Monday, 18 August 2014
Updated FSC Directive on Chain of Custody published
The FSC Directive on Chain of Custody Certification (FSC-DIR-40-004) has been updated
The FSC Directive on Chain of Custody Certification(FSC-DIR-40-004) has been updated containing the following amendments and additions.
ADVICE-40-004-04: Use of uncontrolled co-products
The Advice note was withdrawn as the requirements have been phased out and were replaced by ADVICE-40-005-17 documentation and procedural requirements to demonstrate the geographic district of origin for co-products.
ADVICE-40-004-12: Pre-consumer reclaimed wood compliance with the EUTR
A new Advice note was approved to ensure harmonisation of FSC chain of custody requirements with the European Union Timber Regulation(EUTR).
Background
In 2012, following a mandate from the FSC Board of Directors, FSC initiated a revision process of its standards to ensure harmonisation with timber legality legislation, in particular the EUTR. According to the EUTR, reclaimed wood such as sawdust and chips are not classified as waste, and are therefore subject to compliance with the regulation. Paper scraps are currently excluded from the scope of the EUTR. Asa result of this revision, FSC identified the need to introduce requirements for the control of pre-consumer reclaimed wood in order to ensure FSC’s products conformance with the EUTR, for products placed on the European market.
FSC conducted two rounds of public stakeholder consultation.The comments received during the second round of consultation and responses provided by the Policy and Standards Unit are available on the FSC website: https://ic.fsc.org/newsroom.9.862.htm
In addition, a track change version to guide you towards the changes made in the FSC Directive for Chain of Custody Certification is available on request.
Who is the Advice note applicable to?
FSC certificate holders within Europe, placing FSC-certified products containing pre-consumer reclaimed wood material on the European market for the first time
FSC certificate holders outside of Europe, exporting FSC-certified products containing pre-consumer reclaimed wood material to companies in Europe.
We would like to thank everyone who submitted comments on the draft Advice note.
Effective dates
The withdrawal of Advice 40-004-04 on use of uncontrolled co-products becomes effective as of 15 August 2014.
Advice 40-004-12 on pre-consumer reclaimed wood compliance with the EUTR will become effective on 1 October 2014.