To become a member of our Group Scheme, we would visit and work with you, explain the whole process to you and your team, provide the necessary documentation, and finally complete a comprehensive internal audit. This audit is then sent to the Certification Body, Interface NRM Ltd for review, approval and issuing of the FSC certificate.

Generally the certification process takes 2 weeks from the date of our visit.

There is the option of a 24 hour fast track process, please ask when making contact.

Our certification process is quite straightforward, and stress free, we provide a full package including training, written manuals/ procedures, guidance, Logo training, various templates and your own FSC registration details/ certificate.

How scheme works

The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) Chain of Custody (CoC) Group Scheme is a program designed by FSC to enable multiple small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within industry to join forces and collectively achieve FSC certification. The FSC CoC certification ensures that wood and wood-based products come from responsibly managed forests.

Here’s how the FSC CoC Group Scheme typically works:

1. Group Formation:
Companies with a common interest in FSC certification and 15 employees or less are eligible to join the group scheme. The group consists of all types of industry manufacturers, distributors, and retailers with and without possession.

2. Group Certification:
Instead of each member seeking individual FSC certification, the entire group applies for FSC CoC certification as a single entity. This collective approach simplifies the certification process and reduces costs for individual businesses.

3. Common Standards:
The group members agree to comply with FSC’s Chain of Custody standards, which ensure that certified products are tracked throughout the supply chain.

4. Group Administration:
A group manager or coordinator is appointed to oversee the FSC CoC Group Scheme. This person is responsible for coordinating communication, managing documentation, and ensuring compliance with FSC standards.

5. Audits:
Our team of auditors conduct local internal audits for each member to FSC standards.
We use independent auditors to review our management processes.
An accredited certification body Interface NRM Ltd conducts audits to verify that the group and its members comply with FSC CoC standards.
The audits assess the traceability and segregation of FSC-certified and non-certified materials throughout the supply chain.

6. Certification Decision:
If the group and its members meet the FSC standards, the certification body grants FSC CoC certification to the entire group.

7. Use of FSC Logo:
Once certified, the group and its members are allowed to use the FSC logo on products that meet the certification criteria, indicating to consumers that the wood or paper-based products are sourced from responsibly managed forests.

By participating in the FSC CoC Group Scheme, smaller businesses can collectively demonstrate their commitment to responsible forestry practices, gain access to FSC certification, and promote sustainable sourcing in their respective industries. This collaborative approach contributes to the broader goal of promoting environmentally and socially responsible forestry practices worldwide.