FSC has joined 100+ NGOs supporting the #Together4Forests movement.
Stewards by nature
FSC® is trusted by NGOs, businesses, and consumers worldwide to protect healthy, resilient forests for all, forever.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit organization that sets standards for responsible forest management and forest-product supply chains.
Independent certification bodies assess forests and businesses against those standards. Governments, companies, and consumers use FSC certification to verify that wood, paper, and other forest-based products come from forests managed to protect biodiversity, workers' rights, and Indigenous Peoples' rights.
Currently, over 160 million hectares and 70,000+ organizations are certified to our standards.
We’re guided by a vision for a world where the true value of forests is recognized by all
Our mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests.
We envision more: a new forest paradigm where the true value of forests is recognized and fully incorporated into society worldwide.
FSC operates the most rigorous forest certification system
We are governed by our members, who bring a balance of social, economic, and environmental perspectives and keep our standards robust and relevant.
Globally, our 'check tree' logo is the most recognized and trusted consumer symbol for forest products*. Our certifications ensure third parties verify that our standards are properly implemented, meaning forests can remain forests and materials are sourced responsibly.
Meet the people leading this work.
We do more than talk about sustainable forestry. Our initiatives create healthier, more resilient forests worldwide.
As of 14 August 2026
170+ million
certified hectares of forest
1,200+
individuals and organizations from 90 countries who make up our governing body
65K+
certifications verifying sustainable sourcing
1,700+
companies licenced to promote FSC-labeled products
52%
of consumers globally recognize the FSC logo
1
planet
Certification is just one way we advance sustainable forestry
We provide a proven, measurable system to recognize the intangible benefits forests offer – thriving biodiversity, carbon storage, water protection, and more. Our holistic approach drives shared value for business, government, Indigenous Peoples and society at large by advancing responsible forest management and providing ways to recognize and harness the true value forests deliver.
Learn more about our global strategy, our solutions and read about our progress in our annual report.
Every forest has a story
Click on each tree to explore FSC certified forests around the world and learn how our initiatives protect forests and people.
1995
FSC UK becomes FSC’s first local network partner office, followed by FSC Netherlands and FSC Germany.
1995
The world’s first FSC-labeled product, a wooden spatula, is sold in Sainsbury’s UK.
Riga protects its urban green spaces
The urban forest surrounding the Baltic states’ largest capital becomes FSC certified.
Read more →56+ million
Hectares of FSC-certified forest in Europe.
FSC welcomes the new EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR)
With its sustainability requirements covering environmental and social aspects, FSC provides a strong foundation for businesses to build on to meet their EUDR duties.
Read more →2021
FSC chain of custody certifications in Europe grow 7 per cent and now exceed 23,000.
Celebrating forests on World Music Day
To mark the intertwined connections of forests and culture, FSC Portugal put a fado performance on stage using guitars made entirely of FSC-certified products.
Read more →Maintaining integrity during war in Ukraine
FSC Ukraine has worked tirelessly, sometimes while hiding in bomb shelters, to reduce illegal logging and meet the escalating and changing needs of this sector.
Learn more →1996
FSC’s first Standard Development Group established in Sweden.
1995
FSC launches presence in the United States, followed by Canada in 1998.
64+ million
Hectares of FSC-certified forest in North America.
Managing forests for bats in Appalachia
Responsible forestry is helping vulnerable bat populations recover.
Read more →2021
FSC US launches its Ambassador Program featuring professional athletes, social media influencers, policymakers.
Learn more →Martin Guitar introduces first FSC-certified, plastic-free acoustic guitar
The one-of-a-kind 00L Earth guitar is more than an instrument, it’s a call to action to end climate change.
Read more →2021
FSC US and FSC Canada launch e-commerce experience to help people find and buy FSC-certified products.
2019
The Skokomish Indian Tribe becomes the fourth indigenous tribe in the US to earn FSC’s forest management certification.
