What to Look for

The following resources highlight basic elements to look for in forest certification systems.  However, they are just a starting point.  No checklist can easily capture the complexity required of actual forest certification systems.  When evaluating such systems, it is important to not only ask whether they address a given issue, but to examine how well they address the issue.  The requirements of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) should be considered as benchmarks when evaluating forest certification systems.

“Certification Systems—What to Look For.”  Factsheet.  American Lands Alliance, 2005.

“Defining Sustainability:  What to Look for in Forest Certification Systems and Sustainable Forestry Standards.”  White Paper.  July, 2004.  Hall, D.

“Forest Certification Assessment Guide (FCAG).”  World Wildlife Fund/World Bank Global Forest Alliance, July, 2006.

“Assessing Forest Certification Schemes:  A Practical Guide.”  ProForest, 2002.

Fully independent and not overly influenced by timber industry. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Strong forest and environmental protection standards. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Strong community protection standards. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Product content monitoring (chain of custody) consistently required. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Consistent link between product labels/claims and certified forests. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Strong certification and accreditation process. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Transparency and public participation consistently required. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Certifies some of the most environmentally destructive timber companies in North America. FSC:NO SFI:YES

Certification System Characteristics

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