FSC Trace

FSC Trace (formerly known as FSC Blockchain), which will be fully released in August/September 2024, is a secure data-sharing technology dedicated platform for FSC certificate holders that will facilitate traceability requirements.

FSC trace

Introducing FSC Trace

Improving supply chains with FSC Trace

We are dedicated to advancing supply chain integrity within the FSC system. We are therefore excited to launch the new FSC Trace (formerly FSC Blockchain) (Beta) in Q1 2024 for selected pilot supply chains, with full release for all FSC Licence Holders expected in August/September 2024

This private blockchain ledger platform is designed to validate materials’ trade compliance across FSC supply chains. It is a self-service digital platform offering security, trustworthiness, and the potential to revolutionize trade compliance verification and traceability.

Linking supply chains from forest to final product, FSC Trace empowers seamless data flow throughout the entire supply chain to deliver both verification and traceability of supply chains, whilst ensuring participants are always in full control of their data, and able to decide who can see what data and when, thus safeguarding commercial confidentiality.

How will FSC Trace support FSC certificate holders?

FSC Trace will enable companies to:

  • Verify certification status of suppliers at the point of transaction.
  • Generate verified and traceable claims regarding products traded between themselves and trading partners.
  • Pass relevant data about the raw materials comprising FSC-certified products, such as geo-location of origin, time of harvest, species, product groups, and other essential data points through the supply chain while maintaining confidentiality of trading partners.

These data points will support companies needing to address legislations such as the EUDR, the European Timber Regulation (EUTR), the US Lacey Act and the Australian Illegal Logging Prohibition Act amongst other legislation currently in place or under development and implementation.

Combined with the FSC Regulatory Module and other technology tools, FSC Trace (Beta) will systematically transform the verification, data enrichment, and connectivity of claims about FSC-certified products throughout supply chains. Jointly, these new FSC tools make out the new FSC offering FSC Aligned for EUDR, which will support companies throughout forest supply chains to meet their EUDR due diligence reporting obligations.

Who will have access to FSC Trace?

All FSC certificate holders will be able to use FSC Trace.

The basic version of this solution will be available without additional cost to your certificate.

How can I get access to FSC Trace?

FSC Trace is currently in Beta mode, undergoing rigorous testing within select pilot supply chains.

The aim is to refine and optimise its functionality based on real-world scenarios and user feedback.

We anticipate opening the platform for all certificate holders and FSC Promotional Licence Holders on a voluntary basis from September 2024. Additional functionality like specialised reporting for EUDR and connection to FSC Risk Hub is anticipated to launch in October 2024.

This phased approach allows us to ensure a smooth transition, fostering collaboration and feedback from diverse stakeholders within the FSC community.

Direct Entry

Bulk Uploads

API Integration

  • Individual transactions recorded directly on the FSC Trace via the application website.
  • User-friendly and accessible
  • Mainly aimed at micro companies or companies occasional trade of FSC. 
  • Bulk uploads of claims using spreadsheets
  • Can cover multiple transactions over a specific period.
  • Efficient for managing large volumes of data and periodic uploads.
  • Expected to be the widest used method in the beginning.
  • Integration of FSC into own systems using an Application Programming Interface (API).
  • Automates the data transfer in both directions. 
  • Will require IT investments from certificate holders in setup.
  • APIs will be provided by FSC for the most commonly used platforms in key regions. 

Upload templates are available for download below.

 

Benefits of using FSC Trace

benefits - FSC trace

 

6 Ways FSC Trace Enhances Supply Chain Verification

FSC trace enhances supply chainFSC trace enhances supply chain

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get started with data readiness today!

Many FSC Licence holders are eager to prepare for FSC Trace, even though the platform has not been fully released yet. To support this, we have made available data upload templates for bulk data entry.

By exploring these templates now, FSC Licence Holders can start identifying the most effective ways in their company to:

  • configure products on FSC Trace,
  • identify trading partners, and
  • gather information about purchases, manufacturing, and sales in preparation for FSC Trace.

Download the latest templates below.

FSC Trace data upload templates

There are five different upload data templates used in the core operations of FSC Trace covering the different data sets used:                                                        

  1. Trading Partners;
  2. Products Definition;
  3. Forest Sales;
  4. COC Transactions; and
  5. Processing Operations,

all containing the following tabs in the spreadsheets:

  • Instructions - guidance notes applicable to that particular spreadsheet
  • Upload Data - where you list the data to be uploaded to FSC Trace
  • Check - a sheet that checks the format of the data you have listed on the Upload Data sheet
  • Reference - a sheet of reference data used to perform the data format checks

Please refer to the Introducing the Bulk Data Upload Templates for FSC Trace document for further details.

FSC Trace Data Upload Templates v0.4 16-07-2024.zip
ZIP, Size: 2.11MB
Introducing the Bulk Data Upload Templates for FSC Trace v0.4.pdf
PDF, Size: 402.42KB