Part one: Navigating the New FSC® Trademark Standard (V3-0)
FSC trademark standards are being revised to sharpen clarity and help businesses move away from vague “greenwashing.” Because we know regulatory shifts can feel overwhelming, we’re breaking down the what, when, why, and how of these changes so you can stay ahead of the curve.
What’s Changing?
We’re exploring several major shifts, including:
- Digital Innovation: The introduction of the first-ever FSC QR label.
- Design Freedom: More flexibility in graphic layouts and fewer restrictions on dual-labelling.
- Updated Messaging: Saying goodbye to the ‘Forests For All Forever’ mark and welcoming new, ready-to-use promotional statements.
First Look: The New Mandatory Label Elements
Under the new V3-0 standard (specifically Clause 3), the layout of your FSC label is getting a refresh. While some things remain the same, a few previously “optional” items are now mandatory:
- The FSC Logo
- The FSC Org Address: Formerly optional, now required.
- The FSC Claim/Title: (100%, Mix, or Recycled). *Only compulsory for on-product labels, not promotional
- Product Type: Previously conditional, now mandatory. Bonus: You can now include up to three different product types if your item uses multiple certified materials. *Only compulsory for on-product labels, not promotional
- The FSC License Code: Your unique identifier.
Optional Extras: You can still choose to include the Moebius Loop (for Mix and Recycled labels) and specific Label Text.
The Game Changer: The FSC QR Label
Perhaps the biggest news is the Alternative QR Label (clause 3.8). If you’re tight on packaging real estate, this is for you. The physical label only needs to show the logo, the QR code, and the product type.
However, that QR code must link to a Secondary Information Landing Page that provides the full picture, including your certificate status and company data. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between physical packaging and digital transparency.
Interface Timeline: When Does This Start?
To be fully transparent, we don’t have a confirmed date for V3 audits just yet. Before we flip the switch, we’re updating our processes, rolling out internal training, reviewing the FSC timeline and coordinating with our partners to ensure the transition is seamless for you.
As soon as we have a firm date, you’ll be the first to know. In the meantime, you can actually start implementing certain V3 requirements as early as July 1st.
Whether you can adopt these changes now depends on the specific requirement. Some updates are compatible with the current V2-1 standard, while others require a full transition to V3-0.
Here is a quick breakdown to help you plan:
Available now (Compatible with FSC Trademark Standard V2-1):
- Labels featuring multiple product types.
- Labels including the mandatory product type and website address.
- Updated promotional statements and multi-text panel options.
- Mandatory elements for individual e-commerce product listings.
- Additional clarifying statements for certified products.
Available after your transition (Compatible with FSC Trademark Standard V3-0 only):
- New FSC QR labels and non-standard colour options for logos and labels.
- Labelling agreements between parties outside of a standard supplier-buyer relationship.
- Reduced sizing (4mm logo height, 8mm portrait width, or 5mm landscape height).
- Smaller exclusion zones and using other forest certification labels alongside the FSC logo.
Trademark Approval (Clause 1.7 of FSC-STD-50-001 V3-0)
Yes, if you are using any FSC Trademark (such as a label, logo, or promotional panel), you need to obtain trademark approval from either your Certification Body (CB) or the trademark use management system within your organisation. However, you do not need to resubmit every trademark you have previously submitted for re-approval under the new version (V3).
If you are sending artwork for reprint, or if it is a new document or use that has not yet been approved, you will need to seek trademark approval. But if it has already been approved under V2 FSC Trademark Standard and is being distributed before July 1st, it is acceptable to continue using it without re-approval.
Important Takeaway: You do not need to resubmit every trademark approval immediately.
Don’t Panic!
We’re using this transition period to break the revised standard into bite-sized, manageable pieces, follow along on our social media pages to stay up to date. You can also find more information and read the full standard by visiting the FSC website.
Join the Conversation
For our Interface clients: We’re hosting an exclusive webinar at the end of the month with our Head of Chain of Custody, Rob Kerr. Check out our recent email for the link to register.
In the meantime, make sure you to follow along with the rest of the monthly break down on our LinkedIn.