ASTM D7612-21

Standard Practice for Categorizing Wood and Wood-Based Products According to Their Fiber Sources

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Voluntary forest certification systems have become an important factor in promoting sustainable forest management. The standards in use are highly variable, however. Even within a family of standards with a common label there is the potential for wide variations in practices. This prevents producers and consumers from using a certification label to characterize products according to a specific set of qualities or values. This practice creates a framework to differentiate products based on a set of qualities and values identified as important in the market for wood products. (A) See Appendix X3 for discussion of additional concepts related to sub-categorization of certified sources.(B) For the purposes of categorizing products under this practice, distributors and retailers can rely on “on-product” labels for chain of custody or a certified procurement system if they are not engaged in significant value-added processing or remanufacture. In lieu of an on‐product label, a certificate of compliance indicating conformance with the applicable chain of custody or certified procurement system is permitted.  
5.2 This practice is intended to be used by producers, distributors, retailers, or consumers who wish to understand where a product fits within three categories. At a minimum, the user will need to know the geographic origin of the wood going into a product and whether it is labeled or otherwise certified to a procurement system or chain of custody based on a voluntary forest management or certification standard. Producers who want to use this practice must be able to identify the geographic origin of the wood to at least the level needed to support the claims to consumers associated with a given category and described in 6.1.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice sets forth minimum criteria and evaluation requirements for products employing the use of different systems to trace wood fiber to sources operating under different forest management or forest certification systems.  
1.2 The purpose of this practice is to provide wood products manufacturers, distributors, and retailers with a system to provide clear, objective information to communicate to consumers regarding product conformance to different wood fiber tracing systems within specific forest management or forest certification programs. It provides a structure that segregates the different types of labels and tracing systems in use among major forest certification standards and other voluntary and regulatory standards governing the production of forest products.
Note 1: The principles in this practice apply internationally, provided that the required information is available to support categorization. For example, products certified to the globally recognized forest certification standards will meet the “Certified Sources” category regardless of their origin, and documented risk assessments (noted in Appendix X5) provide the basis upon which raw materials sourced from Canada and the United States can be deemed to meet the “Legal Sources” category. To categorize raw materials sourced outside of Canada and the United States as “Legal Sources,” it is recommended that the adopting entity develop supplemental provisions to address country-specific issues as needed.  
1.2.1 This practice provides an objective basis to differentiate among:
1.2.1.1 Non-controversial (that is, legal) sources of forest products,
1.2.1.2 Responsible sources of forest products (that is, non-controversial sources together with certified procurement systems or from forests managed using responsible practices), and
1.2.1.3 Certified sources of forest products (that is, non-controversial sources together with certified chain of custody).  
1.2.2 This practice is intended to provide a framework to help wood product vendors identify the competent and reliable evidence needed to substantiate product claims as required by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Guides for ...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Apr-2021
• ICS: 79.060.01 - Wood-based panels in general
• Technical Committee: D07 - Wood
• Drafting Committee: D07.08 - Forests

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D9-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Products
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2012
• Refers: ASTM D9-09a - Standard Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Products
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM D9-09ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Products
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM D9-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM D7480-08 - Standard Guide for Evaluating the Attributes of a Forest Management Plan
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM D9-05 - Standard Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2005
• Refers: ASTM D9-87(1999)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Wood
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999
• Refers: ASTM D9-87(1999) - Standard Terminology Relating to Wood
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999

Overview

ASTM D7612-21 sets a recognized framework for categorizing wood and wood-based products according to their fiber sources. Developed by ASTM International, this standard practice aims to bring greater clarity, transparency, and consistency to claims about wood fiber sourcing, especially as voluntary forest certification systems and responsible sourcing have become critical in promoting sustainable forest management globally. This practice addresses the challenge of variable standards and certification systems by offering objective criteria for differentiating wood products based on their source, ultimately enabling clear communication among manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.

Key Topics

• Wood fiber traceability: Establishes minimum criteria for tracing wood fiber to its source under different forest management or certification systems.
• Category-based differentiation: Defines three main categories for wood sources:
  • Legal sources: Non-controversial, legally harvested wood from jurisdictions with low risk of illegal activity.
  • Responsible sources: Legal sources supported by certified procurement systems or responsible management practices.
  • Certified sources: Legal sources with an independently certified chain of custody under recognized forest certification standards.
• Documentation and labeling: Outlines evidence required to support claims, including chain of custody certificates, product labels, or procurement documentation.
• Alignment with regulatory and voluntary standards: Incorporates compatibility with global standards and the requirements of regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides and the Lacey Act.
• International applicability: The principles in ASTM D7612-21 are designed to be used internationally, provided the necessary documentation supports source categorization.

