Maximum timeline for certification decisions to be taken in orderto maintain certification
Title: Maximum timeline for certification decisions to be taken in order to maintain certification.
Document Code : FSC-ADV-20-001-02 EN
Approval Date: 18 December 2014
Status: Final
Normative:ISO Guide 65, Clause 4.6.2.a
Reference:FSC-STD-20-001 V3-0, Clause 20.6
ISO Guide 65 together with FSC-STD-20-001 requires the certification body to conduct annual surveillance evaluations to confirm the continued conformity of the certificate holder with applicable certification requirements in order to Maintain the Certificate.
This Advice requires certification bodies to suspend and subsequently withdraw certificates when they cannot take certification decisions to maintain a certificate within a specified time period, for circumstances beyond the control of the certification body.

5 Steps towards FSC certification

1. Contact with SQC to give you a first estimate regarding cost and time needed the SQC will need some basic information about your operation. The SQC will provide you with information about the requirements for FSC certification.

2. You decide which certification body (or small business group scheme) you would like to work with and sign an agreement with the SQC

3. A certification audit takes place to assess your company’s qualifications for certification.

4. The data collected at the audit is the basis of the audit report based on which the certification body makes the certification decision.

5. If the certification decision is positive, you receive an FSC certificate. If the audit revealed that your operation is not yet in full compliance with FSC requirements, then you can go for further audits after you have implemented the changes suggested in the certification report.

FSC certificates are valid for five years. The SQC will conduct annual surveillance audits to verify your continued compliance with FSC certification requirements.