FSC · Forestry and wood processing
Preparation for FSC Certification
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is an independent, international scheme for responsible forest management and the traceability of wood products. We help organizations prepare the documentation, Chain of Custody system and controls needed for FSC certification — the certification itself is carried out exclusively by an independent, accredited certification body.
What is FSC certification?
FSC is a global scheme that confirms wood and wood products originate from responsibly managed forests — in line with environmental, social and economic criteria. There are two basic types of FSC certification: Forest Management certification for forest holdings themselves, and Chain of Custody (CoC) certification for organizations that process, sell or incorporate wood raw material into their products. Our support focuses on preparing organizations for CoC certification.
Who is it relevant for?
FSC CoC certification is most relevant for organizations that work with wood raw material and want to prove that to their customers:
Sawmills, and manufacturers of boards and wood semi-finished products.
Firms that incorporate certified wood raw material into finished products.
Organizations that process wood raw material into paper, cardboard or packaging.
Firms whose customers on Western markets require proof of the raw material's origin.
Chain of Custody
At the core of FSC CoC certification is the Chain of Custody: a documented tracking of wood raw material through procurement, storage, processing and sale, so that the material's origin can be demonstrated at any point and the FSC label can be used correctly on outgoing products. The system covers procurement records, separating or marking certified from non-certified raw material during processing, and an accurate accounting of output quantities (using the transfer system or the percentage/credit system, depending on the model the organization applies).
Supplier and material controls
Part of the preparation involves establishing controls over suppliers: verifying suppliers' valid FSC certificates, recording the material category (FSC 100%, FSC Mix, FSC Recycled, or non-certified material), and a procedure for the case where a supplier loses its certificate. These controls are what a certification auditor examines most closely.
Preparation and support process
The phases we guide an organization's preparation for FSC CoC certification through:
Benefits of FSC certification
Many customers in Western markets require proof of the responsible origin of wood raw material.
An independently confirmed origin of raw material strengthens trust and your negotiating position.
The Chain of Custody system brings order to procurement and production records, beyond the certification itself.
We offer training tailored to staff involved in procurement, production and material records.
FAQ about FSC certification
Does Qualiterna issue the FSC certificate?
No. The FSC certificate is issued exclusively by an independent, accredited certification body authorized by the FSC organization. We prepare your organization — documentation, the Chain of Custody system and controls — so the certification audit goes without surprises.
What is FSC Chain of Custody?
A system for tracking the origin of wood raw material and products from a certified forest, through every stage of processing and trade, to the final product — so the FSC label on a product can be reliably substantiated.
Who is FSC certification relevant for?
For wood processors, furniture and paper manufacturers, timber-product traders, and anyone who wants to prove the origin of their raw material to customers who ask for it — especially in export markets.
How much does preparation for FSC certification cost?
There is no fixed price — it depends on your business, the number of locations and the current state of your records. Send us a short description of your organization for an indicative quote.
📋 Check the exact price for your organization →Check your organization's readiness
Answer a few questions and receive an indicative assessment of your organization's current level of readiness for FSC — Chain of Custody (CoC).
This self-assessment provides an indicative readiness result only. It does not constitute certification, an official audit, or formal confirmation of compliance.
The EU, the US and other markets
FSC — Chain of Custody (CoC) is the same standard wherever you certify it — what differs is the designation, the accreditation behind the certificate and what your customers ask for.
In the European Union the standard is adopted with an EN prefix, and what your buyer in the Netherlands, Germany or France looks at is not the prefix but the accreditation behind the certificate: a body accredited by a signatory of the international recognition arrangement (Global Accreditation Cooperation, formerly IAF) is recognised in other markets too. What EU partners and EU regulation expect is on the page about the EU market.
For companies with customers in the United States — supplier audits, security questionnaires and how ISO sits alongside SOC 2 — see the page about the US market.
Wherever your customer is, we run the project remotely in English — over Teams, WhatsApp or Viber, with documentation and records in English — and on site when that is easier.
Some of our references
More than 400 organisations in Montenegro and the region have gone through implementation with us — from banks and public bodies to manufacturing, IT, laboratories and hospitality.
These are only some of our clients. More about us →
Request a free consultation
We will assess the scope of work and propose a realistic plan and budget for your organization. Call us or send an inquiry — we reply within 24 hours.