In Indonesian furniture sourcing, SVLK (Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu) and FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certifications serve distinct but complementary roles. SVLK is a legally mandated system ensuring that timber is harvested and processed under Indonesian law and verified along the supply chain. FSC®, by contrast, is an international standard for responsible forest management, emphasizing environmental and social dimensions. Understanding the differences—and knowing when each matters—has become essential for importers in regulated markets such as the EU, UK, US, and Australia.
SVLK: Mandatory Legality Assurance
SVLK is legally required for all wood and furniture exports from Indonesia, overseen by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. It guarantees that timber has been sourced, processed, and transported legally along the supply chain, with verification through third-party audits and traceability documentation like V-Legal or FLEGT licenses.
Since 2016, SVLK has served as Indonesia’s FLEGT licensing scheme recognized under the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR)—meaning European importers do not need additional legality due diligence when SVLK compliance is confirmed.
SVLK’s scope is national and legally binding. While crucial, it doesn’t measure sustainability standards such as biodiversity protection, chain-of-custody rigor, or social equity.
FSC®: Voluntary Sustainability Standard
FSC® certification is voluntary and globally recognized, focusing on environmental stewardship, forest regeneration, and the welfare of communities and workers.
It has two key categories:
- Forest Management Certification – ensures responsible operations at the source.
- Chain of Custody Certification – ensures traceability through production lines.
Unlike SVLK, FSC® is highly regarded by retail brands, public institutions, and eco-conscious consumers—particularly in Europe, North America, and parts of Oceania—but is not legally required for furniture export.
Choosing Between SVLK and FSC®
From a legal compliance standpoint, SVLK is non-negotiable for Indonesian exporters. FSC® is elective but adds value:
- For EU/UK markets, SVLK suffices legality, but FSC® gives an added assurance of sustainable practices.
- For North America (Lacey Act) and Australia, SVLK serves legality, and FSC® enhances procurement credentials.
- For public or green procurement and luxury wholesale clients, FSC® is often a requirement or differentiator.
Many Indonesian manufacturers—including Goodwood—maintain dual certification, offering SVLK for legal compliance and FSC® for sustainability reassurance.
Global Regulatory Context
| Region | Legality Requirement | Preference for Sustainability |
| EU / UK | EUTR + SVLK/FLEGT | FSC® preferred for retail/branding |
| USA | Lacey Act + SVLK | FSC® recommended for green credentials |
| Australia | Illegal logging laws + SVLK | FSC® optional, but valued |
Goodwood’s Certification Assurance
At Goodwood, we hold both SVLK legality certification and FSC® accreditation across our manufacturing operations. This ensures that all exported teak furniture is fully compliant—and sustainably sourced—meeting the legal and ethical standards of the most demanding global buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is SVLK enough for EU import?
Yes—SVLK with a FLEGT or V-Legal license automatically meets EU Timber Regulation requirements.
Q2. Why pay extra for FSC®?
FSC® adds environmental and social credentials—key in retail, hospitality, and public sectors.
Q3. Can a factory have both SVLK and FSC®?
Absolutely. Dual-certified factories give buyers full compliance and sustainability coverage.
Q4. How long do certifications last?
SVLK needs annual audits and is valid per specific products; FSC® typically requires a 5-year renewal cycle.
Q5. Which markets demand FSC®?
Major retail chains in North America, Europe, and Australia—and sustainable projects in hospitality—often require FSC®.
For buyers evaluating sourcing options, the real value lies in understanding how legality and sustainability work together. While SVLK ensures every shipment from Indonesia is legally verified, FSC® adds the environmental and social credibility many retailers now demand. This dual framework has strengthened teak furniture supply chain Indonesia, giving procurement teams confidence in both compliance and sustainability. For importers exploring Indonesian furniture sourcing, working with dual-certified manufacturers provides a strategic advantage in meeting evolving global regulations and consumer expectations.