Applications

ASTM D7612-21 is intended for a wide range of stakeholders in the wood products supply chain:

• Manufacturers: Use the standard to substantiate claims regarding the sustainability and legality of their wood sources, enhancing credibility and market access.
• Distributors & Retailers: Apply the categorization to select products from responsible and certified sources, communicate traceable and verifiable sourcing to customers, and meet client and regulatory requirements.
• Consumers: Gain confidence in the environmental and legal attributes of wood products through standardized sourcing claims.
• Standards developers: Reference ASTM D7612-21 when creating procurement policies, evaluating wood supply chains, or developing market-based incentives for sustainable forest management.
• Regulatory compliance: Supports conformance with international, national, and regional regulatory instruments pertaining to sustainable and legal forest product sourcing.

The standard offers practical value by:

• Enabling procurement and marketing based on consistent wood sourcing categories.
• Reducing risk for organizations subject to supply chain scrutiny or legal requirements.
• Simplifying communication about environmental and social values in wood sourcing.

Related Standards

Organizations referencing or operating in line with ASTM D7612-21 may also consider the following related standards and guidelines for comprehensive wood product sourcing:

• ASTM D9: Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Products
• ASTM D7480: Guide for Evaluating the Attributes of a Forest Management Plan
• PEFC Technical Documents: Frameworks for forest certification and procurement systems
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Standards
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Standards
• CSA Sustainable Forest Management Standard
• FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment
• Federal Trade Commission Green Guides: Guidance on environmental marketing claims
• Lacey Act (U.S.): Legal requirements for plant product imports, including wood legality verification

