Do I need to be Chain-of-Custody certified?
Companies pursue Chain-of-Custody certification to demonstrate to their clients and the general public that the wood or paper products that they are selling are traceable to the forest of origin. Your company needs Chain-of-Custody certification if you take legal ownership of certified materials or products and wish to pass on a commercial claim that the product that you are selling is certified, whether that claim is on-product, on an invoice, or in other communication. Companies at the end of the supply chain, such as retailers who will not be passing the claim forward on an invoice, are not required to hold a certificate although they may choose to do so. Retailers and other companies at the end of the supply chain that don't chose to hold a certificate must register directly with PEFC or their national representatives to use their trademarks.
What type of Chain-of-Custody certification do I need?
SCS offers all three forest product chain of custody certifications, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Market demand for products certified by these schemes varies by region and market sector.
Every Chain-of-Custody certificate holder must conform to the basic Chain-of-Custody Standard. Certification to additional standards may be necessary depending on the structure of your organization (multi-site or group standard) and the use of uncertified materials (virgin or recycled) that you might wish to source and mix with your certified materials or products. Please contact an SCS salesperson to determine what certification is necessary for your operation.
How much does Chain-of-Custody certification cost?
Prices for SCS auditing services vary depending on the location, size, and complexity of your operation. Chain-of-Custody systems range from simple to very complex, and there are separate CoC standards addressing companies with multiple facilities, outsource manufacturing, and the verification of recycled or non-controversial sources. Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain your certification. SCS offers reduced prices for companies that hold multiple SCS certifications (for example, Chain-of-Custody and Indoor Air Quality or Recycled Content). Please ask your sales associate about other types of certifications that might benefit your company.
How long does the Chain-of-Custody certification process take?
At SCS, customer service and responsiveness is a priority. We typically are able to send our auditors to your facility, provide you with an audit report, and make a certification decision within 6 to 8 weeks of starting the project. Larger and more complex projects may take longer.
How long is my Chain-of-Custody certificate valid?
A Chain-of-Custody Certificate is valid for five years. Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain your certificate.
