These concern the environmental, social and economic impacts of forest management. The FSC also evaluates, accredits and monitors forest certification organisations which are authorised to certify against its Principles and Criteria.
Forest certification is applied to the management of a specific, defined forest area.
Programme are understood and to identify areas which will require improvements before the main assessment. They assess the forest management system and field practices, interview personnel and examine documentation. Interviews are held with key stakeholders. If the result of the assessment process is positive, the forest is registered and a certificate is issued. A certificate is valid normally for 5 years, after which re-assessment is required.