Chain of Custody: Traceability in Certifications
If you’ve ever gone through a certification, for example GOTS or GRS, chances are you’ve bumped into the term “chain of custody.” 🔗
In the legal world, chain of custody is a way of creating traceability for evidence with a digital trail to keep it trustworthy and credible.
The idea is pretty much the same when it comes to certifications. ✅
What does chain of custody mean?
It’s actually quite simple: When we talk about chain of custody in relation to certifications, it means that every step in your supply chain needs to be certified.
That way, you can track material inputs and verify production at every stage of the product journey 🌱🧵👕
To help with this, you work with scope certificates and transaction certificates.
Scope Certificate (SC): Shows a company is allowed to produce certified goods and which products are covered (in scope).
Transaction Certificate (TC): Shows a specific product and shipment is certified - is issued every time the product moves from one certified actor to another (like a credibility receipt).
Chain of custody benefits include:
✅ Traceability
✅ Promoting and encouraging ESG requirements throughout your value chain (of course depending on the standard)
✅ Verifying sources
✅ Proving you’re not just greenwashing
✅ Documenting your marketing claims
Chain of custody in certification standards
The Content Claim Standard (CCS) is Textile Exchange’s chain of custody standard.
It is the backbone for all of their standards, which include the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), and Global Recycled Standard (GRS).
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification also requires every company in the supply chain to be certified and follow the standard. 📝
In addition, the Better Cotton also has a Chain of Custody Standard you can be audited against.
Need help?
We have a lot of experience when it comes to certifications.
We’ll make sure you know everything you need to know, help you get everything in order, and prepare you for your audit. 🤝
All you have to do is reach out!