Learn about the real costs of FSC® supply chain certification
How much does the FSC® CoC certificate cost?
Companies in the timber, paper, and packaging industries are increasingly considering implementing FSC® Chain of Custody (CoC) certification. This international standard confirms that a company participates in a responsible supply chain for forest-based products. Frequently asked questions on Google include: how much does the FSC® CoC certificate cost? and what its price depends on.
In this article we explain:
- what is the FSC® CoC certificate,
- who should implement it,
- what the certification process looks like,
- for how long is it issued,
- and How much does it cost to obtain FSC® CoC certification? in Poland.
What is FSC® CoC certification?
FSC® CoC Certificate (Chain of Custody, i.e. supply chain) is confirmation that the company has a system for identifying and tracking FSC materials® throughout the entire production, processing or trade process.
Thanks to the implementation of the standard FSC-STD-40-004 the company may:
- mark your products with the FSC® logo,
- participate in the global FSC® supply chain,
- respond to contractor and tender requirements,
- build the image of a company that cares about responsible sources of raw materials.
The CoC certificate is intended for companies that do not manage forests (these require separate FSC® FM – Forest Management certification), but are engaged in:
- woodworking,
- paper and packaging production,
- trade in wood materials or paper products.
Who is the FSC® CoC certificate for?
FSC® CoC Certification applies to all entities in the supply chain that:
- produce or process forest products,
- store and transport FSC® products,
- sell products with the FSC® mark (as intermediaries or distributors).
The FSC® CoC certificate is most often used by:
- sawmills and woodworking plants,
- manufacturers of furniture, floors, doors and windows,
- printing houses and printing companies,
- manufacturers and suppliers of paper or cardboard packaging,
- wholesalers of wooden materials.
Who issues the FSC® CoC certificate and how do I obtain it?
FSC® CoC certification is issued by accredited certification bodies, such as Quality Austria-Polska. The certification process involves several steps:
- Analysis of the requirements of the FSC-STD-40-004 standard and preparation of documentation.
- Implementation of procedures in the company ensuring the separation of FSC® materials from non-certified ones and their traceability at every stage.
- Certification audit carried out by an authorized auditor.
- Issuance of FSC® CoC certificate, which allows the company to mark its products with the FSC® logo.
More information: certification FSC® CoC at Quality Austria-Poland Sp. z o. o.
How long is the FSC® CoC certificate issued for?
The FSC® CoC certificate is valid for 5 years, however, the condition for its maintenance are annual surveillance audits. They are intended to confirm that the company continues to operate in accordance with the requirements of the standard.
How much does the FSC® CoC certificate cost?
Please note! Once again, a certificate cannot be "purchased." To obtain FSC® CoC certification, you must meet all the requirements mentioned above and successfully complete the certification audit, which is the basis for awarding the certificate.
FSC® CoC certificate price depends on many factors, such as:
- company size and number of employees,
- number of locations covered by certification,
- the complexity of production or commercial processes,
- form of certification (single, group, multi-site).
For small and medium-sized companies in Poland FSC® CoC certification cost usually falls within the range:
from PLN 4,500 to PLN 6,000 net per year
This range includes both the first certification audit and annual surveillance audits (as of 2025). Additionally, the annual license fee to FSC (the so-called. Annual Administration Fee – AAF).
Summary – is it worth investing in the FSC® CoC certificate?
The FSC® CoC certificate opens the door to new markets for companies, increases competitiveness and allows them to respond to the growing demands of contractors regarding the responsible origin of raw materials.
Knowing the approximate costs of FSC® CoC certification, you can better prepare for the process and make a conscious decision to implement the standard.
Want to find out exactly how much FSC® CoC certification would cost for your company? Contact us – we'll prepare a free quote tailored to your business.
link: Download the free guide "FSC® CoC Certificate in 6 Steps""
You may be interested in:
What is FSC®?
More on this what is FSC®, You will learn what its importance is and how it promotes sustainable forest management from our article What is FSC®?.
Is FSC® certification mandatory?
No, but it is becoming more and more common a condition for cooperation with large contractors and is required in public tenders or by retail chains.
Can any company be certified?
Yes – FSC® certifies both large production plants, What small businesses operating in the wood products supply chain.
How long does the FSC® certification process take?
Usually from 1 to 3 months, depending on the scale of operations and the degree of preparation of the organization.
Is FSC® only for wood?
No - also includes paper, bamboo textiles, cork and other forest products.
Your contact person
Team
Claudia Bienioszek-Buczek
Customer Service Center Director Phone: +48322266007 Mobile: +48517676569
Learn more about certification
Team
Ewelina Loska
Coordinator for Timber Industry Certification and Administration Phone: +48322266007 Mobile: +48516687768