FSC® has released version 3.1 of the chain of custody standard (FSC-STD-40-004) effective from 2nd May 2021 with a 12-month transition period.
The revised FSC Chain of Custody standards (FSC-STD-40-004 & FSC-STD-20-011) now include the FSC core labour requirements, which are auditable social compliance requirements. The FSC core labour requirements include effective abolition of child labour, elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, respect of freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
Certificate holders are required to have policy statements (independent or incorporated into existing policies) that encompass the core labour requirements.
In addition, certificate holders must submit to their certification body a self-assessment which describes how the organization applies the FSC core labour requirements to its operations.
The standard also includes minor updates to provide greater clarity of normative requirements.
The latest version is available via the FSC document centre:
Document | Forest Stewardship Council (fsc.org)
For further information please contact our office or your Global-Mark Client Manager.
Emily Silberberg,
FSC Program Manager
