THE POSSIBILITIES OF USING C-O-C CERTIFICATIONS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The paper outlines possible application of FSC and PEFC forest certification systems in placing timber and timber products on the EU market (EU Timber Regulation - EUTR). Particularly, our attention is focused on the analysis of the EUTR legislation requirements, related to operators. Requirements of forestry certification systems are analysed, in relation to the certified organizations and to the EUTR generally. The comparison of the surveyed requirements clarifies the role of forest certification systems in the EUTR. Our study also brings recommendations for operators who have already implemented one of existing forest certification systems. Moreover, our recommendations represent ways to the most efficient use of the forest certification system in the context of the EUTR legislation requirements. In the final part, the potential role of forest certification in creating more effective communications with general public is discussed and how a marketing differentiation strategy with the application of Porter's value chain can be developed bringing certified organizations competitive advantage.