Conclusion

ASTM D7612-21 advances sustainable forestry and responsible wood product sourcing by defining clear categories and criteria for the classification of wood based on its fiber source. Adopting this standard enhances transparency, supports regulatory compliance, and builds consumer trust in the sustainability of wood products around the globe.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7612 − 21
Standard Practice for
Categorizing Wood and Wood-Based Products According to
Their Fiber Sources
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7612; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope evidence needed to substantiate product claims as required by
the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Guides for the Use of
1.1 This practice sets forth minimum criteria and evaluation
Environmental Marketing Claims (also known as “The Green
requirements for products employing the use of different
Guides”).
systemstotracewoodfibertosourcesoperatingunderdifferent
1.2.3 Products from unknown sources are not covered by
forest management or forest certification systems.
this practice.
1.2 The purpose of this practice is to provide wood products
1.2.4 This practice is intended for voluntary use by
manufacturers, distributors, and retailers with a system to
manufacturers, distributors, retailers, consumers, and standards
provide clear, objective information to communicate to con-
developers in the wood products sector.
sumers regarding product conformance to different wood fiber
1.3 The category structure of this practice is derived from
tracing systems within specific forest management or forest
publiclyavailablesourcesorbasedontheprovisionsofvarious
certification programs. It provides a structure that segregates
forest management or forest certification standards. Documen-
the different types of labels and tracing systems in use among
tation of compliance with specific category requirements is the
major forest certification standards and other voluntary and
responsibilityoftheuser.Theobjectiveofthiscategorizationis
regulatory standards governing the production of forest prod-
to provide a concise and easily communicated description
ucts.
based on grouping of significant practices. It is possible that
NOTE 1—The principles in this practice apply internationally, provided
this grouping will result in some consolidation of concepts and
that the required information is available to support categorization. For
practices of individual programs. Details of these practices or
example, products certified to the globally recognized forest certification
categorization of products complying with more than one
standards will meet the “Certified Sources” category regardless of their
program are beyond the scope of this practice.
origin, and documented risk assessments (noted in Appendix X5) provide
the basis upon which raw materials sourced from Canada and the United
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
States can be deemed to meet the “Legal Sources” category.To categorize
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
raw materials sourced outside of Canada and the United States as “Legal
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Sources,” it is recommended that the adopting entity develop supplemen-
tal provisions to address country-specific issues as needed.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2.1 This practice provides an objective basis to differen-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
tiate among:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2.1.1 Non-controversial (that is, legal) sources of forest
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
products,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.2.1.2 Responsible sources of forest products (that is,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
non-controversial sources together with certified procurement
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
systems or from forests managed using responsible practices),
and
2. Referenced Documents
1.2.1.3 Certified sources of forest products (that is, non-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
controversial sources together with certified chain of custody).
D9 Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Prod-
1.2.2 This practice is intended to provide a framework to
ucts
help wood product vendors identify the competent and reliable
D7480 Guide for Evaluating the Attributes of a Forest
Management Plan
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D07 on Wood and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.08 on Forests. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 15, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D7612 – 10 (2015). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI:10.1520/D7612-21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7612 − 21
2.2 Other References: best management practices to protect water quality on all
FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005, Annex 2 suppliers’ lands and ensure all fiber comes from known and
Federal Trade Commission, Commercial Practices, Chap- legal sources.
ter I, Subchapter B; Guides and Trade Practice Rules,
Part 260—Guides for the Use of Environmental Market-
4. Summary of Practice
ing Claims
4.1 This practice describes a category-based method for
International Finance Corporation Indigenous Peoples,
evaluating broad differences between forest management stan-
Guidance Note 7
dards. The rationale underlying the categories is provided in
PEFC Technical Document: 2005
Appendix X2.
Standards Development Organization Advancement Act of
4.2 In providing rules for undertaking an evaluation of
2004, Pub. L. No. 108–237, Section 102(5) (2004)
different forest management standards, this practice (1) estab-
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol discussion of the Lacey
lishes three broad categories to distinguish between programs
Act (www.cbp.gov)
with different levels of tracing and documentation, and (2)
USDAForest Service, NRS-INF-06-08, “Who OwnsAmeri-
eliminates from consideration any products from unknown
ca’s Forests,” 2008
sources.
3. Terminology
NOTE 2—The standard also provides a conceptual basis to describe the
3.1 Definitions—Fordefinitionsofgeneraltermsusedinthis category of protective forestry sources. Since this is conceptual and
requires the development of an underlying database, it is included within
practice related to wood, refer to Terminology D9, and for
Appendix X3 and Appendix X4 for information only.
terms related to forestry, forest certification, and traceability,
refer to Guide D7480. 4.3 This practice is guided by the following principles:
4.3.1 Its use is intended to promote the growth of respon-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
sible forest management.
3.2.1 chain of custody (COC), n—a system of procedures
4.3.2 Any marketing claims based on or related to this
and documentation that tracks the custodianship of forestry
practice are accurate, verifiable, relevant and not misleading.
materials or wood-based products through one or more stages
