RUSSIA – The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) announces the withdrawal of Russia’s remaining forest management certificates by their respective certification bodies.

This follows a decision by Assurance Services International (ASI) to terminate its FSC quality assurance activities in Russia.ASI’s decision will come into effect on May 1, 2023 and will be re-evaluated once conditions allow for quality assurance again.

Based on the risk assessment carried out by ASI, the main reason is the increasing risk to integrity in the country as the safety of the people involved in overseeing activities in Russia can no longer be guaranteed. In addition, there are limitations to operating in the country as a result of restricted access and sanctions. With the cessation of ASI’s supervision activities in Russia, certification bodies will no longer be accredited to conduct audits against FSC standards in the country.

This withdrawal of all FSC certificates in Russia follows last year’s decision by the FSC International Board of Directors to apply measures leading to the suspension of certificates allowing trade of FSC certified materials and products in Russia and Belarus, which was taken immediately after the invasion. The suspended certificates will now also be withdrawn no later than April 8, 2023, after 12 months have elapsed following the suspension.

FSC International deeply regrets not being able to maintain forest management certification in Russia and remains focused on supporting the protection of High Conservation Value (HCV) forests and Intact Forest Landscapes. The pre-war status of these valuable forests will provide a key reference point for assessing their responsible management during the absence of forest management certification. FSC will not accept the conversion of forests, especially High Conservation Value forests, which must remain intact.