Revision of ISEAL Chain of Custody Definitions and Models Guidance

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ISEAL is revising its Chain of Custody (CoC) Definitions and Models 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 are now sharing the new draft for public consultation. Whether or not you have previously used our current guidance, we encourage you to review the draft and participate in the consultation.

This consultation will be open from 11 November 2024 to 11 January 2025.

How to participate

Please use this survey to provide feedback on the revised ISEAL Chain of Custody (CoC) Definitions and Models Guidance consultation draft. The survey takes approximately 25 minutes, and you can pause and return to the survey at any time to complete it.

You can also use the ISEAL template for consultation comments to submit feedback, linked on the right hand side of this page. Your input will be crucial in shaping new guidance that is practical, accurate, and aligned with the needs of diverse sectors and markets.

For more information on the CoC guidance revision process, please contact:

Thank you for your involvement in creating a shared language and understanding for Chain of Custody models.