Providing third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development.

Process

1. Apply for Certification

   Complete and submit the SCS Application form. SCS will then prepare a proposal for your approval with suggested scope of work, timeline, and quote. If the proposal meets your needs you will sign a Work Order and the audit will be scheduled.

2. Written Procedures

   Create company procedures that demonstrate how certified wood or paper products will be tracked throughout your operation. SCS provides guidance to help explain the Chain of Custody requirements.

3. Pre-Audit Assessment

   An SCS auditor will review your procedures for thoroughness and conformance. The auditor identifies areas for improvement in the procedures prior to the audit.

4. On-site Audit

   During a site visit, an SCS auditor will review the Chain of Custody procedures and documentation for a typical job (from receipt of inputs to the final sale). Additionally, the auditor will tour the facilities where certified material is handled and interview key staff. We look for evidence that staff has been duly trained in the responsibilities that have been assigned to them and that staff possess an understanding of the workflow for certified products.

5. Assessment Report

   Based on audit findings, SCS produces an audit report. The audit report is submitted to a Technical Associate who validates the appropriateness of the auditor's methodology and conclusions.

6. Make Certification Decision

   The Technical Associate decides whether to grant certification. If granted, you will be issued a certificate valid for a five-year period. Any conditional Major Corrective Action Requests (CARs) identified by SCS will need to be closed prior to obtaining certification.

7. Maintain Certification

   Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain Chain of Custody certification. Certified companies and product offerings are listed in the official certificate holder database (PEFC or SFI). Certified companies are granted permission to use trademarks for on-product and off-product applications in conformance with the appropriate trademark standard.

FAQs

Do I need to be Chain of Custody certified?

Companies pursue Chain of Custody certification to demonstrate to their clients and the general public that the wood or paper products that they are selling are traceable to the forest of origin. Your company needs Chain of Custody certification if you take legal ownership of certified materials or products and wish to pass on a commercial claim that the product that you are selling is certified, whether that claim is on-product, on an invoice, or in other communication. Companies at the end of the supply chain, like retailers who will not be passing the claim forward on an invoice, are not required to hold a certificate although they may choose to do so. Retailers and other companies at the end of the supply chain that don't chose to hold a certificate must register directly with PEFC or their national representatives to use their trademarks.

What type of Chain of Custody certification do I need?

SCS offers two of the most common forest product chain of custody certification schemes, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Market demand for products certified by these schemes varies by region and market sector.

Every Chain of Custody certificate holder must conform to the basic Chain of Custody Standard. Certification to additional standards may be necessary depending on the structure of your organization (multi-site or group standard) and the use of uncertified materials (virgin or recycled) that you might wish to source and mix with your certified materials or products. Please contact an SCS salesperson to determine what certification is necessary for your operation.

How much does Chain of Custody certification cost?

Prices for SCS auditing services vary depending on the location, size, and complexity of your operation. Chain of Custody systems range from simple to very complex, and there are separate CoC standards addressing companies with multiple facilities, outsource manufacturing, and the verification of recycled or non-controversial sources. Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain your certification. SCS offers reduced prices for companies that hold multiple SCS certifications (for example, Chain of Custody and Indoor Air Quality or Recycled Content). Please ask your sales associate about other types of certifications that might benefit your company.

How long does the Chain of Custody certification process take?

At SCS, customer service and responsiveness is a priority. We typically are able to send our auditors to your facility, provide you with an audit report, and make a certification decision within 6 to 8 weeks of starting the project. Larger and more complex projects may take longer.

How long is my Chain of Custody certificate valid?

A Chain of Custody Certificate is valid for five years. Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain your certificate.