Small and medium-sized businesses are the true engines of our world economy, and we need them to help make sustainable forest products the norm. Yet time and time again, we see smaller companies decide not to pursue FSC certification because myths have been masquerading as facts.
Let’s break down five common myths of group certification and provide the facts of why FSC CoC group certification is a powerful option for even the smallest of companies.
CoC Group Certification: Myth vs. Fact
Myth #1: Group certification is not as credible as single certification.
FACT: Group certification is designed to be fully compliant with FSC standards.
The risk for non-compliance is much lower when compared to single certification. Group certificate participants submit to more audits (both internal and external) and have access to ongoing support from their group managers.
In fact, at the 2025 FSC General Assembly, several motions are being discussed that may impact how FSC CoC Group Certification operates and is regulated. One of these is Motion 55/2021, which asks for increased transparency of organizations and products certified through CoC group certification.
Myth #2: If one site loses its certificate, the whole group is suspended.
FACT: Group compliance is governed by the totality of its participant oversight. If one site fails an audit, the entire group is not in danger.
If a participant site consistently fails to address problems identified by the group manager, that site is removed from the group.
Myth #3: My company is too large for group certification.
FACT: While the size and revenue thresholds differ country to country, these ceilings may be higher than you think.
For example, in the U.S., companies qualify if they make less than $10M in gross annual forest product sales or have fewer than 25 employees.
Myth #4: Certification is too expensive.
FACT: Group certification is designed to help reduce the overall costs of certification.
Smaller companies not only benefit from the lower cost of group certification, but they also have a better experience overall because documents and support are included.
Myth #5: Getting certified is too much work.
FACT: Complicated requirements can be burdensome for smaller companies, but there is relief in numbers. Group certification is overseen by a group manager who handles all the details.
Additionally, Motion 28/2020 is also being discussed at this year’s FSC General Assembly, which asks for simplified requirements to help improve accessibility of FSC certification for smaller companies.
A Group Certification Case Study
Years ago, FSC finally came out with a new way for smaller companies to become certified. That’s when Timothy Freeman, former president of Printing Industries Alliance (PIA), decided to create a group certificate.
Prior to that, it was too expensive for a small company to get FSC certified. When FSC came out with the group methodology, Timothy and a few others in the industry decided to put together a group.
“Not only do you save a lot of money by joining a group certificate, but you have [your group manager] as a resource that cuts a lot of time and red tape out of the process.” — Timothy Freeman, former president of PIA
Ready for FSC CoC Group Certification?
FSC® Chain-of-Custody group certification is an excellent—and affordable—solution for smaller companies.
Groups are formed independently from FSC. If you’re interested in learning more about joining a group, head on over to our Partners page to meet our group managers and get started on the path to certification.
Featured image credit: Kaylee Eden on Unsplash