At present, there are two global forest certification systems in the world, namely the FSC system and the International Organization for Standardization system; two major regional systems, namely the Pan-European Forest Certification System and the Pan-African Forest Certification System; in addition, there are more than 10 national forest certification systems. Organizations that establish these certification systems are not directly involved in certification, their role is to set certification standards and authorize certification bodies to certify forests through authorized certification bodies.

FSC certification is the most widely recognized global forest certification system in the world. It is a global forest certification system supported by non-governmental environmental protection organizations and trade organizations. It is currently a relatively mature and complete forest certification system. The results of FSC certification are accepted all over the world, but some national forest certification systems cannot cover the whole world.

As of April 15, 2009, 112.85 million hectares of forests in 81 countries around the world have obtained FM certification and 13,043 COC certificates.