A documented due diligence system (DDS)* for material is to be included in the FSC product groups within the scope of the FSC Regulatory Module, in order to demonstrate that it:

a) is deforestation-free;

b) has been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production.

All material suppliers and sub-suppliers assessed according to this standard within the Due Diligence System are included. Including suppliers and sub-suppliers is not equivalent to listing all sub-suppliers in the supply chain(s) as at minimum names and addresses of suppliers are required. The level of additional information required from the supply chain(s) (and sub-suppliers) will depend on the identified risk and corresponding mitigation measures.

Suppliers and sub-suppliers aren't required to follow this standard, but it's the organization's responsibility to ensure conformity.

Means to verify the relevance, effectiveness, or adequacy of the due diligence system may include, but are not limited to, stakeholder consultation, field verification and document verification, all of which may be included in internal audits.

The Due Diligence System should be reviewed and, if needed, updated at least once a year and before the annual certification body surveillance, or when changes affect the relevance, effectiveness, or adequacy of the Due Diligence System. Verification methods may include stakeholder consultation, field verification, and document checks, conducted through internal audits.

*The organization is exempt from conducting a due diligence if the material or product is covered by a due diligence statement previously issued by a supplier/sub-supplier and submitted to the EU information system. In such cases, provide the competent authorities with the reference number of the due diligence statement, upon request. This applies only after confirming due diligence was exercised according to the requirements of FSC’s Regulatory Module.