Wednesday, November 26, 2025
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has confirmed that WOB Timber GmbH has successfully met all requirements for maintaining its association with the organisation. This decision follows a thorough legal compliance audit and the successful implementation of corrective measures. FSC’s International Board of Directors officially acknowledged WOB Timber’s positive efforts, reaffirming the company’s status as a certificate holder in good standing.
In a statement following the FSC’s decision, Alexander Bührich, Managing Director of WOB Timber GmbH, expressed gratitude for the process. He said, “We are grateful for the constructive and cooperative process with everyone involved. This engagement has been invaluable in strengthening our culture of integrity and further improving compliance across our operations and supply chains.”
The FSC’s Policy for Association case against WOB Timber originated in January 2023. This action followed a ruling by a German lower court in 2022, which determined that the company had imported Myanmar teak between June 2008 and May 2011 in violation of international sanctions. However, in 2024, the German Federal Court of Justice partially overturned the lower court’s decision, which impacted the overall case.
In response to the court’s ruling, the FSC Board, in March 2023, agreed to allow WOB Timber to maintain its association under specific conditions. These conditions included a comprehensive independent legal compliance audit covering the company’s operations from 2018 through to the end of 2022.
The legal compliance audit, conducted by an independent law firm, thoroughly examined WOB Timber and its subsidiary, TTP Polska. The audit found no evidence of illegal activities or breaches of compliance during the 5-year period under review. The audit results confirmed that WOB Timber ceased purchasing teak from Myanmar in 2022, and the company has not resumed these transactions.
The auditors also noted significant operational improvements throughout the company. This includes the enhancement of due diligence processes, improvements to internal staffing structures, and a strengthened overall compliance culture. These positive changes were all part of the company’s response to the conditions set by FSC for maintaining its certification.
The independent auditors confirmed that WOB Timber had completed all the corrective measures that were part of the FSC Policy for Association process. These corrective actions were key to the company’s ability to maintain its FSC association. Some of the key improvements included:
As a result of these improvements and the company’s ongoing dedication to compliance, WOB Timber’s FSC certification is no longer under scrutiny. The changes triggered by the FSC process have had a positive impact on the company’s operations. These adjustments not only demonstrate WOB Timber’s commitment to integrity but also highlight FSC’s role in working collaboratively with companies to ensure high standards of responsible forest management.
The entire process underscores FSC’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and continuous improvement within the timber industry. FSC views the WOB Timber case as an exemplary model for how the organisation collaborates with companies to address concerns and strengthen sustainable practices in the supply chain.
With its certification confirmed and operational improvements in place, WOB Timber is now positioned to continue its work in the timber industry while upholding high sustainability and ethical sourcing standards. The company’s success in meeting FSC’s conditions highlights the importance of maintaining robust compliance systems within the timber supply chain.
FSC’s ability to work with companies like WOB Timber to resolve issues, implement necessary corrective actions, and maintain certification is a testament to the effectiveness of its standards and processes. It sets a strong precedent for other companies in the timber industry to follow in order to maintain the highest standards of sustainability and integrity.
FSC’s decision to maintain its association with WOB Timber reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and responsible forest management. Through the successful completion of a comprehensive compliance audit and the implementation of corrective measures, WOB Timber has proven its dedication to upholding FSC standards. The case serves as a strong example of how FSC’s Policy for Association process can guide companies in strengthening their compliance efforts while ensuring continued certification. WOB Timber’s renewed certification solidifies its position as a trusted player in the global timber industry, one that prioritises sustainability, transparency, and responsible sourcing practices.
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Tags: deforestation due diligence, FSC, FSC certification, sustainability, timber supply chain, timber transactions, WOB Timber
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