of its life cycle from the forest to the end-use. See X1.7 for a 4.3.2.1 Any marketing claims based on or related to this
practice are in compliance with the Federal Trade Commis-
discussion of COC under forest certification standards.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Once a product receives a permanent sion’s Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims
label (such as a gradestamp) and is not subsequently and other U.S. consumer protection laws.
remanufactured, this practice accepts the on-product label as
4.3.3 In the categories, differences in system governance
proof of chain of custody.
that are legally relevant to federal and state or provincial
government agencies are addressed specifically as to whether
3.2.2 consensus-based programs/standards, n—programs/
they are governed through consensus-based processes.
standards developed using the principles of openness, balance,
4.3.4 Decisions based on the categories avoid restraining
transparency, consensus decision-making, and due process.
trade; that is, they enable consumer choice among products
3.2.3 non-controversial sources, n—sources that do not
produced under comparable conditions.
come from illegal or unauthorized harvesting.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Examples of illegal or unauthorized
4.4 It is possible that the differentiation between various
harvesting include harvesting in forest areas protected by law
forest practices, regulatory and certification-type systems will
as well as in forest areas officially published by government
require in-depth examination beyond the scope of this practice.
authorities (or the body with the legal authority to do so) as
This practice does not rank, rate, or differentiate among the
planned to become strictly protected by law, without the
efficacy of these systems for either forest practice or applica-
government authorities (or the body with the legal authority to
tion to specific forest products. Such a differentiation requires
do so) giving permission to harvest.
detailed information specifically focused on the intended
3.2.3.2 Discussion—Source is Annex 4 PEFC Technical
end-use. See Appendix X5 for links to aid users who require
Document: 2005, 1.3.4 controversial sources, modified by
more detailed differentiation.
establishing the contradictory concept “non-controversial
sources” with a negation of the essential characteristics of the
5. Significance and Use
definition of controversial sources.
5.1 Voluntary forest certification systems have become an
3.2.4 procurement system, n—a system requiring organiza-
important factor in promoting sustainable forest management.
tions buying raw materials to have an auditable procurement
The standards in use are highly variable, however. Even within
process designed, at a minimum, to require compliance with
afamilyofstandardswithacommonlabelthereisthepotential
for wide variations in practices. This prevents producers and
consumers from using a certification label to characterize
Available from International Finance Corporation (IFC), 2121 Pennsylvania
products according to a specific set of qualities or values. This
Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20433, http://www.ifc.org.
practice creates a framework to differentiate products based on
FromtheStandardsDevelopmentOrganizationAdvancementActof2004,Pub.
a set of qualities and values identified as important in the
L. No. 108–237, Section 102(5) (2004). This definition is similar to those found in
various ASTM documents. market for wood products.
D7612 − 21
TABLE 1 Summary of Criteria for Categorizing Products with Fiber Procurement Systems
Conforming to Different Forest Certification or Management Standards
Products from
Requirements
Legal Responsible Certified
Sources Sources Sources
A) Fiber is from jurisdictions with a low risk of illegal activity or from controlled wood
AAA
standards, stair-step standards, legality assessments, or other proprietary standards
System governance:
B) Public legislative or regulatory processes;
BorC BorCorD D
C) Proprietary Standards;
D) Consensus-based
Content:
E) Requires compliance with best management practices to protect water quality and ensures
A
all fiber comes from known and legal sources —EorF F
F) Provides for Forest Management Plans in substantial compliance with relevant portions of
Guide D7480 – 08 or equivalent
Documentation includes traceability:
G) To the applicable jurisdiction
GGorHorI I
H) By a certified procurement system
B
I) By a chain of custody system
A
See Appendix X3 for discussion of additional concepts related to sub-categorization of certified sources.
B
For the purposes of categorizing products under this practice, distributors and retailers can rely on “on-product” labels for chain of custody or a certified procurement
system if they are not engaged in significant value-added processing or remanufacture. In lieu of an on{product label, a certificate of compliance indicating conformance
with the applicable chain of custody or certified procurement system is permitted.
5.2 This practice is intended to be used by producers, certified procurement standard or are from a proprietary
distributors, retailers, or consumers who wish to understand forestry standard or from jurisdictions with regulatory or
where a product fits within three categories.At a minimum, the quasi-regulatory programs to implement best management
userwillneedtoknowthegeographicoriginofthewoodgoing practices. These standards or programs are typically
intoaproductandwhetheritislabeledorotherwisecertifiedto consensus-based proprietary certification standards or public
a procurement system or chain of custody based on a voluntary legislative and regulatory processes. To qualify for this
forest management or certification standard. Producers who category, the applicable standard or forest governance in the
wanttousethispracticemustbeabletoidentifythegeographic applicable geography shall document a system designed to
origin of the wood to at least the level needed to support the require compliance with best management practices to protect
claims to consumers associated with a given category and water quality and ensure all fiber comes from known and legal
described in 6.1. sources.
6.1.3 Certified Sources of Forest Products:
6. Criteria
6.1.3.1 Products from certified sources are produced with
wood fiber acquired in accordance with, and independently
6.1 The criteria differentiating wood products into three
certified to, an internationally recognized voluntary forest
categories based on the wood fiber tracing systems, forest
certification standard or equivalent. See Appendix X1 for
certification and other standards that apply to their production
discussion of globally recognized programs that satisfy the
are provided in this section and are summarized in Table 1.
requirements of this practice.
6.1.1 Non-Controversial (That is, Legal) Sources of Forest
6.1.3.2 Equivalent standards, where used, shall document
Products:
substantial compliance with and effective implementation of
6.1.1.1 Products from non-controversial (that is, legal)
applicable portions of the Sustainable Forest Management
sources are produced with wood fiber from jurisdictions with a
