The export of wood products encounters a new round of "green barriers"
In the first ten months of 2010, China’s wood furniture exports reached 34,400 units, marking a 5.36% increase compared to the previous year. The total value of these exports soared to $586 million, a significant rise of 51.71%. As Chinese wood product exports grew, developed countries in Europe and the United States began implementing stricter measures to raise the standards for imported wood products. Among these, forest certification has emerged as a new "green barrier," significantly impacting China's wood export industry.
According to insiders from a Zhongshan-based company, a long-term European partner recently asked whether their products were certified with a "green label." If so, they would place bulk orders; otherwise, they would cease cooperation. Upon further inquiry, the company learned that this green label required rigorous forest certification. Not only does it impose high environmental standards on raw materials, but it also comes with substantial certification costs.
Forest certification is an internationally recognized eco-friendly standard aimed at promoting sustainable forestry and economic development. It involves two main components: forest management certification and chain-of-custody review. Independent third-party organizations assess forest management practices based on global sustainability criteria, issuing certificates that confirm forests are managed responsibly. Products from certified forests can be labeled "green," indicating they come from sustainably managed sources. This helps consumers make environmentally conscious choices, supporting the long-term health of global forests.
In Europe, where environmental awareness is strong, many consumers prefer certified wood products, even if they cost more. As global environmental consciousness grows, more people are choosing certified products to help protect forests. Major multinational corporations have started offering FSC-certified products to meet consumer demand and enhance their green image.
However, China’s forest certification efforts are still in early stages and lack widespread recognition, especially among wood manufacturers. Some business leaders expressed concerns about the FSC certification, emphasizing that domestic certification must gain traction in the EU market. Export companies that adopt these standards may become key players in the future, as they either need to buy pricier certified timber or pay for their own certification. This means forest certification could greatly affect China’s furniture exporters.
Inspection officials warned that without quick adaptation, companies risk losing their existing markets in Europe, the U.S., and globally. Even high-quality products might not compensate for the lack of certification. Despite over a decade of awareness, public enthusiasm for forest certification remains limited. In 2001, the China Forest Certification Leading Group was established, and by 2008, only 11 enterprises had achieved FSC certification, covering less than 600,000 hectares—just 0.34% of China’s total forest area.
In 2009, the National Certification and Accreditation Administration introduced formal regulations for forest certification. By 2010, the State Forestry Administration issued guidelines aiming to implement a national certification system by 2015, expand pilot programs in collective forest areas, and promote chain-of-custody certification for major export-oriented companies. By 2020, the goal was to encourage broader participation in forest management and improve international recognition.
Industry experts believe that forest certification presents both opportunities and challenges for China’s forestry sector and wood exports. Companies with strong management practices and export-focused operations stand to benefit from certification, while those with lower standards may struggle to compete in sensitive international markets, particularly in Europe and the U.S.
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