ISO 22095:2020

Overview

ISO 22095:2020 defines a harmonized framework for chain of custody (CoC) systems across sectors. It provides consistent terminology, a generic approach to design, implementation and management of chains of custody, general requirements for different chain of custody models, and guidance on when each model is appropriate. The standard applies to all materials and products (not to services as final outputs) and is intended as a reference for organizations at any step in a supply chain and for standard-setting bodies.

Key takeaway: ISO 22095 promotes supply chain transparency and consistent traceability practices but is not, on its own, sufficient to make or verify product claims-CoC systems must be implemented and assessed according to relevant scheme requirements.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Harmonized terminology: Definitions for chain of custody, chain of custody system, inputs, outputs, specified characteristics, traceability and related roles/responsibilities to reduce confusion across sectors.
• Chain of custody models: Clear descriptions and requirements for main models:
  • Identity Preserved - maintains the unique identity of a material/product through the supply chain.
  • Segregated - keeps certified materials physically separate from others.
  • Controlled Blending - allows blending under defined controls to preserve specified characteristics.
  • Mass Balance - permits mixing but tracks quantities to match certified inputs with outputs.
  • Book and Claim - decouples physical flows from associated claims via trading of credits or documentation.
• Design and governance: Roles and responsibilities, top management commitment, competence, documented information, and communication.
• Operational controls: Traceability, conversion factors, inventory balancing, outsourcing, complaints handling and measures for dealing with non-conformities.
• Assurance and conformity assessment: Guidance on evidencing CoC implementation and limitations of CoC systems for supporting claims.

Applications

• Use ISO 22095 to design or align chain of custody systems for sectors such as forestry, agriculture, food, fisheries, mining, manufacturing, recycling and construction.
• Support harmonization across certification schemes to reduce complexity, improve trust in sustainability or origin claims, and facilitate market access.
• Serve as a reference for auditors, scheme owners, supply chain managers, certification bodies and policy makers developing CoC requirements.

Who should use ISO 22095

• Supply chain managers, sustainability officers, certification and compliance professionals, standard-setting organizations, auditors, and manufacturers or traders seeking consistent CoC design and traceability practices.

Related standards

• ISO 14044 (life cycle assessment terminology referenced)
• ISO 9000 (quality management vocabulary)
• Applicable sector-specific CoC standards and certification scheme requirements

Keywords: ISO 22095, chain of custody, chain of custody models, traceability, mass balance, identity preserved, segregated model, book and claim, supply chain transparency, chain of custody system.