FSC decides to maintain association with WOB Timber

FSC has confirmed that WOB Timber GmbH successfully fulfilled all conditions set for maintaining its association with FSC, following a comprehensive legal compliance audit and implementation of the recommended corrective measures. The FSC International Board of Directors acknowledged the successful implementation of all recommended measures and confirmed WOB Timber’s status as a certificate holder in good standing.

In response to FSC’s decision, Alexander Bührich, Managing Director - WOB Timber GmbH said, "We are grateful for the constructive and cooperative process with everyone involved. This engagement has been invaluable in strengthening our culture of integrity and further improving compliance across our operations and supply chains."

In January 2023, FSC had proactively launched a Policy for Association case against WOB Timber based on a 2022 ruling by a German lower court, which stated that WOB Timber had imported sanctioned Myanmar teak between June 2008 and May 2011. Since then, a ruling of the German Federal Court of Justice partially overturned the German lower court’s decision in 2024.

In March 2023, the FSC Board approved a recommendation by an independent decision panel to maintain association with WOB Timber under specific conditions. A core requirement was an independent legal compliance audit covering the operations of WOB Timber and its subsidiary, TTP Polska, from 2018 to the end of 2022.

The audit, conducted by an independent law firm, found no evidence of compliance breaches or illegal activities by WOB Timber and its subsidiary TTP Polska during this 5-year period. It has also been confirmed that the company stopped purchasing teak from Myanmar in 2022 and has not resumed such transactions.

During the process of fulfilling FSC’s conditions, the auditors noted important operational improvements. This included due diligence measures, internal staffing structures, and overall compliance culture. The independent auditors also confirmed the completion of all recommended corrective measures, which are an outcome of FSC’s Policy for Association process, and of the conditions FSC set for maintaining association. These include:

• improving internal systems to enhance tracking of timber transactions more accurately
• strengthening business partners checks, including screening for sanctions and risks
• aligning with new EU rules on deforestation and due diligence.

WOB Timber’s association and certification are no longer under scrutiny. The changes that were triggered within the company reflect FSC’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement. FSC considers this case as a good example of how FSC works with companies to address concerns, strengthen practices, and uphold responsible forest management.

For more information about the WOB Timber case, read the associated news article from 2023 and refer to the case page.