Upholding indigenous peoples’ rights
FSC Canada stands with indigenous groups in their fight for Free, Prior and Informed consent laws.
Read more →2018
FSC is recognized by Ecotrust as leader in climate-smart forestry.
Good news for caribou in Canada
FSC Canada’s caribou conservation standards are at the center of recovery efforts in Northeastern Alberta.
Read more →2x
Increase in awareness of FSC in the US between 2017–2021.
2006
FSC launches presence in Japan and China.
2017
FSC reaches APAC certificates milestones: over 10,000 CoC certificates in the region.
Read more →2018
FSC welcomes Thai Government’s support on certifying rubber under FSC certification scheme.
Read more →2022
1.8billion+ publications - Japan Post chooses FSC-certified paper for its iconic New Year's postcards.
Read more →Protecting rare and endangered wildlife on Borneo Island
FSC certificate holder PT. Ratah Timber is protecting vulnerable animal populations in Indonesia.
Learn more →2020
Full project FSC-certified: Warak Kayu Microlibrary completed in Semarang Indonesia.
Major South African retailers put forests first
Two of the largest retailers in South Africa, Spar Group and Pick'n Pay Retailers, have joined in the fight for sustainable forestry.
Read more →Forests for all, forever in Gabon
The Gabonese government announces that 100 per cent of the country’s managed forest concessions will become FSC certified.
Read more →9+ million
Hectares of FSC-certified forest in Africa.
Watershed restoration
120 per cent gained volume of water within one year of intervention in South Africa.
Learn more →Interview: Wildlife thrives in Gabon’s FSC-certified forests
Meet the filmmakers exploring the impact of FSC certification on wildlife in Gabon.
Read more →Certified forest growth
FSC forest management certification in Africa increases by 22 per cent between 2020 and 2022.
2021
FSC Interim National Standard launched for Kenya.
FSC certification surges in the Congo Basin
With the addition of new forest management certifications, over 2.9 million hectares of forest in the Republic of Congo become FSC certified.
Read more →1997
First FSC forest management certification and chain of custody certification issued in Africa.
1994
Where it all began: FSC was originally headquartered in the forested region of Oaxaca, Mexico.
17+ million
Hectares of FSC-certified forest in Latin America.
Safeguarding the forest for future generations
The Callería indigenous community uses the latest responsible forestry practices to protect the Amazon.
Read more →Searching for the King Vulture in Ejido Nuevo Becal
Step into Ejido Nuevo Becal and see how responsible forestry creates thriving forests and communities.
Read more →The importance of bamboo in Ecuador
Read more →The Del Fuerte Company sponsors a forest in Mexico
The trademark license holder partners with FSC Mexico to take the next step in its commitment to sustainable forestry.
Read more →
Advancing certification compliance
We’re bringing together people and organizations around the world to create new solutions for protecting the health and resilience of forests everywhere – at every step of the supply chain.
WoodID helps FSC confirm whether the wood flowing through FSC-certified supply chains originates from legitimate sources and supports action against violations.
We're using satellite technology to help monitor forest health and understand where FSC-certified forests are, as well as the landscapes that impact them.
This practical traceability tool for FSC‑certified companies enables verification of transactions and secure data sharing and documentation across supply chains.
Allies for the forest
FSC is a trusted partner to some of the world’s leading environmental organizations, and together, we’re working to ensure thriving forests worldwide.
WWF was a founding member of FSC and finds FSC certification to be the most robust, actively recommending it to businesses and consumers.
Sierra Club was a founding member of FSC and has been an active international member of FSC since 1995.
The Borneo Initiative has been an active international member of FSC since 2014.
The Nature Conservancy has been an active international member of FSC since 2001.
The Rainforest Alliance is one of the founders of FSC and continues to endorse our positive impact on forests and communities.
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Forests are global, and so are we. With a presence in 70 countries, we’re taking responsible forestry worldwide.
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*The Trust Advantage, Global Consumer Recognition Study by Ipsos and FSC