New FSC trademark standard V3-0: what changes for certificate holders

On 1 January 2026, FSC® published the new version of the trademark standard for certificate holders: FSC-STD-50-001 V3-0, "Use of the FSC Trademarks by Certificate Holders". The standard has been in force since 1 July 2026 and will in due course replace version V2-1 from 2021. According to FSC, this is a major revision with three objectives: streamlining existing requirements, aligning with new market trends such as e-commerce and social media, and better alignment with legislation on environmental claims, including the European rules against greenwashing.

For you as a certificate holder, this means that the way you apply the FSC label to products and the way you refer to FSC in your communications will change in a number of respects. Below are the most important differences compared with V2-1.

1. New: the FSC QR label

The most striking innovation is the FSC QR label. This is a full alternative to the familiar FSC 100%, FSC MIX and FSC RECYCLED labels, not an addition to them. The product itself only shows the FSC logo, the QR code and the product type; the remaining mandatory information (claim, licence code, label text and web address) is provided on an FSC landing page that consumers open by scanning the code. The QR label has been available in the FSC Brand Hub since 1 July 2026. The advantage: less space required on the packaging and a direct link to information about your certificate and products.

2. Mandatory label elements revised

The list of mandatory elements on the FSC label has been revised to make the label clearer for consumers. According to the standard and the accompanying guidance, the FSC logo, the FSC claim (100%, MIX or RECYCLED), the product type, the licence code and the web address fsc.org are now standard components. The label text (such as "From responsible sources") and the Möbius loop are optional. Another new feature is that you may include up to three product types in a single label if a product consists of several FSC-certified materials, for example wood and paper.

3. Greater design freedom

The graphic rules have been relaxed so that the label fits more easily into different layouts:

• The FSC label and the FSC logo may be used in any colour, provided the contrast with the background remains legible.
• The minimum sizes have been reduced: the FSC logo may be used from 4 mm in height, the label from 8 mm in width (portrait) or 5 mm in height (landscape).
• The clear zone around the label has been reduced; the requirement is now mainly that the label remains visually separated from surrounding text and imagery.

4. Dual labelling permitted under conditions

Under V2-1, combining the FSC label with the label of another forest certification scheme on the same product was restricted. V3-0 lifts that restriction, subject to conditions: the FSC label must not be disadvantaged in terms of size or placement, and the presentation must not suggest that FSC endorses the other scheme or that both schemes are equivalent. For companies holding both an FSC and a PEFC certificate, this provides more practical flexibility.

5. "Forests For All Forever" trademark discontinued

The promotional trademark "Forests For All Forever" has been removed from the standard with V3-0. If you still use this trademark on your website, in brochures or on packaging, this must be amended within the transition period.

6. Promotional statements in a separate addendum

The ready-made texts with which you may promote FSC and FSC-certified products are no longer included in the standard itself but in a separate addendum: FSC-STD-50-001a V1-0. This makes it easier to add new statements without revising the entire standard. You may already use these statements now, even if you are formally still working under V2-1.

7. Clearer rules for online and social media

For the first time, V3-0 includes explicit requirements for e-commerce and social media. In online shops, the mandatory promotional elements (licence code, fsc.org and a promotional statement) must appear in every product listing, and if "FSC" appears in the product title, it must be clear that the product is FSC-certified. On social media, you may omit elements if you refer to a web page where they are provided, and the ® symbol is not required in posts.

8. Label agreements broadened

A label agreement, whereby another certificate holder labels products with your licence code, is no longer limited to a direct supplier-customer relationship. However, both parties must inform their certification body in writing and the products must fall within the scope of both certificates.

What remains the same

The core of the system does not change. You either have every use of the trademarks approved in advance by your certification body, or you work with a trademark use management system approved by the certification body, with a trained trademark controller. The basic rule also remains: the FSC label may only be used on products for which all relevant forest-based components are covered by your certificate, and no claims may be made about product characteristics that are not covered by FSC certification.

Transition period and what you can do now

The transition period runs until 1 January 2029. Until that date you may continue to work in accordance with V2-1, but the formal transition only takes place after a positive assessment by your certification body, for example during your regular audit. Products and printed materials already produced under V2-1 may be used up until stocks are exhausted; only new materials must comply with V3-0. See the FSC page on the new standard and FSC Connect for the standard, the addendum, the guidance and access to the FSC Brand Hub and the e-training.

In practical terms, it comes down to three steps:

• Take stock of where you currently use the FSC trademarks: labels, packaging, website, online shop, social media and brochures.
• Have your trademark controller complete the new FSC e-training and adapt your approval procedure to V3-0.
• Plan the transition together with your certification body, so that the assessment is included in a scheduled audit.

Would you like to know what V3-0 means specifically for your labels and communications? In a short, no-obligation conversation, we will review your current use of the trademarks and determine the best first step.