Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I contact for certification?
You have already made the first step by visiting our website. American Green can provide chain of custody certification services for your North American company. Fill out our application to receive a personalized certification proposal for your company.
If you prefer, give us a call at (802) 659-4490, or email us at
info@americangreen.net first.
How do I contact American Green and download the Application?
Do I need to jump through a bunch of hoops to do this?
No. As with anything new, there’s a learning curve. And the FSC does like to be wordy at times. However, we have found that most of what the FSC is looking for in their chain of custody certification standard is just good business sense. It’s just a question of putting your procedures into a format, with the appropriate information, that the FSC is looking for.
American Green specializes in helping companies cut through the confusion and get it all correct, the very first time.
How do I get an estimate of cost?
Simple. Fill out our application online, or download it and email, or fax, it back to us. Costs are a function of complexity, size, and scope of operations. We’ll prepare a personalized certification estimate for you, often in the same business day.
How long does certification normally take?
The length of the certification process is often determined by our client; in setting internal deadlines and your ability to prepare for and follow-up on the audit. Our systems are set up to provide the fastest turnaround possible. We work diligently to meet your individualized needs.
Is my company information safe?
Yes. The FSC has a very strict confidentiality policy, and shares only information that is clearly outlined in their standards, or what you explicitly grant permission to. American Green, and our partner GFA, have a very similar, strict confidentiality policy as well. Other than what we are required to share with the FSC, your information never leaves the confines of our offices. We store our files electronically, so there is no paperwork to lose. And our electronic files are protected by two layers of Department of Defense standardized encryption protocols. Information is currency. At American Green, we understand and respect that.
Do I need to have someone come out to my sites each year?
In many cases, yes.
The FSC requires site visits for any company that takes physical possession of materials. If you are acting as a brokerage and shipping direct from supplier to customer, we probably can handle the entire certification process over the phone and via email. Call us, or fill out our application, and we will help you decide what will work best for you.
Make it simple. What is the bullet point process for getting certified?
Request and fill out your application. Or, fill it out online.
Receive, and sign off on, personalized certification proposal.
Review and prepare audit materials provided by American Green.
Submit audit materials to American Green. We’ll take the time to have a detailed discussion with you, of your company and your processes, based on those materials.
Schedule and conduct an onsite, or desk, audit. The managing owners of American Green currently conduct all audits. This means the person sitting across the desk from you is directly responsible for your entire certification process.
Receive, review, and approve the draft report from the audit. If necessary, address any identified issues.
. . . Congratulations! You have received your certificate, access to FSC logos, and all with fast, efficient, expert, and state of the art service.
