Sourcing responsibly harvested wood is no longer just a niche request—it’s becoming an industry standard. More contractors, architects, and end customers are asking for FSC-certified products, and if you’re a distributor, carrying these materials can give you a competitive edge.
Here’s how to source FSC-certified lumber and building products, and what you need to know to resell them with confidence.
What Does FSC-Certified Mean?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies that wood and wood products:
Come from responsibly managed forests
Protect biodiversity and water quality
Respect the rights of workers and Indigenous communities
Are traceable through a controlled supply chain
FSC certification is internationally recognized and often required for LEED projects and government contracts.
- Work With FSC-Certified Suppliers
The first step is to build relationships with mills, wholesalers, or manufacturers that are FSC Chain of Custody certified.
To find them:
Use the FSC Supplier Search Tool
Ask current vendors if they offer certified product lines
Request proof of certification and recent audit results
Not all products from a supplier may be certified—be clear about what you’re ordering.
- Maintain Your Own Certification (If Needed)
If you plan to break bulk, repackage, or relabel FSC-certified products, you may need your own Chain of Custody certification. This ensures:
Proper documentation and labeling of FSC materials
No mixing with non-certified stock
Accurate records of purchase and sale
If you’re simply reselling intact products with original labels, certification may not be required—but it’s still best practice.
- Label and Document Correctly
Each FSC-certified sale must include:
Product claim (e.g., FSC 100%, FSC Mix)
Certificate code of the supplier
Invoice labeling that reflects certification status
Segregation practices if you carry both certified and non-certified stock
Your ERP system can help tag, track, and label inventory to maintain compliance.
- Communicate Value to Customers
Educate your customers—contractors, architects, and homeowners—on:
Why FSC matters
What projects may require certified wood
Which products you carry and how they’re sourced
Positioning yourself as a sustainability partner builds trust and long-term business.
Final Tip: FSC-certified products can help differentiate your business, open doors to larger projects, and align with green building trends. Start with a few key SKUs and build from there.
