Sourcing timber products from the newly formed structural units, over-forestries, without an FSC claim from January 1, 2025, turned out to be a completely unacceptable situation for the woodworking business. Not just timber, but FSC-certified raw materials are the basis for the manufacture of a wide range of structural materials, boards, furniture, and ensure the creation of a value chain, positioning of companies' responsibility in foreign and domestic markets, and maintaining the growth rate of the country's forestry sector.
The meeting demonstrated a deep commitment to FSC values, as it was not only about timber supply, but also about changes in the philosophy of forestry, improving the culture of production, and ensuring high environmental and social standards of forest management. Participants expressed unanimity in the importance of maintaining FSC certification in Ukraine4.
«I had the opportunity to emphasize once again that FSC has no reservations about choosing a certification model for any structural unit of the SFE ‘Forests of Ukraine’ that is able to meet the requirements of the FSC standard for Ukraine. The interpretation received at the request of the certification bodies does not contain any new regulatory requirements. Thus, the certification of newly formed units could be carried out without applying to FSC International» – said Pavlo Kravets, Director of FSC Ukraine.
The news about the interpretation published by FSC International is available here: https://ua.fsc.org/ua-uk/newsfeed/fsc-zasvidchue-pidtrimku-lisiv-ta-sertifikacii-v-ukraini