FSC Online Claims Platform tested worldwide

The OCP has been developed due to the perceived vulnerability to “inaccurate claims” of the current paper-based system for recording and monitoring FSC-certified timber transactions, and following chain of custody.

The OCP involves those trading in FSC products to register transactions immediately on its web-based system. This, says the organisation, will be more easily policed and transparent, and less prone to error and misuse. “Our future integrity is at risk if we do not develop the FSC system as [the market for FSC products] grows and evolves,” it said. It acknowledged that its plans have caused anxieties in the timber sector, particulalry among smaller traders who fear they do not have the time or resources to accommodate the new system. Some bodies, including the UK’s TTF, also expressed dissatisfaction at the level of consultation on the introduction of the system and a lack of clarity on terms and conditions. More recently other European trade bodies raised concerns that the OCP might cause problems under data protection and competition rules.

As a result FSC deferred the date for the system becoming obligatory and is now putting it through this further testing. It also held the first of a series of consultation meetings with industry representatives from Europe and North America in Copenhagen in early April.

“We’re committed to listening to stake holders and are identifying possible ways parts of the chain of custody standard can be automatically met for companies that implement the OCP, and the feasibility of a risk-based introduction of the platform,” it said.