provisions of Guide D7480 and shall be verified by an
low risk of illegal activity or from controlled wood standards,
accredited independent third party.
stair-step standards, legality assessments, or other proprietary
standards. Products from non-controversial sources shall be
7. Keywords
traceable to the applicable jurisdiction, or chain of custody.
6.1.2 Responsible Sources of Forest Products: 7.1 certified sources; fiber procurement system; forests;
6.1.2.1 Products from responsible sources are produced forest certification; forest management; legal sources; protec-
with wood fiber acquired according to an independently tive forestry sources; responsible sources
D7612 − 21
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. BACKGROUND DISCUSSION OF FOREST MANAGEMENT AND PROMINENT FOREST CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
X1.1 In North America, professional foresters have tradi- X1.4 Forest certification and forest management programs
tionally been the leaders in developing and improving forest continue to evolve. X4.2.1.1 and X4.2.1.2 are intended to
management practices. Conversely, best forest management ensure that claims related to compliance with this practice are
practicesarenotalwaysfollowedinsomeregionsoftheworld. based only on standards that are officially approved by their
Insomeregions,illegalloggingandotherundesirablepractices promulgators (that is, not “draft” or “interim” standards) and
are not uncommon. In an attempt to curb these practices, that their limits of geographic applicability are clearly defined.
governmentalandnon-governmentalorganizationshavedevel- X4.2.1.3 provides for compliance with well-accepted methods
oped regulatory requirements and certification programs that of sustainable forest management. X4.2.3 requires that any
delineate sustainable forest management practices. program claiming compliance with protective forestry prac-
tices provide evidence and documentation of that claim.
X1.2 Afterbasicissuesoflegalandresponsiblesourcingare
addressed, forest management and certification programs must X1.5 Although these forest certification programs are
address the philosophical question regarding their bias toward growing, certified acreage worldwide is still a relatively small
production forestry or protection forestry.As illustrated in Fig. fraction of total forest acreage (Fig. X1.2).
X1.1 (reprinted with permission from World Resources
X1.6 Some issues related to forest management and certifi-
Institute), forests can be managed across a broad spectrum of
cation in the United States are somewhat different than in other
philosophies—from high-yield “crop style” plantations at one
countries. In some countries, such as Canada, the forest
extreme to parks and preserves at the other.
resource is predominantly government-owned. In other
X1.3 Organizations promulgating the most prominent forest countries, such as Brazil, most commercially managed forest
certification programs throughout the world are the American acreage is owned by corporations. In the United States, nearly
Tree Farm System (ATFS) (www.treefarmsystem.org), the one-fourth of forest acreage is owned by millions of small
Canadian Standards Association Sustainable Forest Manage- producers (so-called “family forest owners”), approximately
mentStandardZ-809(CSA-SFM)(www.csasfmforests.ca),the one-thirdisownedbythefederalgovernment,one-thirdowned
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) (www.fsc.org), the Pro- by large (that is, “corporate”) producers, and the remaining
gramme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes portion (roughly one-tenth) owned by state and local govern-
(PEFC)(www.pefc.org),andtheSustainableForestryInitiative ments (Fig. X1.3). Each of these diverse ownership types
(SFI) (www.sfiprogram.org). operateswithinavarietyofregulatoryframeworksandchooses
NOTE 1—Reprinted with permission from World Resources Institute.
NOTE 2—From “Sustainable Procurement of Wood and Paper-Based Products,” World Resources Institute, 2009 (http://pdf.wri.org/sustainable_
procurement_guide.pdf).
FIG. X1.1 Differentiation of Forest Management Practices
D7612 − 21
FIG. X1.2 Forest Certification is Still a Small Fraction of Total Forest Acreage
(data from ATFS, FSC, PEFC, SFI (2008))
FIG. X1.3 U.S. Forest Ownership Patterns are Distinctly Different from Other Countries
(data from USDA Forest Service; USDA Forest Service, NRS-INF-06-08, “Who Owns America’s Forests,” 2008)
forest certification and other management programs to meet its even that the product necessarily contains any content from a
own forest management needs.
certified forest. COC claims should be accompanied with
accurate claims about uncertified content, that is, whether it
X1.7 In forest certification, chain of custody allows compa-
comes from non-controversial sources, responsible sources, or
nies to make claims about how much of the fiber in their
both. Given these limits on COC as applied in forest
product or product line comes from certified forests and how
certification, a product categorized under this practice as
much fiber comes from other acceptable sources. COC is
coming from certified sources does not necessarily come from
third-party audited in accordance with the forest certification
better managed forests than a product categorized as coming
programs. All of the globally recognized forest certification
from responsible sources. Depending on the amount of wood
standards commonly allow the use of credits for the volume of
available from certified sources in a supply chain, a given
raw material obtained from a certified forest to be allocated to
productmaybefarmorelikelytocomefromnon-certifiedthan
a proportionate volume of product during a specified time
from certified sources. Thus users of this practice must be
period (known as a “volume credit method” of accounting).
cautious that any claims they make comparing certified to
Thus, with the exception of specific labels signifying actual
responsible sources are properly substantiated for a specific
certified content, COC in forest products does not mean a
certified product can be traced to a specific certified forest or product line.
D7612 − 21
X2. EVALUATION SYSTEM METHODOLOGY
X2.1 Adiscussion of the rationale underlying the categories cial license requirements. At this point information is not
in Table 1 is provided herein. sufficient to qualify jurisdictions outside of the United States
and Canada.
X2.2 The minimum level of documentation permitted by
X2.5.1 The required documentation depends on which
thispracticeprovidesreasonableassurancethatthematerialfor
agency oversees compliance; that is, through a “top-down” or
the product was not sourced illegally and originates from
“bottom-up” approach. The “top-down” approach is where
otherwise non-controversial sources. Forest certification pro-
enforcement is primarily through regulation and corresponding
grams provide extensive requirements related to this topic.
punishment for non-compliance; typically, through a public
Additionally, the 2008 amendments to the Lacey Act provide
agency overseeing public lands and an independent third-party
additional documentation requirements in this area.
