
KEEP YOUR POSSIBILITIES OPEN
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LET’S PLAN WHAT’S NEXT
Your business.
A world of potential.
Turn your project details and ambitions into a clear starting point.
Create my project briefService marks and organization names identify the standards and regulatory topics discussed. They do not indicate certification of, affiliation with, or endorsement of Complise Global.