19 November 2012

FSC develops label for community forests The FSC label and other timber certification systems allow procurers to verify that the timber and timber products they buy are from sustainably managed forests. This is visualised by the FSC label on these products. Until now, however, there was no possibility of distinguishing between sustainable timber products from large scale timber production and small or community forests. These smaller timber producers often have problems accessing and competing in the international timber market. In its new advice note FSC states that certified companies which comply with the definition of what small (small and low-intensity managed forest – SLIMF) and community forests are may now include in their FSC logo the statement “COMMUNITY ORIGIN PRODUCT”. This additional statement of origin may be used in 100 percent and MIX certifications as well as Chain-of-Custody certification. With the new labeling FSC aims to improve the economic situation of small and community timber producers but also the possibilities of large timber companies who can use the statement if they are buying timber from small or community forests. The new label will also be used in the pilot project of dual certified timber products which FSC is implementing jointly with FairTrade. For more information, click here.