FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1 is the main standard a business must meet to obtain FSC chain of custody (CoC) certification. It took effect on 1 September 2021 and is still the version in force. FSC is revising it to V4-0; according to FSC's published plan, the new version is expected in early 2027.
This guide explains the standard's code, its structure, the key change in V3-1 and what to watch in the revision.
New to FSC CoC? Start with What Is FSC CoC?
1. Reading the Code FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FSC | Forest Stewardship Council |
| STD | Standard (a document with mandatory requirements) |
| 40 | The chain of custody (CoC) document series |
| 004 | Document number: Chain of Custody Certification |
| V3-1 | Version 3, revision 1 |
Related FSC documents businesses often come across:
| Document | Content |
|---|---|
| FSC-STD-40-003 | Multi-site CoC certification |
| FSC-STD-40-005 | Requirements for sourcing Controlled Wood |
| FSC-STD-40-007 | Sourcing reclaimed material |
| FSC-STD-50-001 | Requirements for use of FSC trademarks |
| FSC-STD-20-011 | Rules for certification bodies conducting CoC evaluations |
2. Effective Date and Transition Period
Effective date: 1 September 2021 (postponed by FSC's decision of 19 March 2021).
Transition period: 15 months, from 1 September 2021 to 31 December 2022.
Since 2023, every FSC CoC certificate holder has been audited against V3-1.
3. Structure: 4 Parts, 16 Sections
| Part | Sections | Main content |
|---|---|---|
| I. Universal requirements | 1–7 | CoC management system; material sourcing; material handling; records; sales; compliance with timber legality legislation; FSC core labour requirements |
| II. Control of FSC claims | 8–11 | Product groups; transfer system; percentage system; credit system |
| III. Supplementary requirements | 12–13 | FSC labelling; outsourcing |
| IV. Eligibility | 14–16 | Single, multi-site and group certification |
How these requirements are applied in practice (supplier control, volume reconciliation, sales documents…) is covered in FSC CoC certification: process and costs.
4. The Key Change in V3-1: FSC Core Labour Requirements
V3-1 added the FSC Core Labour Requirements – auditable social requirements based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) core conventions. Businesses must demonstrate:
No child labour.
No forced labour.
No discrimination in employment and occupation.
Respect for freedom of association and collective bargaining.
How to meet them under V3-1:
Adopt a policy statement committing to the core labour requirements, and implement it.
Complete a risk-based self-assessment describing how each requirement applies to your operations, using FSC's self-assessment template.
Use other social certifications as evidence, where the scheme is accepted by FSC.
In parallel, the evaluation standard for certification bodies (FSC-STD-20-011 V4-2) added worker interviews, verification that the policy is adopted and implemented, and review of the self-assessment.
In Vietnam, also check against the Labour Code and related regulations. The self-assessment needs real evidence (recruitment records, age checks, contracts, payroll, internal rules), not just a signed commitment.
Get advice "Review your FSC CoC system against the core labour requirements"
5. The V4-0 Revision: Progress and Expected Dates
FSC is revising its chain of custody standards: FSC-STD-40-004, FSC-STD-40-003, FSC-STD-40-007, FSC-PRO-40-003 and the evaluation standard FSC-STD-20-011.
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Aug–Oct 2024 | Conceptual phase report consultation |
| 15 Nov 2025 – 25 Jan 2026 | First draft consultation |
| 15 May – 15 Jun 2026 | Second draft consultation (FSC-STD-40-004 V4-0 D2-0) – the final round |
| 1 Jan 2027 (planned) | Publication of the revised standards |
| 1 Jul 2027 (planned) | Effective date, followed by an 18-month transition |
Planned dates as announced by FSC (May 2026); subject to change.
What should businesses do now?
Keep maintaining your system to V3-1 – it is still the version being audited.
Follow updates from FSC and your certification body on the final V4-0.
When V4-0 is published, run a gap review and update procedures during the transition rather than waiting until the end.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Which FSC CoC standard version is current? FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1, effective since 1 September 2021.
What is the most important difference between V3-1 and V3-0? The FSC Core Labour Requirements: a policy statement, a risk-based self-assessment, and worker interviews by the certification body during audits.
When will FSC-STD-40-004 V4-0 apply? According to FSC's published plan, publication is expected on 1 January 2027, with an effective date of 1 July 2027 and an 18-month transition. Check again when FSC publishes the final version.
Will certified businesses have to start over when V4-0 arrives? No. They transition during the transition period, usually through regular audits, after updating their system to the new requirements.
7. Conclusion
FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1 is the basis for every FSC CoC certificate today, with the core labour requirements as its key addition. V4-0 is in the final stage of revision; keep your V3-1 system in good shape and prepare to review it once the new version is published. Process and cost information is in the FSC CoC pillar article.
References
FSC – Revised chain of custody standard: effective date and transition period
FSC – Consultation on revised Chain of Custody standards (15 May – 15 June 2026)
FSC Connect – Revision of Chain of Custody standards
Lawyer Tran Thi Mai has more than 10 years of experience in legal affairs, social responsibility, ESG and sustainable development.
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