ISEAL is revising its Chain of Custody (CoC) Models and Definitions Guidance to improve clarity and consistency, helping stakeholders across sectors to effectively navigate the complexities of traceability and chain of custody.
Originally published in 2016, the CoC guidance has been a valuable public good across industries, providing clear definitions to support stakeholders to understand the link between chain of custody and the claims that can be made about a product. Since then, the traceability landscape has evolved significantly, and we’re updating this guidance to keep pace with these changes.
Why a revision is needed
Supply chain management has seen major shifts due to regulatory developments, technological advancements, and increased corporate climate action. New regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) require companies to collect more detailed information on the origins and sustainability performance of materials. Innovations in technology, such as blockchain and satellite monitoring, are helping companies trace their products with greater precision. Additionally, new variations of CoC models are emerging to meet the growing demand for certified commodities while addressing specific supply chain needs, including Controlled Blending and Controlled Mass Balance.
Objectives of the revised guidance
Our goal is to provide stakeholders across sectors with definitions and frameworks that are clear, consistent, and relevant, supporting them as they navigate this dynamic landscape. The main objectives of this revision are to:
- Provide updated definitions of CoC models that are applicable across different sectors and commodities.
- Incorporate new CoC models, including Controlled Blending and Controlled Mass Balance.
- Introduce readers to the key concepts underpinning Chain of Custody, including attribution and volume reconciliation.
- Develop helpful visual aids, such as diagrams and infographics, to improve clarity.
The consultation process
To ensure that the revised guidance reflects the needs of all stakeholders, we held a public consultation from 11 November 2024 to 24 January 2025. Thank you for all the valuable input we received – your feedback is instrumental in shaping the final version of the guidance!
We are now reviewing the responses and drafting updates. If you have any questions about the revision process, please feel free to contact:
- Josh Taylor, Traceability Manager – josh@isealalliance.org
- Jessica Fryer, Coordinator, Impacts and Innovations – JessicaF@isealalliance.org
Thank you for your involvement in creating a shared language and understanding for Chain of Custody models.