Verifying Material Origin and Integrity
Chain of Custody (CoC) certification provides a verified link between sustainably or responsibly sourced raw materials and the final products consumers purchase. It tracks certified material through all stages of processing, manufacturing, and distribution, ensuring that claims about the product's origin—such as sustainably harvested wood, conflict-free minerals, or recycled content—are credible.
CoC certification requires companies at each step of the supply chain to implement management systems that control the flow of certified material. This involves clear identification, segregation (physical or controlled mixing), accurate record-keeping, and volume reconciliation to prevent mixing with non-certified or ineligible material. Common CoC standards include FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), MSC/ASC (Marine/Aquaculture Stewardship Council), and frameworks for recycled or conflict-free materials.
BQCIS provides accredited CoC audits against multiple international standards. Our auditors verify that your organization maintains the integrity of certified materials, enabling you to make credible sustainability claims and use recognized eco-labels confidently.
Key CoC Audit Activities
Key Benefits of CoC Certification
Make Credible Sustainability Claims
Provides third-party validation needed to use recognized eco-labels (like FSC) and market products as responsibly sourced.
Meet Customer & Market Demand
Demonstrates compliance with procurement requirements for certified or ethically sourced materials.
Enhance Supply Chain Transparency
Provides visibility and traceability throughout the supply chain, reinforcing accountability and trust.
Strengthen Brand Reputation
Positions your organization as environmentally and socially responsible, improving brand image and customer loyalty.
Success Story
Packaging Company Achieves FSC Chain of Custody
A packaging manufacturer needed FSC Chain of Custody certification to meet the sustainability requirements of major retail clients demanding responsibly sourced packaging.
BQCIS performed an FSC CoC audit, verifying procedures for receiving certified paperboard, tracking it through production under the transfer system, and ensuring correct FSC labeling on finished goods.
The company successfully achieved certification, retaining major retail customers and strengthening its environmental credentials with measurable supply chain integrity.