On 23 March 2023, the FSC announced that the relevant certification bodies in Russia have cancelled the remaining forest management certificates. This step is related to the decision by Assurance Services International (ASI) to terminate FSC assurance functions in Russia.

According to the risk assessment conducted by ASI, the main reason for the withdrawal of the certificates is the increasing integrity risk in Russia, as the safety of the people involved in monitoring activities in the country can no longer be guaranteed. ASI also points out that there are limitations to operating in the country due to restricted access and sanctions. With the cessation of ASI's oversight activities in Russia, certification bodies will no longer be accredited to conduct audits in accordance with FSC standards in that country.

The cancellation of all FSC certificates in Russia follows the decision by the FSC International Board of Directors last year to implement measures that resulted in the suspension of certificates allowing the trade of FSC-certified materials and products in both Russia and Belarus, which was adopted immediately after the invasion of Ukraine. Certificates that were suspended will now also be cancelled following the end of the twelve-month suspension period, at the latest by 8 April.

The ASI decision will come into effect on 1 May and will be reassessed as soon as conditions once again allow for guarantees to be provided.