# Chain of Custody Certification

*Last updated: 2026-06-23*

> Chain of Custody certification is a documentary system that records who received, processed, and transferred a product at every stage of the supply chain—from raw material extraction through processing, transport, and final sale.

Chain of Custody certification is a documentary system that records who received, processed, and transferred a product at every stage of the supply chain—from raw material extraction through processing, transport, and final sale. It is required for FSC- or PEFC-certified timber, organic goods, conflict minerals, and other compliance-sensitive commodities where buyers and regulators must verify the integrity of the certification back to its source. Freight forwarders and importers physically segregate certified from non-certified material flows and maintain handover records at each transfer point. Gaps in the chain can result in import refusals, loss of certification status, or regulatory penalties. The concept goes beyond a certificate of origin: it proves continuous controlled custody of the material, not merely its starting point.

**Source:** [https://ic.fsc.org/en/what-is-fsc/what-we-do/chain-of-custody](https://ic.fsc.org/en/what-is-fsc/what-we-do/chain-of-custody)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Chain of Custody Certification |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 120 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-23 |
| Source | https://ic.fsc.org/en/what-is-fsc/what-we-do/chain-of-custody |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/chain-of-custody-certification](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/chain-of-custody-certification)*

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