FSC takes action against a producer of repeated false claims

FSC has extended the blockage period of a Chinese bamboo plywood manufacturer by 1.5 years for repeatedly making false claims on large volumes of bamboo plywood. Despite being blocked by FSC in 2022 for making false claims, FSC found evidence that the company recertified itself under a different name. The company did not disclose its certification history to the new certification body and continued to make false claims on its products despite being blocked by FSC.  

The company has certified itself under the following names:  

• Zhejiang Anji Double Tiger Bamboo & Wood Industry Co., Ltd. (referred to as Anji Double Tiger) 
• Zhejiang Anji Shuanghu Bamboo & Wood Industry Co., Ltd. (referred to as Anji Shuanghu) 

FSC considers the actions and intentions of Anji Double Tiger (and Anji Shuanghu) to be a serious threat to the integrity of the FSC system. Thus, in accordance with FSC’s Advice Note 18 (FSC-ADVICE-40-004-18 V2-0), FSC has blocked the company till July 2027. 

FSC has evidence of how this company, operating under its two names, repeatedly made false claims. They hindered the ability of its certification body and Assurance Services International to conduct investigations. Additionally, they falsely made zero sales claims, while continuing to make FSC claims on products even after being blocked. These actions by Anju Double Tiger (and Anji Shuanghu) indicate a clear intent to manipulate the FSC system.  

By blocking this company, FSC effectively prevents it from re-entering the certification system until the blockage is lifted. Re-entry will only be possible after the company has implemented the necessary corrective preventative and remedial measures, or when the predetermined blockage period expires.  

The implications of a blockage are as follows:  

• They can no longer claim FSC certification on their products or use the FSC trademark.  
• They cannot seek re-certification, either as a single certificate holder or as a member of a group or multi-site chains of custody certificate.  
• They cannot become a contractor for other certificate holders with valid FSC certification.  

For more information about false claims and blockages, refer to Advice Note 18 (ADVICE-40-004-18 V2-0) which can be accessed on page 11 of FSC Directive on Chain of Custody Certification (FSC-DIR-40-004).