FSC, ISO, Sedex: Which Certifications Do Overseas Buyers Actually Ask For?

The Question Every New Buyer Asks

"We love your samples — but can you pass our compliance review?" After fifteen years of export orders, here is the priority list we give every factory client.

Tier 1: The Gate Openers

• FSC® Chain of Custody — mandatory for most EU and North American retail chains. It proves your paperboard comes from responsibly managed forests.
• ISO 9001:2015 — the baseline quality management audit. Without it, big-box retailers won't even open your quotation.

Tier 2: The Trust Builders

• Sedex/SMETA — social compliance. Increasingly required by UK and Australian buyers.
• Food-contact material reports (SGS) — essential if your boxes touch food or cosmetics directly.

A Practical Roadmap

Start with FSC + ISO in year one. Add Sedex when you target retail chains. Certificates don't sell boxes directly — but they keep your boxes in the running when procurement shortlists suppliers.