Abstract
The FSC forest certification has consolidated itself as a relevant instrument of environmental governance in international trade, influencing business practices and regulatory policies aimed at sustainability. The general objective of this study was to analyze the impact of the FSC environmental seal on foreign trade, with emphasis on the legal challenges faced by Brazilian exporters in the pulp sector. The methodology consisted of a qualitative literature review conducted between 2022 and 2026, based on scientific articles selected from the Lilacs, Periódicos Capes, and Scielo databases, following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results demonstrated that FSC certification contributes to environmental conservation, commercial valorization of forest products, and access to demanding international markets, while also imposing compliance costs and regulatory complexity on exporters. The influence of the European Union Deforestation-Free Products Regulation was highlighted, as it intensified requirements for traceability and transparency in supply chains, increasing legal challenges for Brazilian companies. The analysis also showed that the FSC seal acts as a non-tariff barrier, promoting competitive differentiation and reinforcing the environmental credibility of exported products. It was concluded that FSC certification represents a strategic instrument for Brazil’s qualified integration into international trade, while requiring regulatory adaptation and investments in sustainability.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ana Carolina Soares Ramos, Julia Victoria De Souza Vieira