What is Chain of Custody?
Chain of Custody (CoC) refers to the process of documenting and verifying the sequence of custody and control over materials and products within a supply chain.
In the context of supply chain traceability, CoC is crucial for ensuring transparency from origin through to the final consumer. This involves recording each transfer of material from one handler to another, including harvesting, processing, transportation, and distribution.
For traceability companies, establishing a clear and auditable CoC is essential for certifying the authenticity of products, validating sustainability claims, and complying with legal and regulatory requirements. CoC serves as a backbone for systems aiming to ensure ethical sourcing, prevent counterfeiting, and support responsible environmental and social practices within supply chains.
Related terms
Supply Chain Transparency
Supply Chain Transparency refers to the extent to which a company discloses information regarding the practices, partners, policies, and origins within its supply chain.
Digital Twin
In supply chain management, digital twins can model and monitor supply chain operations, predict outcomes under various scenarios, and optimise performance.
Sustainability
Sustainability in the context of supply chain management refers to the development and implementation of environmentally responsible and socially equitable business practices throughout the supply chain. It aims at meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.