Where the revision stands
FSC is jointly revising five chain of custody documents: FSC-STD-40-004 Chain of Custody Certification (the base standard, which applies to all certified and applicant organisations), FSC-STD-40-007 Sourcing reclaimed material for use in FSC Product Groups or FSC Certified Projects, FSC-STD-40-003 Chain of Custody Certification of Multiple Sites, FSC-PRO-40-003 Development of National Group Chain of Custody Eligibility Criteria, and FSC-STD-20-011 Chain of Custody Evaluations (aimed at certification bodies).
The process began in April 2022 and, according to FSC, is due to be completed in January 2027. There have been consultations on the conceptual phase report (2024), on the first draft (15 November 2025 to 25 January 2026) and on the second draft (15 May to 15 June 2026), which FSC presented as the last opportunity for stakeholders to contribute. The final version of the standard has not yet been published.
I am taking part in the revision
I am a member of the Core Working Group responsible for the general requirements for chain of custody certification and evaluation, since the kick-off meeting in Bonn in May 2025. I follow the process from the inside. This article is based only on public information from FSC.
What to bear in mind
The detail is in the standards, which this summary does not replace. For now:
- wait for the final version before changing procedures, because the text may change from the second draft;
- follow the announcement of the publication and of the transition period FSC sets;
- identify who in the company will be affected: purchasing, production, quality, sales and dispatch, since the standard covers the sourcing, processing, labelling and sale of forest products.
How I can help
Once the standard is published, I can help your company identify the changes needed: a comparison between the current version and the new one, a gap analysis of your control system, an action plan, updated procedures, team training and audit preparation.
Sources
Informative summary. Always consult the official text of the standard or regulation.