SGS Guide to FSC® Chain of Custody Certification in the Gulf Region

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC A000531) is a beacon of sustainability and ethical forestry, offering a pathway for businesses in the wood and wood-based products including paper sectors to demonstrate their commitment to nurturing responsible forestry.

The FSC® Chain of Custody (CoC) certification is particularly relevant in the dynamic markets in the Gulf region, where sustainability has become a critical factor in business operations and consumer preferences.

This article, written by an SGS FSC CoC expert, offers concise insights into FSC certification within the UAE and Gulf region, covering its benefits, types, processes, and much more.

Understanding FSC® Forest Products Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Standard and Certification

The FSC® is a global, non-profit, and non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting responsible forest management worldwide. It ensures that forestry practices are environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable.

The CoC certification, meanwhile, verifies the wood-based material used are harvested from FSC® certified source. It enables organizations to label their products with the FSC logo, significantly enhancing their responsibility to support sustainability and consumer trust.

Benefits of FSC® Certification for Business Operate in the GCC Market

Incorporating FSC® certification into business practices within the UAE and GCC not only contributes to global environmental goals but also aligns with the region's specific cultural and economic objectives, enhancing a company's reputation and market potential to deliver certified products.

Promoting Biodiversity
Globally, FSC® standards play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity conservation, safeguarding ancient forests, ensuring water quality, and limiting the use of hazardous chemicals. This commitment aligns with the region's increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability and conservation practices.

Enhanced Credibility
In the competitive markets of the GCC region, FSC's independent and comprehensive framework significantly boosts the credibility of certified companies. It showcases their dedication to sustainable forestry, appealing to consumers, business partners, and stakeholders who value environmental responsibility.

Improved Market Access
FSC® certification is a key to unlocking new business opportunities within the GCC regions. There is a growing preference among businesses and consumers for products that are sourced from responsibly managed forests. Certification can thus facilitate access to these markets and consumers, setting companies apart in a crowded marketplace.

Who Needs FSC® Certification?

• Harvesters of forest products
• Processors of forest materials
• Manufacturers utilizing forest-derived materials
• Distributors of forest products
• Printers working with paper and wood products
• Retailers selling forest-based items
• Any organization that takes ownership of a forest product before it reaches the final consumer

The FSC® Certification Process Stages:

• Application for Audit: Initiating the process by applying with an accredited certification body to conduct the audit.
• Undergoing the Assessment: Participating in a comprehensive audit to assess compliance with FSC® standards.
• Receiving Certification: Upon successful audit completion, the entity is awarded the FSC® certification.
• Periodic Re-audits: To maintain certification, entities undergo regular re-audits to verify continued compliance with FSC® standards.

SGS FSC® Forest Products Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Certification Solutions in the Gulf Region

SGS is a leading provider of FSC® chain-of-custody certification services the GCC region with an active presence in countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Iraq.

With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of local and international forestry regulations, SGS has assisted numerous businesses in achieving FSC® certification.

To certify your supply chain our local assessors will visit each site on which the products are manufactured, stored and sold. At each location, we will check:

• Product identification
• Product segregation
• Record keeping
• Awareness of the standard

With these details complete, and if everything is in order, you will receive a full report and chain-of-custody certificate up on successful completion.

Contact your local SGS office for more info.