What is Chain of Custody Certification?

The chain of custody is the path which products take from the forest to the consumer, including all manufacturing, transformation and distribution links.

Chain of Custody

The path taken by raw materials, processed materials, finished products, and co-products from the forest to the consumer or (in the case of reclaimed/recycled materials or products containing them) from the reclamation site to the consumer, including each stage of processing, transformation, manufacturing, storage and transport where progress to the next stage of the supply chain involves a change of ownership (independent custodianship) of the materials or the products.

A secure chain of custody requires that certified products are identified, segregated and accompanied by appropriate documentation at all stages.

What is needed for Chain of Custody Certification?

During an assessment for a chain of custody certification, our QUALIFOR assessors visit each site Read Chain of Custody summary (PDF 369 KB) where products are manufactured, transformed, or distributed. At each point they check:

1.  Product identification: All products from certified forests are clearly marked as such. There are documented procedures to control the marking of certified products.
2. Product segregation: All products from certified forests are segregated from other products.
3. Records: Records are maintained relating to purchase, delivery, shipment, receipt, forwarding and invoicing of certified products. Documented procedures exist to control the record-keeping process.

Need more information on Chain-of-Custody Certification?

 SGS offers free on-line seminars on Forestry Chain of Custody certification
 Apply for Chain of Custody Certification Now!
 Download Chain of Custody Certification aplication form (PDF 669)
 Chain of Custody Fact Sheet (PDF 259 KB)
 View our Chain of Custody Certificates
 Chain of Custody Certification process (PDF 369 KB)

PEFC CoC Standard (PDF 199 KB)
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FSC Controlled Wood Standard (PDF 102 KB)