Verifying the Integrity of Certified Material Flow
Chain of Custody (CoC) audits verify that certified materials (such as FSC wood, MSC seafood, or GRS recycled textiles) are properly identified, tracked, and controlled at every stage — from input to final output — ensuring they remain segregated from non-certified materials.
BQCIS auditors review management systems, records, and transaction documentation to confirm accurate use of certified claims and labels. The process ensures the organization adheres to the relevant CoC control system (transfer, percentage, or mass balance), maintaining traceability integrity and credibility across the entire supply chain.
Certification following a successful CoC audit enables companies to make verified sustainability claims, access premium markets, and reinforce their reputation for transparency and responsibility.
Key CoC Audit Activities
Key Benefits of CoC Audits
Enable Certified Product Claims
Grants your organization the right to label and market products as certified, meeting requirements of schemes such as FSC, MSC, or GRS.
Ensure Material Traceability
Demonstrates continuous control of certified material through all operational stages, ensuring end-to-end traceability.
Access Responsible Markets
Enables entry into global markets demanding verifiable sustainable sourcing, transparency, and certification integrity.
Demonstrate Corporate Responsibility
Showcases your commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable trade, reinforcing your company’s environmental and social leadership.
Success Story
Paper Mill Achieves FSC CoC Certification
A regional paper mill sought FSC CoC certification to meet client sustainability requirements and ensure full traceability of certified paper materials through its production lines.
BQCIS conducted the certification audit, reviewing purchasing, storage, and conversion processes. Volume reconciliation and segregation controls were validated against FSC standards.
The audit confirmed robust CoC controls, granting FSC certification. The mill gained access to high-value clients requiring documented sustainability and increased global competitiveness.