If you have ever been involved in a certification process, you have likely encountered the term chain of custody.
While the concept originates from the legal field, where it ensures traceability and credibility of evidence, the principle is equally vital in the context of sustainability certifications.
What is Chain of Custody
In certification systems, chain of custody refers to the requirement that every step of the supply chain be certified. This ensures the traceability of material inputs and enables verification at each stage of the product’s journey
Two types of documents support this system:
- Scope Certificate (SC): Confirms that a company is authorized to produce certified products and specifies which products are covered.
- Transaction Certificate (TC): Issued whenever a certified product is transferred between certified entities. It verifies that the product meets certification standards at the point of transfer.
Benefits of Chain of Custody
Implementing a robust chain of custody system offers several advantages:
- Full traceability of certified materials
- Verification of sourcing and production claims
- Support for ESG compliance throughout the value chain
- Enhanced credibility and defense against greenwashing allegations
- Documentation to substantiate marketing claims
Chain of Custody in Textile Certifications
Textile Exchange’s Content Claim Standard (CCS) forms the basis for their certifications, including the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), and Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Similarly, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Better Cotton require certified chain of custody across the entire supply chain.
Adhering to these standards helps ensure credibility, transparency, and compliance throughout your ESG efforts.