On Apr. 1, 2025, Forest SC re-published the FSC Regulatory Module, which had been divided into separate individual addenda for certification and accreditation standards, and had resulted in publication of 9 addenda to the Module, covering requirements.
The separate addenda contain regulatory requirements that support FSC certificate holders in aligning practices with the EU Regulation 2023/1115 (EUDR) requirements.
Re-publication of the Module coincides with publication of the revised certification body requirements, ensuring certification requirements are separate from body requirement.
It also aligns the standards structure as foreseen in ISO standards, to facilitate the review process currently ongoing with German National Accreditation Body (DAkkS).
No content changes were made to the FSC Regulatory Module except small clarifying additions to 3 addenda related to Controlled Forest Management (FSC-STD-30-010r) and Chain of Custody (FSC-STD-40-004r, FSC-STD-40-006r), to provide more clarity.
The new addenda are published on Apr. 1, 2025, with Module effective on Jul. 1, 2025.
Old version of the Module will remain valid during the transition timeline, which ends Dec. 31, 2026, and during transition period, old version and new addenda are all valid.
On Jun. 7, Forest SC said documents for launch approved by board.
Forest SC updated on Aligned for EUDR as cleared for launch by International Board.
Board approved solutions to operationalize EUDR Aligned Certification for Jul. release.
Follows Forest SC Apr. 2024 recommended six steps to prepare for EUDR, #207285.
Over the past 9 months, it has been making calculated adjustments to its world-class certification system to provide solutions for companies that want to use certification.
Namely, to support compliance with Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR).
Work to align with Policy to Address Conversion strengthening fundamental principles on conversion of natural forests and High Conservation Value areas, providing avenues to remedy, compensate for social, environmental harms caused by past conversion.
EUDR accelerated work, required extra solutions; package enables alignment re both.
On Jun. 5 per recommendation from Policy and Standards Committee, International Board of Directors approved package of documents, publication ready for Jul. 1, 2024.
Key Aspects
The approved package of documents includes new FSC Regulatory Module, FSC Risk Assessment Framework, and several Advice Notes.
They serve dual purpose of aligning system with Policy to Address Conversion and serving as cornerstones for FSC Aligned Certification for EUDR.
First set of components to be released as part of the full EUDR solution for companies.
Early Adopters Programme is currently supporting direct onboarding to FSC Aligned for EUDR via phased approach; learnings continue to inform the solutions.
From Oct. technology tools to help meet EUDR’s traceability, geolocation obligations to be available, to also support companies to report on demonstrated due diligence they have completed on their FSC-certified supply chains.
Other Aspects
Board also confirmed supporting business implementation of Forest SC EUDR products will continue to be global priority for 2025.
Currently, it has dedicated team of 50+ staff to develop solutions that will ease the implementation burden for thousands of Certificate Holders impacted by the EUDR.
As regulatory landscape evolves, the team will continue amending normative solutions while preventing interruptions to the system.
This lays groundwork for other regulatory offerings to meet other global regulatory requirements while maintaining highest standard of sustainable forestry; more details.
Event Registration
FSC Aligned for EUDR takes complexity out of EUDR requirements and provides a robust solution to help certificate holders become compliant on time.
On Jul. 3, to unveil offering re how it will streamline companies’ compliance journey.
Further details provided on this event registration as well as on other related webinars.
These changes are immediately effective for users of the FSC regulatory module.
Forest SC also listed dates of upcoming webinars as well as implementation dates.
Sep. 2, 2024 EUDR Journey Website
On Sep. 2, 2024, Forest SC launched EUDR Journeywebsite to aid certificate holder compliance and help them navigate solutions in/complexity of Aligned for EUDR.
EUDR Journey has gone live/contains tools including: self-assessment aid; regulatory module; risk assessment framework; FAQ section; plus steps for getting started.
Oct. 2024 EUDR Postponement
On Oct. 3, 2024, Forest SC responded to EU commission's proposal to postpone EUDR.
Follows, EC Oct. 2024 proposed extra 12 months of phasing-in time, see #228608.
Said that while proposal to potentially postpone EUDR still requires agreement with co-legislators, it should not be seen as a reduction in commitment to this vital legislation.
Also cited Apr. 2024 letter of urgency for the timely implementation of the Regulation.
Oct. 22, 2024 EC Resources and Updates
On Oct. 22, 2024, Forest SC issued EC updates, clarifications and new EUDR resources.
Also advised of clarifications on technicalities of EUDR compliance and implementation.
EUDR due diligence registry system opens Dec. 2024, training videos are available.
API integration is underway for automated submissions, with ongoing testing.
Due diligence statement limit benchmarking completion expected by Dec. 30, 2024, but no further information yet available; Forest SC urged companies to being their EUDR preparations whether or not the postponement proposal is accepted.
In Nov. 2024, Forest SC reacted to proposed changes/delay to EUDR, see #234317.
Apr. 2025 Regulatory Module Re-published
On Apr. 1, 2025, Forest SC re-published the FSC Regulatory Module, which had been divided into separate individual addenda for certification and accreditation standards, and had resulted in publication of 9 addenda to the Module, covering requirements.
The separate addenda contain regulatory requirements that support FSC certificate holders in aligning practices with the EU Regulation 2023/1115 (EUDR) requirements.
Re-publication of the Module coincides with publication of the revised certification body requirements, ensuring certification requirements are separate from body requirement.
It also aligns the standards structure as foreseen in ISO standards, to facilitate the review process currently ongoing with German National Accreditation Body (DAkkS).
No content changes were made to the FSC Regulatory Module except small clarifying additions to 3 addenda related to Controlled Forest Management (FSC-STD-30-010r) and Chain of Custody (FSC-STD-40-004r, FSC-STD-40-006r), to provide more clarity.
The new addenda are published on Apr. 1, 2025, with Module effective on Jul. 1, 2025.
Old version of the Module will remain valid during the transition timeline, which ends Dec. 31, 2026, and during transition period, old version and new addenda are all valid.
