The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is tackling the issue of how timber product certification will work in the context of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) through publication of a new document.

The question and answer document asks key questions such as is certification accepted as automatic proof of EUTR compliance, and will there be a "green lane" for FSC-certified products.

The publication makes it clear that certification will not be accepted as automatic proof but it is flagged up as a potential tool in assessing risks of illegality.

FSC says its certification scheme can still be very useful with regard to the EUTR, particularly risk assessment and risk mitigation.

In order for the FSC scheme to be recognised for risk assessment and risk mitigation, timber companies need to obtain confirmation from the National Measurement Office, the UK's national competent authority for the EUTR.

FSC's own evaluation of four crucial criteria mentioned in the EUTR is that it does comply.

The document also outlines what FSC is doing to ensure compliance, including developing an online claims platform, revising its Controlled Wood Standard and ensuring its national standards for countries which have a FLEGT partnership agreement are in line with legality requirements in those agreements.

To view the whole document visit www.fsc-uk.org/?p=3908