Chain of custody (CoC) and traceability are central to credible sustainability claims - but are we all speaking the same language? Watch the launch of ISEAL’s revised Chain of Custody Models and Definitions Guidance!

Originally published in 2016, this guidance provides a common foundation for understanding how certified materials are tracked through supply chains and the claims that can be made about them. In 2024, we held a public consultation to ensure the guidance remains relevant and practical for today’s shifting traceability landscape.

As supply chain dynamics evolve, so must the definitions and models that we rely on. New regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation, technological developments like blockchain, and increased corporate focus on supply chain emissions are all reshaping how we track and trust supply chain data. The revised guidance introduces models such as Controlled Blending and Controlled Mass Balance, clarifies key concepts, and includes diagrams to support learning.

In this webinar, we:

• Provided an overview of the revision process and what’s changed
• Heard from expert panellists involved in the update on why CoC is essential for credible sustainability claims and the value of a shared language across systems and sectors
• Explored how the revised guidance supports data transfer in real-world supply chains

Whether you work in sustainability standards, certification, regulation, or responsible sourcing, this session will help you to understand how to apply the revised guidance in your work.

The development of this guidance was made possible through funding by the Walmart Foundation. The findings, conclusions, and recommendations presented in this report are those of the authors alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Walmart Foundation.