FSC releases revised trademark policy for certificate holders

FSC has published an updated version of its trademark standard, setting out how FSC trademarks can be used by certificate holders. The revised standard, FSC-STD-50-001 Use of the FSC® Trademarks by Certificate Holders (Version 3-0), was released alongside a new companion document, FSC-STD-50-001a Promotional Statements for Certificate Holders (Version 1-0). Both documents were officially published on 1 January.

The new requirements will come into effect on 1 July 2026. To give certificate holders and other users enough time to adjust, FSC has introduced a transition period of two and a half years, running until 1 January 2029.

What’s new?

The revision introduces a number of important updates aimed at improving clarity, consistency, and practical application of FSC trademark rules, while safeguarding the credibility of FSC trademarks. The revision also helps certificate holders comply with emerging anti-greenwashing regulations and supports transparent, trustworthy communication with consumers.

Key changes include:

• Introduction of the FSC QR label, offering new opportunities for digital engagement and consumer interaction.
• Updated requirements for the mandatory elements required when using the FSC label on products, to increase transparency and understanding of the FSC label by consumers.
• More flexibility in graphic design, making it easier to adapt the label to different layouts.
• Removal of the restriction on dual labelling, under defined conditions.
• Retirement of the ‘Forests For All Forever’ mark.
• More ready-to-use promotional statements about FSC and FSC-certified products, now presented in a new standalone addendum.

Support for implementation

To help stakeholders understand and apply the updated rules, FSC will host a series of webinars explaining the main changes, sharing practical examples, and answering questions. Dates and registration details will be published on the FSC website in February 2026.

FSC has also developed a practical roadmap to support implementation of the revised trademark policy.

If you have questions about the revised trademark policy or its implementation, please contact the FSC Trademark Team trademark@fsc.org for further guidance and support.