Overview:

Large premium forest reserves, geographical proximity to export markets and a number of small flexible firms that can react promptly to market needs are key to Serbia’s potential in this sector. While the overall demand for furniture has been decreasing, the global demand for eco-friendly premium wooden furniture continues to increase, particularly in EU markets.

The Serbian government is in the process of obtaining the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) certification for all public forests—a designation that certifies wood and wood products have been managed and harvested in a sustainable manner. This enables Serbian manufacturers to more easily obtain the Chain of Custody (COC) certificate that demonstrates their products are made entirely from sustainable wood products. 

Strategic Approach and Objectives:

The Competitiveness Project is facilitating the wood processing industry’s use of sustainable resources and FSC Chain of Custody (COC) certifications in local furniture production. Acquiring and maintaining a current COC certificate allows a manufacturer to market forest products using the certified logo, which enables access to more markets and customers that are increasingly requiring this certification. The Project is also fostering Serbian wood processing sector exports to German speaking markets through targeted market linkage activities, and has supported promotion of Serbian furniture designers

The Project aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Supporting FSC COC Certification for Serbian Wood Processing (including Furniture) Manufacturers
• Facilitation of Wood Product Exports to Regional and EU Markets
• Promoting Serbian furniture designer talent

Key Activities:

Forest Stewardship Council’s Chain of Custody Certification (FSC/COC) Support – The Project supports wood products manufacturers in obtaining the FSC COC Certification, which tracks wood and wood fiber from the point of origin through stages of the manufacturing process. The Competitiveness Project serves as the FSC COC focal point in Serbia, and has helped 16 wood processing manufacturers obtain this certification, thus supporting them in expanding their market reach.  Prior to this initiative only 1 firm in Serbia had this certificate  In addition, the Project is building the local capacity for FSC COC consulting services by training local consultants, and facilitating long-term cooperation between potential local auditing companies and relevant foreign auditing institutions. This will expedite the time to obtain the certificate in Serbia as demand from producers grows, and reduce the costs for obtaining the certificate.  To learn more about the FCS COC process and how the Project may assist you to obtain a certificate, click here.

Wood Product Export Facilitation – The Project has facilitated the strategic positioning of export-oriented Serbian furniture companies into the German market through participation at the 2008 and 2009 M.O.W. furniture fairs in Bad Salzuflen, Germany. The Project facilitated the successful marketing efforts of two companies who signed long-term agreements for cooperation with leading European manufacturers and retailers, including Lutz, Austria (2nd in Europe after IKEA) worth $3.5 million by the end of 2010. To learn more about our efforts to promote Serbian exports click here. 

BelgradeFurniture Design Competition –Serbia has a small, but thriving furniture design sector. In 2009, the Project launched the “Sitting Green Eco-Chair” design contest in partnership with Belgrade Design Week. A panel of judges comprised of well-respected design industry leaders, such as the editor of Wallpaper magazine, reviewed 139 submissions from local designers, awarding three winners. The contest winners were provided prototypes that could be used for marketing to foreign buyers. A secondary goal was to promote Serbian designed furniture globally as innovative, modern, sustainable and affordably produced in local production facilities.