Requirements for Forest Management

Due Diligence

Name

The Due Diligence includes completing the following three steps (Unless operating in a country classified as low risk (in this case only a Simplified Due Diligence is necessary)):

  1. The collection of information, data and documents
  2. Risk assessment
  3. Risk mitigation measures

The Due Diligence is in place in order to prove that:

  1. The product is deforestation-free.
  2. The product has been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production.
Information Collection

Information Collection

Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment

Risk Mitigation

Risk Mitigation Measures

Due Diligence Statement

Due Diligence Statement (1/3)

If qualified as an operator and based in the European Union, a due diligence statement confirming that due diligence has been exercised must be submitted. The statement concludes that the relevant products are deforestation-free and produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production before placing them on the market, exporting them, or selling any product with a claim of conformity as with the FSC Regulatory Module.

Due Diligence Statement (2/3)

The Due Diligence Statement can be generated using an online tool provided by FSC

(Currently under development)

If an authorized representative is mandated to submit the due diligence statement, a copy of the mandate in an official language of the European Union must be provided to the competent authorities and, if possible, a copy in the official language of the member state where the due diligence statement is handled, or in English.

An individual, natural person, or micro enterprise, may mandate the next organization down the supply chain that is not an individual, natural person, or micro enterprise to act as an authorized representative.

Due Diligence Statement (3/3)

Records of sales invoices or similar documentation for a minimum of five years for all products sold with an FSC claim must be kept, including the following:

  1. Description of relevant products
  2. Quantity of relevant products
  3. EU complementary FSC Regulatory claim (if applicable)
  4. Supplier’s reference number/s of due diligence statements quoted for relevant products.

Exceptional Cases

Simplified Due Diligence

Simplified Due Diligence

A simplified due diligence can be conducted when the Management Unit is located in a country or parts thereof classified as low risk in accordance with the EUDR three-tier risk system.

In cases where a simplified due diligence is exercised, Risk Assessment and Risk Mitigation Measures are not necessary.

Relevant documentation demonstrating that there is a negligible risk of circumventing the EUDR is made available to the competent authority upon request.

NOTE: FSC Forest Management Certification is considered an effective risk mitigation measure to demonstrate no or only a negligible risk.

Non Compliance

Non Compliance

If a competent authority establishes non-compliance with the EUDR or that a non-compliant product has been placed on the market or exported, the certification body is informed about the non-compliance immediately.

If new information is obtained or made aware of, including substantiated concerns, indicating that a product placed on the market is at risk of non-conformity with the FSC Regulatory Module, the relevant competent authorities of the country(ies) involved and organizations to whom the product has been supplied must be immediately informed.