The FSC^® (Forest Stewardship Council^®) is an NGO ( non governmental organization) with over 600 members in more than 70 countries, which include human groups committed to responsible forestry management, such as representatives of social groups, environmental organizations, foresters, forestry business people, indigenous people’s organizations and researchers. The General Assembly of members is FSC’s highest decision-making body which consists of three chambers (environmental, social and economic), further subdivided into northern and southern countries subchambers.

This structure guarantees that influence is shared equitably between different interest groups and levels of economic power, as well as the independence and transparency in the decision making process. The FSC^® has an international office located in Bonn (Germany), 4 regional offices (Europe, América, Africa and Oceania- southern Asia) and a national initiative network available in 34 countries.

Through its accredited entities, the FSC^® issues Certificates to forestry companies which meet its principles and criteria. The FSC^® certification ensures that products come from well-managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits and allow the project sustainability.

Forest Management Certification (FM/CoC) is issued to companies which manage plantations or woods. Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification applies to companies that are part of the industrial-trading chain involving timber and non-timber products generated in woods and plantations