FSC Regulatory Module

Quick introduction

Learn more about the new module and how it can support you on your way towards EUDR compliance.

What is the new FSC Regulatory Module?

All new voluntary add-on module FSC-STD-01-004 FSC Regulatory Module supports EUDR compliance. It is designed to help companies use their FSC certification to meet EUDR’s stringent requirements by taking the guesswork out of what is required on top of FSC certification. The module outlines robust due diligence systems, conducting thorough risk assessments with FSC’s Risk Assessment Framework, and maintaining transparent supply chain documentation.
Important dates

Approval date: 05 June 2024

Publication date: 1 July 2024

Effective date: 1 July 2024
How to navigate the FSC Regulatory Module?

We have prepared explanatory materials, customised for you and your journey towards EUDR compliance. Click on the link below and follow the instructions to learn more.

Learn more
How much does the FSC Regulatory Module cost?

FSC does not charge any additional fee to certificate holders wishing to apply this new add on module. However, final certification price must be agreed with the relevant certification body that is performing the audit which includes this additional standard.

4 reasons for FSC Regulatory Module

01Trusted EUDR partner

Let your trading partners know that you are ready for the EUDR.

02Next level forest steward

Support deforestation-free and degradation-free forest products.

03Competitive advantage

Gain a competitive advantage and differentiate your business.

04Fully verified chain

Become a proud part of the fully verified FSC supply chain.

01. Trusted EUDR partner:

Let your trading partners know that you are ready for the EUDR.

02. Next level forest steward:

Support deforestation-free and degradation-free forest products.

03. Competitive advantage:

Gain a competitive advantage and differentiate your business.

04. Fully verified chain:

Become a proud part of the fully verified FSC supply chain.

How to add FSC Regulatory Module to your certification scope?

The new FSC Regulatory Module can only be activated on top of the existing FSC Forest Management (FM) or Chain of Custody (CoC) certification. Follow the few simple steps below and learn how to add this Module to your FSC certification scope!

Download the FSC Regulatory Module

Click on the link below and safely get your own copy of the new module. Get familiar with its contents before any further steps.

Download the FSC Regulatory Module

If necessary, contact a qualified consultant

To contribute to the integrity and quality of the system, FSC Adria-Balkan Region promotes certification consultancy services offered by qualified consultants. Trained consultants can, if necessary, help you prepare for the audit. All the consultants published on our website have taken the same training.

See the list of consultants

Reach out to your certification body

Now it is time to make an official request to your certification body. Let your certification body know that you wish to add the FSC Regulatory Module to the scope of your existing FSC certification.

Note: During the second half of 2024, many certification bodies are still getting ready to acquire the accreditation for the new FSC module and might not be able to provide the audit immediately. Your feedback is important as it will allow the certification body to estimate the demand for the new module.

Support a desk audit by your certification body

The certification body shall assess your conformity with the applicable requirements of the FSC Regulatory Module, at minimum as a desk-based evaluation, prior to extending the scope of certification.

Note: The assessment may be conducted at the regular time scheduled for the next scheduled evaluation or earlier as agreed with the client.

You may now use the new regulatory FSC claims

Once the FSC Regulatory Module is included in your FSC certification scope, you have an option to make new regulatory FSC claims. You can still use the usual FSC claims, however using the new regulatory FSC claims (Regulatory/REG) lets your clients know that your organisation has been audited against the new FSC Regulatory Module, supporting the compliance with the EUDR Regulation.

Introducing new FSC claims

Organizations adopting the FSC Regulatory Module can make use of a regulatory claim on sales documents for certified products signifying adherence to rigorous standards. When the whole supply chain is certified against the FSC Regulatory Module, certificate holders can make promotional statements about use of FSC system to ensure deforestation free products.

Read more about two new FSC claims in the continuation.

Note 1: Sales invoices or similar documentation are kept for a minimum of five years for all products sold with a Regulatory or a Regulatory+ claim.

Note 2: The organization shall maintain the information on all customers to whom the material with a regulatory claim is supplied.

Regulatory Claim

Regulatory+ Claim

What is a Regulatory Claim?

A claim made on sales and delivery documents based on inputs that meet the requirements of FSC-STD-01-004 FSC Regulatory Module. It can only be used in combination with the FSC claims (except FSC Recycled).

How to create a Regulatory Claim?

The organization shall ensure a clear indication of the FSC claim followed by a regulatory claim (e.g., FSC 100% / Regulatory; FSC Mix / Regulatory), for each product item or the total products.

The organization may use the abbreviation "REG" of a regulatory claim in sales documentation (e.g., FSC 100% / REG; FSC Mix / REG).

What is a Regulatory+ Claim?

A claim made on sales and delivery documents based on inputs exclusively with an FSC 100% / Regulatory+ claim and where every upstream certificate holder within a fully verified supply chain has applied the FSC-STD-01-004 FSC Regulatory Module. It can only be used in combination with the FSC 100% claim.

How to create a Regulatory+ Claim?

The organization shall ensure a clear indication of the FSC claim followed by a regulatory claim (e.g., FSC 100% / Regulatory+), for each product item or the total products.

The organization may use the abbreviation "REG+" of a regulatory claim in sales documentation (e.g., FSC 100% / REG+).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FSC Regulatory Module mandatory?

No, the FSC Regulatory Module is a voluntary add-on module only. Once the certificate holder includes the Module in its certification scope, the requirements become mandatory. FSC has opted for a voluntary approach due to the different levels of impact depending on the company’s activities or supply chain. To reduce the effort in demonstrating compliance with the EUDR in the EU supply chain, the certificate holder may request their suppliers to sell material with the Regulatory claim.
Who is the FSC Regulatory Module relevant for?

This standard is for voluntary use by organizations applying for or holding FSC certification to extend their certification scope to align with the EUDR. It can be used in addition to all existing certification types and includes accreditation requirements for certification bodies.

The FSC Regulatory Module standard focuses on wood and wood-based products.
Can I get certified to the FSC Regulatory Module only?

No, this is not a standalone set of requirements but rather an add-on module. Users must also either already be certified with FSC or selecting to include the FSC Regulatory Module as part of their certification process. How can we distinguish between operator and trader in FSC Requirements?

The FSC Regulatory Module includes the definitions for “operator” and “trader” as well as icons to identify which requirement is relevant for which user-type based on the EUDR terminology of “operator”, “trader”, “SME,” and “non-SME.”
If I use the FSC Regulatory Module is it then required that all companies in our supply chain also follow this new standard?

No, each company in the supply chain can choose to include the Regulatory Module in its certification scope. Nevertheless, there are benefits to having a ‘fully verified supply chain’, as all the necessary data will be available, lowering the demand, effort and risk while conducting the due diligence.
Will the FSC Regulatory Module guarantee compliance with EUDR?

No, only competent authorities have the authority to verify compliance with the EUDR. FSC has included additional requirements that can support demonstrating this compliance by aligning FSC requirements with EUDR but the decision still rests solely on the competent authority. Certification bodies will check for conformity with FSC requirements, which can benefit users by having another third-party verifying conformity.
How can I get certified to the FSC Regulatory Module?

Certificate holders will need to request for a scope extension from their certification bodies to include the Regulatory Module and at minimum a desk-based audit will need to be done either during the next surveillance audit or as agreed with the certification body from 1 July 2024 (so not only from 1 January 2025). FSC recommends that certification bodies and certificate holders follow the development of the additional requirements to prepare accordingly and limit the time needed after 1 of July to prepare for inclusion of the Module and adapting to the system wide changes.