Revision of Forest Stewardship Standard (FSS) for the People's Republic of China: A Leap Forward in Forest Conservation

The standard becomes effective on1 January 2026.

In an era where the importance of forest conservation is more critical than ever, China, with its vast forest resources, has taken a significant step forward. The revised Forest Stewardship Standard (FSS) is not just a regulatory update but a powerful tool for safeguarding the nation's forests and contributing to global ecological stability.

Recognizing the irreplaceable value of its forests, China has been actively engaged in improving forest management practices. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which has seen substantial growth in China in recent years, has been at the forefront of efforts to improve forest management in line with this trend.

The first version of the National Forest Stewardship Standard for China (FSC-STD-CHN-01-2016) came into effect on October 1 2018. This was a crucial starting point, but the journey didn't stop there. Subsequently, a revised version of FSS for China (FSC-STD-CHN-01.1-2021) expanded its scope to include Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and was approved on 12 October 2021, demonstrating China's commitment to comprehensive forest management.

The FSC China’s FSS Revision process, registered by the FSC Policy and Performance Unit on 25^th January 2022, was a comprehensive and inclusive endeavor. It involved the development of two consecutive draft standards, each of which was open for public consultation for a period of two months. Two field tests were also conducted to ensure the practical applicability of the requirements. The final agreed-upon version of the National Forest Stewardship Standard was then approved by a chamber-balanced SDG.

The revised FSS addresses the following key areas:

1.    Adaptation to version 2.1 of the IGIs (FSC-STD-60-004);

2.    Adaptation of new pesticide indicators in the IGIs;

3.    Improvement of indicators based on stakeholders’ feedback;

4.    Consideration of the newly revised Forest Law of the People’s Republic of China (effective since 1 July 2020);

5.    Development of a High Conservation Value Framework; and

6.    Development of indicators that explicitly focus on forest resilience and adaptation to climate change.

Some indicators related to environmental protection and chemical use policy, as well as the development of nationally specific lists of Best Available Information, were provided for relevant Criteria.

The new national framework for HCV is a game-changer. It provides a roadmap for identifying high-conservation-value areas in China, making forest protection efforts more focused and efficient. Ensuring that the ecosystem services, biodiversity, and other values of these forests are continuously enhanced or maintained safeguards the foundation of the forest ecosystem.

Regarding pesticide use policy, the new requirements are based on a combination of international general pesticide indicators and national pesticide policies. This approach aims to establish localized indicators of pesticide use in China. A comprehensive assessment of potential environmental and social risks is conducted, taking into account the characteristics of the forest ecosystem and sensitive areas in the surrounding environment. This ensures that pesticide use does not pose unacceptable risks to environmental elements, including soil, water bodies, air, and biodiversity. Moreover, the requirements also safeguard the health and safety of forestry workers on the frontlines of forest management.

The revised standard sets a new benchmark for the sustainable management of forests in China. It will effectively promote the alignment of forestry enterprises' management with international practices, achieving the goals of environmental appropriateness, social benefit, and economic viability. In doing so, it demonstrates the social responsibility of modern enterprises and contributes to the long-term health and vitality of China's forests.

For any queries regarding the standard, please contact Wang Yanyan, Senior Manager of Performance and Standards at FSC China, via w.yanyan@fsc.org.

The revised FSS for China (English version) can be consulted in the FSC Document Center.

A translated (into Chinese) version will be available on FSC China’s website in due course. Visit FSC China’s newsroom for more related news.