Brief Description

The add-on FSC-STD-01-004 FSC Regulatory Module is a complementary standard designed for voluntary use by organizations applying for or holding FSC certification to extend their certification scope in order to align with the EUDR (Regulation (EU) 2023/1115).

Detailed Description

The FSC Regulatory Module sets the framework and requirements to:
• introduce a due diligence system to support EUDR compliance, including information collection, risk assessment and risk mitigation,
• gather and transmit precise information on the origin of products, including geolocation and time of production, and
• ensure that only deforestation-free material enters the FSC chain of custody.

TÜV AUSTRIA HELLAS provides accredited certification services to all businesses in the chain of custody, in accordance with the FSC® Chain of Custody standards including regulatory module. License code: FSC® A000540. See the accreditation certificate ASI-ACC-079.

What is the certification procedure?

You can download the Certification Regulation here. The regulation contains information on the audit process, granting and maintaining the certification handling of complaints and appeals. You can download the Certification Regulation in other languages here.

The cost of auditing depends on the number of man-hours required by the complexity of the organization. Fees charged to clients for the provision of auditing services is the only source of funding for TÜV Austria.

The cost of auditing does not include the annual management costs/fees of the owner of the scheme. The amount of these costs/fees depends on the company’s turnover in the certification field according to the applicable policy of the Forest Stewardship Council ®.

Complete the application.

Who is it for?

It is addressed to businesses that import or trade in the EUmarket timber products and its derivatives, as well as to those who supply these products to them.

You can verify the validity of FSC^® Chain of Custody certifications here.

Conditions for certification of a business

You can find information on the FSC^® regulatory module normative framework for certification  https://connect.fsc.org/document-centre .

How does a business benefit from certification?

Key benefits include:

• Simplified EUDR Compliance: The module translates complex EUDR obligations into concrete certification requirements, covering due diligence, risk assessment, and traceability. It assists in preparing the necessary Due Diligence Statement (DDS).
• Enhanced Traceability and Data Management: Users gain access to tools like FSC Trace, which uses blockchain technology to securely track products back to the forest of origin (including geolocation data) and share this information with partners.
• Market Access and Competitive Advantage: companies can confidently place products on the EU market, through a reputable, third-party verified system enhancing reputation.
• New “Regulatory” Claims: Certified organizations can use “Regulatory” or “REG” claims on sales documents to indicate conformity with the module.
• Risk Mitigation: The module requires the use of the FSC Risk Assessment Framework, which helps identify and mitigate potential risks of sourcing from deforested or illegal areas.
• Support for Non-EU Operators: Companies outside the EU can use this module to ensure their products meet the requirements to enter the EU market.