What is chain of custody certification?

Chain of custody (CoC) certification tracks certified timber from the forest through every stage of processing, manufacturing, and distribution to the final product. Each company in the supply chain must hold its own CoC certificate (FSC-STD-40-004 or PEFC ST 2002:2020) to make certified claims.

Chain of custody (CoC) certification tracks certified timber from the forest through every stage of processing, manufacturing, and distribution to the final product. Each company in the supply chain must hold its own CoC certificate (FSC-STD-40-004 or PEFC ST 2002:2020) to make certified claims. Without unbroken CoC, timber cannot be sold as certified regardless of its forest origin.

Why this matters

This question relates to FSC vs PEFC Certification: Which One Should You Specify?, which covers the broader topic in detail. Understanding this specific aspect helps architects, builders, and timber dealers make informed specification decisions.

For full context and additional technical detail, see our comprehensive guide:

→ FSC vs PEFC Certification: Which One Should You Specify?

Related questions

• What is the difference between FSC and PEFC certification?
• Can I specify both FSC and PEFC in the same project?
• Is FSC better than PEFC for sustainability?

About this answer

This answer is part of the PuurModulair Knowledge Base — comprehensive timber specification guidance for architects, builders, and dealers across the UK, EU, and Scandinavia.