FSC Statement on World Forest ID Report

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) acknowledges the World Forest ID (WFID) report, which reveals troubling evidence of incorrect harvest location claims in some FSC-certified products in the UK. We confront these findings with unwavering commitment to accountability. There is no room for compromise in our mission to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests.

The report identifies issues with birch products from countries bordering Russia and Belarus—areas under heightened scrutiny due to sanctions. The anonymized nature of the study limits our ability to pinpoint specific actors, but FSC is not standing idle. We are taking decisive action to safeguard the integrity of our certification system.

FSC’s Response

Since withdrawing certification from Russia and Belarus in 2023, FSC has prioritized eliminating risks of illegal timber from Russia entering our supply chains. Our comprehensive measures include:

• Eurasia Integrity Workplan (2024): A rigorous ongoing investigation of over 800 certificate holders across the Eurasian region, encompassing:
  • Transaction verification investigations to detect false claims and other fraudulent behaviour in birch wood panel supply chains, which have yielded some preliminary results.
  • Isotope-based wood sample testing, to verify timber origins.
  • Targeted investigations into certificate holders suspected of misconduct.
  • Auditor training to enhance scrutiny in vulnerable supply chains.
• Supply chain integrity measures in association with Assurance Services International (ASI):
  • Ongoing transaction verification of birch plywood supply chains, launched in 2023, has yielded preliminary findings.
  • Field investigation in Kazakhstan (2024), which resulted in two companies exiting FSC and one being blocked from seeking recertification.

Unyielding Commitment to Integrity

Findings of the report are a call to action, and FSC is answering with urgency. While the study’s anonymized data restricts immediate investigations, we invite stakeholders to provide actionable evidence. FSC stands ready to investigate and enforce consequences swiftly, in line with our stringent protocols.

When FSC finds compelling evidence against companies who intentionally try to deceive our certification system, we revoke their FSC certificate and block them from re-entering the FSC system. Since 2020, FSC has blocked 77 certified companies for deliberately making false claims on their products or for acting with malicious intent.

Our certification represents a commitment to sustainable and responsible management of the world’s forests and forest product supply chains. We are defending that promise through innovation, transparency, and accountability. Any breach of trust will be met with swift, decisive action.

For inquiries or to report concerns, please visit our website or anonymously submit your complaint to ASI through their incident portal.