A revolution in FSC Chain of Custody and labelling

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) system is increasingly moving beyond forest management itself. The area of Chain of Custody (CoC) – that is, the monitoring of the entire supply chain, from raw material to finished product – is gaining in importance. It is here that the greatest transformation is taking place today, driven by growing market demands and the need for greater transparency. Consumers now expect not only a certificate, but also clear information about the origin of materials.

At the same time, the rules governing the use of FSC labels are evolving, which directly affects product labelling and marketing communications. Even minor errors can result in non-compliance. The years 2025–2026 mark a crucial moment for companies using certified materials – one that demands greater control, consistency and awareness throughout the supply chain.

New version of the Chain of Custody (CoC)

One of the key elements of the changes is the update to the FSC-STD-40-004 standard. The new version is designed to better address contemporary market challenges, such as global supply chains and the risk of fraud. As a result, it is essential to carry out more thorough verification of business partners. The most significant areas of change are:

• enhanced supplier controls, 
• more detailed rules on outsourcing, 
• greater emphasis on preventing incorrect FSC declarations.

Digitalisation and a new approach to audits

The FSC system is increasingly embracing digitalisation. Among the changes are the possibility of conducting remote audits, greater use of digital data, and simplified reporting. This is good news for companies operating internationally, but at the same time it means greater transparency and easier detection of non-compliance.

New rules for the use of FSC marks

From 2026, an updated standard for FSC trademarks will come into force. Its aim is to:

• standardise communication, 
• reduce errors in labelling, 
• enhance the credibility of labelling. 

The changes include, amongst other things:

• more detailed guidelines on the use of the logo, 
• new examples of correct labelling, 
• greater control over marketing communications.

Changes to labels and materials

Changes to how products are classified are also significant, for example under ‘FSC Mix’ labelling. In some cases, there is greater flexibility regarding the use of recycled materials, and the rules for calculating the proportion of certified raw materials have changed. This may affect both procurement strategy and production costs.

Risks for businesses

Changes to the CoC and labelling entail specific risks:

1. Errors in product labelling

Outdated logos or incorrect labelling may lead to non-compliance.

2. Problems with suppliers

A failure to properly verify partners may result in the loss of certification.

3. Non-compliance during audits

The new requirements mean audits will be conducted in greater detail.

4. Reputational risk

Incorrect use of the FSC label may damage a company’s reputation.

What should companies be doing right now?

To prepare for the changes, it is worth taking a few steps:

• analyse the supply chain, 
• verify suppliers’ compliance with FSC standards, 
• update marketing materials, 
• train teams (sales, marketing, compliance), 
• implement labelling control procedures. 

The changes to the FSC Chain of Custody and labelling represent one of the system’s most significant transformations in recent years. Their aim is to enhance the credibility of certification and adapt it to the realities of the global market.

For companies, this means a need for greater control, accuracy and awareness – but also an opportunity to build a stronger, more transparent brand.