FSC® Chain of Custody Certification

1. Apply to be Certified

   To start the process, simply fill in and submit the SCS application form. We will review your application and develop a proposal which will include an audit plan, an anticipated timeframe, and a quote for services. Work can proceed once you sign a Work Order confirming these details.

2. Written Procedures

   The applicant creates company procedures to demonstrate how certified wood or paper products will be tracked throughout the operation. SCS provides guidance to help explain the CoC requirements.

3. On-Site Audit

   The SCS auditor reviews the applicant’s CoC procedures and documents while on-site, from receipt of inputs through final sale. Additionally, the auditor visits the facilities where certified material is handled and conducts interviews with members of your staff to confirm training in CoC responsibilities and understanding of the workflow for certified products.

4. Evaluation Report

   The SCS auditor prepares a report detailing the results of the assessment. 

5. Certification Decision

   An SCS Technical Associate validates the appropriateness of the auditor's methodology and conclusions, and decides whether certification is warranted. All major Corrective Action Requests (CARs) identified in the audit report must be resolved before certification can be approved. Once issued, the certificate covers a period of five years, with surveillance audits conducted annually. 

Certified companies and product offerings are listed on the official FSC certificate holder database, and addition, receive guidance on the use of trademarks directly on products and for other marketing and sales purposes.

Certified companies may also choose to take advantage of SCS’ Client Marketing Support services.

What is FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) certification?

FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) is a third-party certification demonstrating that wood products, paper products, and other forest materials are traceable back to an FSC certified source. 

Does our organization need to be FSC Chain of Custody certified?

CoC certification is required if your company takes legal ownership of certified materials or products and wishes to pass on an FSC certified claim to your supply chain customer(s). Companies at the end of the supply chain, such as retailers who will not be passing the claim forward on an invoice, are not required to hold a certificate but may choose to do so. FSC now offers retailer promotional licenses for off-product promotional purposes. Contact your local FSC office or SCS for more information.

What type of Chain of Custody certification does my organization need?

Every CoC certificate holder must conform to the FSC Chain of Custody Standard. Certification to additional standards may be necessary depending on the structure of your organization (e.g. multi-site for common ownership, or group certification for small businesses without common ownership) and the use of uncertified materials (virgin or recycled) that you might wish to source and mix with your certified materials or products. Please contact us to determine the available options.

How often do I have to get recertified??

Each FSC certificate covers a five-year period. In the interim, the company must undergo a yearly surveillance audit.

Does FSC Chain of Custody certification make my product eligible for green building program credits?

Yes, there are many green building programs such as US Green Building Council's LEED program, Living Building Challenge, LEED India, the Green Building Council of Australia, and others that offer credit for the use of certified wood products in construction. Consult the green building standard, a local green building professional, or SCS to learn more.

How much does Chain of Custody certification cost?

The cost of SCS third-party assessment is variable depending on factors such as where you are located, how large you are, how complex the operation,  and whether your FSC certification is bundled with other certifications.

How long does the certification last?

FSC certificates are issued for a five-year period. Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain your certification during this period.

How long does the Chain-of-Custody certification process take?

The certification process takes approximately 6-8 weeks depending on the size and complexity of your operation. The largest component of this is audit preparation. If you have already developed your FSC procedures, certification assessments can be expedited for an additional fee. For primary producers implementing a Controlled Wood sourcing program, a 6-week stakeholder consultation is required.

Can SCS help me prepare for our audit?

As an accredited third party certification body, SCS is forbidden from providing any applicants with consulting services. However, we are able to provide guidance documents to help your company prepare for a certification audit, and you will be provided with an audit plan in advance to provide an outline for the day as well as information on documentation that may be requested during the assessment.

How long is our organization’s Chain of Custody certificate valid?

Chain of Custody certificates are valid for a period of five years, contingent on annual surveillance audits occurring once every 12 months.

What other complementary certifications are available through SCS?

CoC certificate holders may be interested in complementary certifications that address additional aspects of your products and operations, such as food safety (packaging), carbon footprint, carbon neutrality, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Please contact SCS for customized recommendations specific to your business.