Our approach to wood sourcing
We have a comprehensive wood control system in place. Our suppliers actively work with IWAY, our supplier code of conduct, which sets clear requirements and expectations for environmental, social and working conditions in the supply chain, while independent certification provides an additional level of assurance. Together with other controls, these measures uphold our high standards. IKEA does not accept wood that fails to meet these requirements. If we identify any potential non-compliance with our own standards or breaches of the law, we take immediate action.
IWAY requirements
All our suppliers must comply with IWAY, the IKEA supplier code of conduct, and relevant legal requirements.
In addition, we require the wood and other forest-based materials we source to meet FSC® or equivalent certification standards or be recycled. By setting clear sourcing requirements and working closely with our suppliers, we contribute to stronger standards and improved practices throughout the supply chain.
Since 2000, IWAY has included a specific section outlining our requirements for forest materials. The IWAY Forest Materials Section includes requirements and expectations for traceability and legality of the wood used in IKEA products, and the provision and support of working conditions, and decent and meaningful work. IWAY audits, announced and unannounced, are carried out by approved auditors at IKEA business partners using forest materials and across selected high-risk supply chains. IKEA does not accept wood that fails to meet the required standards of IWAY.
Requirements for forest materials in the IKEA supplier code of conduct
IKEA takes its responsibility to comply with all applicable laws very seriously. All legal requirements must be fulfilled, including:
- Knowing the wood origin
- Not using wood that comes from operations engaged in forest-related social conflicts
- Not using wood that is harvested in high conservation value forests or intact natural forests, as defined in the Forest Materials Section, unless certified
- Not sourcing from forests in regions under international sanctions.
In addition, all our requirements must be met, including:
- Using only tree species approved by IKEA
- Using only wood that meets IKEA forest materials requirements
- Not using wood that comes from illegally harvested forests
- Not using wood that is harvested from natural forests in the (sub)tropical regions being converted to plantations or non-forest use
- Not using wood from officially recognised and geographically identified commercial genetically modified tree plantations
Our control system
Our comprehensive due diligence system consists of:
Traceability
All suppliers must be able to track the origin of the wood used in IKEA products. We require all suppliers to provide reports on their wood use three times a year and be able to provide more information upon request. IKEA requires suppliers to annually submit their wood procurement plans, which helps to identify and proactively mitigate any potential risks.
Procedures in place
All suppliers must implement our requirements throughout their supply chain.
Audits by IKEA and external auditors
To verify the compliance of the wood entering our supply chain, IWAY audits are carried out by approved auditors. These audits, announced and unannounced, are conducted at IKEA business partners using forest materials and across selected high-risk supply chains. IKEA does not accept wood that fails to meet the required standards of IWAY. That means no sourcing of wood from, for example, illegally harvested areas, areas with social conflicts related to the forest and no sourcing from Intact Forest Landscapes (IFL) or other geographically identified High Conservation Value Forests (HCVF), unless the area is certified by a forest certification system recognised by IKEA. We have integrated forensic methods such as anatomic, isotope and DNA analysis to verify wood species and origins as a part of our forestry due diligence system on a risk-based approach.
Third party audits
To ensure additional independent verification, external third-party audits evaluate and confirm compliance. If we identify any potential non-compliance with our requirements or any breaches of the law, we take immediate action.
Certification
We require that our suppliers comply with the rigorous standards developed by credible, global third-party certification systems, such as the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®).
Under no circumstances do we accept wood that fails to meet our critical requirements. If we discover irregularities, we take immediate action.
Working with certification
At IKEA, we believe we can accomplish more by working together. For many years, we have been committed to working with different stakeholders to protect and strengthen the world’s forests. One of our key partners is the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), an organisation that brings together different voices that represent a wide range of needs for promoting responsible forest management.
Why do we use FSC-certified wood?
FSC is an independent global certification system. FSC sets rigorous requirements for forest managers to maintain forest cover and conserve or enhance forest structure, biodiversity, and productivity, preventing deforestation and deterioration of forest health and resilience in the long term. We believe FSC is the most credible certification due to its comprehensive scope. FSC prohibits all human‑driven activities that permanently change forest cover in High Conservation Value areas, which are home to endangered species, vital ecosystems, cultural heritage sites, and essential resources for local communities and Indigenous Peoples. Independent third‑party evaluations confirm this on the ground. FSC also supports community rights and takes action to develop a fair and safe environment for those working in the forest. FSC‑certified wood means it comes from sources where forests are regenerated, preventing net loss of forest cover.
FSC's democratic and transparent approach allows all stakeholders, including businesses and environmental groups, to contribute by using their voice to strengthen the certification system. IKEA, one of the founding members in 1994, is now one of over 1,100 FSC members, and we encourage others to join and contribute with their knowledge and insights.