chain of custody program that verifies manufacturer traceabil-
ity of fiber sources. The “bottom-up” approach is where the
X2.3 The LaceyAct, as amended in 2008, expands its scope
manufacturer supports forestry best management practices and
to
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7612 − 10 (Reapproved 2015) D7612 − 21
Standard Practice for
Categorizing Wood and Wood-Based Products According to
Their Fiber Sources
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7612; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice sets forth minimum criteria and evaluation requirements for products employing the use of different systems to
trace wood fiber to sources operating under different forest management or forest certification systems.
1.2 The purpose of this practice is to provide wood products manufacturers, distributors, and retailers with a system to provide
clear, objective information to communicate to consumers regarding product conformance to different wood fiber tracing systems
within specific forest management or forest certification programs. It provides a structure that segregates the different types of
labels and tracing systems in use among major forest certification standards and other voluntary and regulatory standards governing
the production of forest products.
NOTE 1—The principles in this practice apply internationally, provided that the required information is available to support categorization. For example,
products certified to the globally recognized forest certification standards will meet the “Certified Sources” category regardless of their origin, and
documented risk assessments (noted in Appendix X5) provide the basis upon which raw materials sourced from Canada and the United States can be
deemed to meet the “Legal Sources” category. To categorize raw materials sourced outside of Canada and the United States as “Legal Sources,” it is
recommended that the adopting entity develop supplemental provisions to address country-specific issues as needed.
1.2.1 This practice provides an objective basis to differentiate among:
1.2.1.1 Non-controversial (that is, legal) sources of forest products,
1.2.1.2 Responsible sources of forest products (that is, non-controversial sources together with certified procurement systems or
from forests managed using responsible practices), and
1.2.1.3 Certified sources of forest products (that is, non-controversial sources together with certified chain of custody).
1.2.2 This practice is intended to provide a framework to help wood product vendors identify the competent and reliable evidence
needed to substantiate product claims as required by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Guides for the Use of Environmental
Marketing Claims (also known as “The Green Guides”).
1.2.3 Products from unknown sources are not covered by this practice.
1.2.4 This practice is intended for voluntary use by manufacturers, distributors, retailers, consumers, and standards developers in
the wood products sector.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.08 on Forests.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2015April 15, 2021. Published October 2015May 2021. Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
D7612 - 10. DOI:10.1520/D7612–10R15.– 10 (2015). DOI:10.1520/D7612-21.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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1.3 The category structure of this practice is derived from publicly available sources or based on the provisions of various forest
management or forest certification standards. Documentation of compliance with specific category requirements is the
responsibility of the user. The objective of this categorization is to provide a concise and easily communicated description based
on grouping of significant practices. It is possible that this grouping will result in some consolidation of concepts and practices
of individual programs. Details of these practices or categorization of products complying with more than one program are beyond
the scope of this practice.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D9 Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Products
D7480 Guide for Evaluating the Attributes of a Forest Management Plan
2.2 Other References:
FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005, Annex 2
Federal Trade Commission, Commercial Practices, Chapter I, Subchapter B; Guides and Trade Practice Rules, Part 260—Guides
for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims
International Finance Corporation Indigenous Peoples, Guidance Note 7
PEFC Technical Document: 2005
Standards Development Organization Advancement Act of 2004, Pub. L. No. 108–237, Section 102(5) (2004)
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol discussion of the Lacey Act (www.cbp.gov)
USDA Forest Service, NRS-INF-06-08, “Who Owns America’s Forests,” 2008
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms used in this practice related to wood, refer to Terminology D9, and for terms
related to forestry, forest certification, and traceability, refer to Guide D7480.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 chain of custody (COC), n—a system of procedures and documentation that tracks the custodianship of forestry materials
or wood-based products through one or more stages of its life cycle from the forest to the end-use. See X1.7 for a discussion of
COC under forest certification standards.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
Once a product receives a permanent label (such as a gradestamp) and is not subsequently remanufactured, this practice accepts
the on-product label as proof of chain of custody.
3.2.2 consensus-based programs/standards, n—programs/standards developed using the principles of openness, balance,
transparency, consensus decision-making, and due process.
3.2.3 non-controversial sources, n—sources that do not come from illegal or unauthorized harvesting.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
Examples of illegal or unauthorized harvesting include harvesting in forest areas protected by law as well as in forest areas
officially published by government authorities (or the body with the legal authority to do so) as planned to become strictly protected
by law, without the government authorities (or the body with the legal authority to do so) giving permission to harvest.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from International Finance Corporation (IFC), 2121 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20433, http://www.ifc.org.
From the Standards Development Organization Advancement Act of 2004, Pub. L. No. 108–237, Section 102(5) (2004). This definition is similar to those found in various
ASTM documents.
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3.2.3.2 Discussion—
Source is Annex 4 PEFC Technical Document: 2005, 1.3.4 controversial sources, modified by establishing the contradictory
concept “non-controversial sources” with a negation of the essential characteristics of the definition of controversial sources.
3.2.4 procurement system, n—a system requiring organizations buying raw materials to have an auditable procurement process
