Forest Stewardship Council Ends Certification in Russia

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) announced Thursday (3-30-23) the withdrawal of the remaining forest management certificates in Russia by the respective certification bodies. The move is a result of the decision by Assurance Services International (ASI) to terminate its FSC assurance activities in Russia.

According to a risk assessment conducted by ASI, the main reason for the withdrawals is the increasing integrity risk in Russia, as the security of the people involved in the oversight activities in the country can no longer be guaranteed. ASI also says there are limitations to operating in the country as the result of restricted access and sanctions. With the termination of ASI’s oversight activities in Russia, certification bodies will no longer be accredited for auditing against the FSC standards in the country.

The withdrawal of all FSC certificates in Russia follows last year’s decision by the FSC International Board to apply measures leading to the suspension of certificates allowing for the trade in FSC certified materials and products in both Russia and Belarus, which was made in the immediate aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine. The suspending certificates will now also be withdrawn after the twelve months of suspension, at the latest by April 8th.

ASI’s decision will become effective on May 1st and will be reevaluated once the conditions allow for assurance again.