Timber Material FSC Certified Supplier: What to Check Before You Order
A practical guide to FSC certification in timber supply chains — covering chain of custody, certificate verification, and common pitfalls
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification is one of the most recognized ways to verify that timber material comes from responsibly managed forests. But having an FSC certificate and being able to deliver FSC-certified material to your project are two different things.
We supply FSC-certified timber products to European and North American markets. Here's what to verify before you commit to an FSC-certified order.
FSC 100%, FSC Mix, and FSC Recycled: What the Labels Mean
Not all FSC claims are the same. When you're buying FSC-certified timber, check which label the supplier is actually licensed to sell:
- FSC 100%: All material in the product comes from FSC-certified forests. Strongest claim; most restrictive for the supplier.
- FSC Mix (Credit or Percentage): Product contains a mix of FSC-certified, controlled wood, and/or recycled material. This is what most suppliers offer — and it's fully valid if the certificate covers it.
- FSC Recycled: Product contains 100% recycled material. Fewer suppliers can offer this; most relevant for engineered wood products.
Keep in mind: For most green building credits (LEED MR Credit: Sourcing of Raw Materials), FSC Mix Credit is sufficient. You don't need FSC 100% to earn the credit. Check your specific rating tool requirements.
Chain of Custody: Why the Certificate Isn't the Whole Story
Chain of Custody (CoC) certification means the supplier has a documented system for tracking certified material through their production process. But the certificate on its own doesn't guarantee that the specific product you're buying is covered.
FSC Supplier Verification Checklist
- Check certificate scope: Request the FSC certificate and confirm the product type (sawn timber, engineered wood, modified timber) is listed. "Timber products" is too vague.
- Verify on FSC database: Enter the certificate number at info.fsc.org. Confirms the certificate is active and shows the licensed product scope.
- Request FSC invoice declaration: For each shipment, the commercial invoice should state the FSC claim type and certificate number. This is what auditors will ask for.
FSC and Green Building Rating Systems
| Rating System | FSC Requirement | Minimum % for Credit |
|---|---|---|
| LEED v4 | MR Credit: Sourcing of Raw Materials | 50% of wood products by cost |
| BREEAM | Mat 03: Responsible Sourcing | 100% certified for 3 credits; 70% for 2 credits |
| DGNB | ENV1.1: Environmental impact of materials | FSC/PEFC certified timber earns top rating |
Our timber profiles for windows and doors and outdoor wall panels are available with FSC documentation to support project certification requirements.
Need FSC-Certified Timber Material?
We supply FSC-certified timber products with full chain-of-custody documentation for LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB projects.
Or contact our team for FSC documentation and specification support.
