Certification Scope
Management systems covering several production facilities or distribution hubs under a single certificate ensure that wood-based products are tracked from forest to consumer. Organizations with multiple branches utilize a multi-site chain of custody to simplify the administrative burden of sustainability reporting.
Central Control
Oversight of the entire network resides with a central office that manages the internal audit program. Under a multi-site chain of custody, the central authority must verify that every location follows the same documentation procedures. This structure reduces the cost of external certification because the auditor only visits a representative sample of sites.
Individual units remain responsible for their own material balances.
Traceability Requirement
Records must clearly link the incoming certified material to the outgoing finished goods at every participating location. The multi-site chain of custody forbids the mixing of certified and uncertified stocks unless a specific volume credit system is in place. Detailed sales invoices must carry the correct claim codes to maintain the integrity of the label.
Any failure at a single branch risks the status of the whole group. Annual training sessions keep staff updated on the latest standards for wood sourcing. Rigorous data management prevents the double counting of certified volumes.
Centralized software often tracks the movement of inventory across different geographical regions.