designed, at a minimum, to require compliance with best management practices to protect water quality on all suppliers’ lands and
ensure all fiber comes from known and legal sources.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 This practice describes a category-based method for evaluating broad differences between forest management standards. The
rationale underlying the categories is provided in Appendix X2.
4.2 In providing rules for undertaking an evaluation of different forest management standards, this practice (1) establishes three
broad categories to distinguish between programs with different levels of tracing and documentation, and (2) eliminates from
consideration any products from unknown sources.
NOTE 2—The standard also provides a conceptual basis to describe the category of protective forestry sources. Since this is conceptual and requires the
development of an underlying database, it is included within Appendix X3 and Appendix X4 for information only.
4.3 This practice is guided by the following principles:
4.3.1 Its use is intended to promote the growth of responsible forest management.
4.3.2 Any marketing claims based on or related to this practice are accurate, verifiable, relevant and not misleading.
4.3.2.1 Any marketing claims based on or related to this practice are in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s Guides
for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims and other U.S. consumer protection laws.
4.3.3 In the categories, differences in system governance that are legally relevant to federal and state or provincial government
agencies are addressed specifically as to whether they are governed through consensus-based processes.
4.3.4 Decisions based on the categories avoid restraining trade; that is, they enable consumer choice among products produced
under comparable conditions.
4.4 It is possible that the differentiation between various forest practices, regulatory and certification-type systems will require
in-depth examination beyond the scope of this practice. This practice does not rank, rate, or differentiate among the efficacy of these
systems for either forest practice or application to specific forest products. Such a differentiation requires detailed information
specifically focused on the intended end-use. See Appendix X5 for links to aid users who require more detailed differentiation.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Voluntary forest certification systems have become an important factor in promoting sustainable forest management. The
standards in use are highly variable, however. Even within a family of standards with a common label there is the potential for
wide variations in practices. This prevents producers and consumers from using a certification label to characterize products
according to a specific set of qualities or values. This practice creates a framework to differentiate products based on a set of
qualities and values identified as important in the market for wood products.
5.2 This practice is intended to be used by producers, distributors, retailers, or consumers who wish to understand where a product
fits within three categories. At a minimum, the user will need to know the geographic origin of the wood going into a product and
whether it is labeled or otherwise certified to a procurement system or chain of custody based on a voluntary forest management
or certification standard. Producers who want to use this practice must be able to identify the geographic origin of the wood to at
least the level needed to support the claims to consumers associated with a given category and described in 6.1.
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TABLE 1 Summary of Criteria for Categorizing Products with Fiber Procurement Systems
Conforming to Different Forest Certification or Management Standards
Products from
Requirements
Legal Responsible Certified
Sources Sources Sources
A) Fiber is from jurisdictions with a low risk of illegal activity or from controlled wood
A A A
standards, stair-step standards, legality assessments, or other proprietary standards
System governance:
B) Public legislative or regulatory processes;
B or C B or C or D D
C) Proprietary Standards;
D) Consensus-based
Content:
E) Requires compliance with best management practices to protect water quality and ensures
A
all fiber comes from known and legal sources — E or F F
F) Provides for Forest Management Plans in substantial compliance with relevant portions of
Guide D7480 – 08 or equivalent
Documentation includes traceability:
G) To the applicable jurisdiction
G G or H or I I
H) By a certified procurement system
B
I) By a chain of custody system
A
See Appendix X3 for discussion of additional concepts related to sub-categorization of certified sources.
B
For the purposes of categorizing products under this practice, distributors and retailers can rely on “on-product” labels for chain of custody or a certified procurement
system if they are not engaged in significant value-added processing or remanufacture. In lieu of an on{product label, a certificate of compliance indicating conformance
with the applicable chain of custody or certified procurement system is permitted.
6. Criteria
6.1 The criteria differentiating wood products into three categories based on the wood fiber tracing systems, forest certification and
other standards that apply to their production are provided in this section and are summarized in Table 1.
6.1.1 Non-Controversial (That is, Legal) Sources of Forest Products:
6.1.1.1 Products from non-controversial (that is, legal) sources are produced with wood fiber from jurisdictions with a low risk
of illegal activity or from controlled wood standards, stair-step standards, legality assessments, or other proprietary standards.
Products from non-controversial sources shall be traceable to the applicable jurisdiction, or chain of custody.
6.1.2 Responsible Sources of Forest Products:
6.1.2.1 Products from responsible sources are produced with wood fiber acquired according to an independently certified
procurement standard or are from a proprietary forestry standard or from jurisdictions with regulatory or quasi-regulatory programs
to implement best management practices. These standards or programs are typically consensus-based proprietary certification
standards or public legislative and regulatory processes. To qualify for this category, the applicable standard or forest governance
in the applicable geography shall document a system designed to require compliance with best management practices to protect
water quality and ensure all fiber comes from known and legal sources.
6.1.3 Certified Sources of Forest Products:
6.1.3.1 Products from certified sources are produced with wood fiber acquired in accordance with, and independently certified to,
an internationally recognized voluntary forest certification standard or equivalent. See Appendix X1 for discussion of globally
recognized programs that satisfy the requirements of this practice.
6.1.3.2 Equivalent standards, where used, shall document substantial compliance with and effective implementation of applicable
portions of the Sustainable Forest Management provisions of Guide D7480 and shall be verified by an accredited independent third
party.
7. Keywords
7.1 certified sources; fiber procurement system; forests; forest certification; forest management; legal sources; protective forestry
sources; responsible sources
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APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. BACKGROUND DISCUSSION OF FOREST MANAGEMENT AND PROMINENT FOREST CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
X1.1 In North America, professional foresters have traditionally been the leaders in developing and improving forest management
practices. Conversely, best forest management practices are not always followed in some regions of the world. In some regions,
illegal logging and other undesirable practices are not uncommon. In an attempt to curb these practices, governmental and
non-governmental organizations have developed regulatory requirements and certification programs that delineate sustainable
forest management practices.
X1.2 After basic issues of legal and responsible sourcing are addressed, forest management and certification programs must
address the philosophical question regarding their bias toward production forestry or protection forestry. As illustrated in Fig. X1.1
(reprinted with permission from World Resources Institute), forests can be managed across a broad spectrum of philosophies—
from high-yield “crop style” plantations at one extreme to parks and preserves at the other.
X1.3 Organizations promulgating the most prominent forest certification programs throughout the world are the American Tree
Farm System (ATFS) (www.treefarmsystem.org), the Canadian Standards Association Sustainable Forest Management Standard
Z-809 (CSA-SFM) (www.csasfmforests.ca), the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) (www.fsc.org), the Programme for the
Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) (www.pefc.org), and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) (www.sfipro-
gram.org).
X1.4 Forest certification and forest management programs continue to evolve. X4.2.1.1 and X4.2.1.2 are intended to ensure that
claims related to compliance with this practice are based only on standards that are officially approved by their promulgators (that
is, not “draft” or “interim” standards) and that their limits of geographic applicability are clearly defined. X4.2.1.3 provides for
compliance with well-accepted methods of sustainable forest management. X4.2.3 requires that any program claiming compliance
NOTE 1—Reprinted with permission from World Resources Institute.
NOTE 2—From “Sustainable Procurement of Wood and Paper-Based Products,” World Resources Institute, 2009 (http://pdf.wri.org/sustainable_
procurement_guide.pdf).
FIG. X1.1 Differentiation of Forest Management Practices
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with protective forestry practices provide evidence and documentation of that claim.
X1.5 Although these forest certification programs are growing, certified acreage worldwide is still a relatively small fraction of
total forest acreage (Fig. X1.2).
X1.6 Some issues related to forest management and certification in the United States are somewhat different than in other
countries. In some countries, such as Canada, the forest resource is predominantly government-owned. In other countries, such as
Brazil, most commercially managed forest acreage is owned by corporations. In the United States, nearly one-fourth of forest
acreage is owned by millions of small producers (so-called “family forest owners”), approximately one-third is owned by the
federal government, one-third owned by large (that is, “corporate”) producers, and the remaining portion (roughly one-tenth)
owned by state and local governments (Fig. X1.3). Each of these diverse ownership types operates within a variety of regulatory
frameworks and chooses forest certification and other management programs to meet its own forest management needs.
X1.7 In forest certification, chain of custody allows companies to make claims about how much of the fiber in their product or
product line comes from certified forests and how much fiber comes from other acceptable sources. COC is third-party audited in
accordance with the forest certification programs. All of the globally recognized forest certification standards commonly allow the
use of credits for the volume of raw material obtained from a certified forest to be allocated to a proportionate volume of product
during a specified time period (known as a “volume credit method” of accounting). Thus, with the exception of specific labels
signifying actual certified content, COC in forest products does not mean a certified product can be traced to a specific certified
forest or even that the product necessarily contains any content from a certified forest. COC claims should be accompanied with
accurate claims about uncertified content, that is, whether it comes from non-controversial sources, responsible sources, or both.
Given these limits on COC as applied in forest certification, a product categorized under this practice as coming from certified
sources does not necessarily come from better managed forests than a product categorized as coming from responsible sources.
Depending on the amount of wood available from certified sources in a supply chain, a given product may be far more likely to
come from non-certified than from certified sources. Thus users of this practice must be cautious that any claims they make
comparing certified to responsible sources are properly substantiated for a specific product line.
FIG. X1.2 Forest Certification is Still a Small Fraction of Total Forest Acreage
(data from ATFS, FSC, PEFC, SFI (2008))
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FIG. X1.3 U.S. Forest Ownership Patterns are Distinctly Different from Other Countries
(data from USDA Forest Service; USDA Forest Service, NRS-INF-06-08, “Who Owns America’s Forests,” 2008)
X2. EVALUATION SYSTEM METHODOLOGY
X2.1 A discussion of the rationale underlying the categories in Table 1 is provided herein.
X2.2 The minimum level of documentation permitted by this practice provides reasonable assurance that the material for the
product was not sourced illegally and originates from otherwise non-controversial sources. Forest certification programs provide
extensive requirements related to this topic. Additionally, the 2008 amendments to the Lacey Act provide additional documentation
requirements in this area.
X2.3 The Lacey Act, as amended in 2008, expands its scope to cover forest products. Section 8204 is titled “Prevention of Illegal
Logging Practices.” As described on the CBP website, “The Act extends the statute’s reach to include a broader range of plants
and plant products, including timber deriving from illegally harvested plants. Illegal logging robs countries, destroys forests, and
competes with the legal production and trade. This Act provides the legal authority to take action when products stemming from
the practice of illegal logging enter the United States.” Declaration forms are required for all forest products imported into the
United States that s
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