Taxonomy Definition
Chain-of-custody tracking systems group certified wood and paper products into standardized category codes for auditing and commercial documentation. Administrative registration of product group classification defines the specific paper, board, or converted packaging categories covered under a company certification certificate. Standardized product codes established by FSC or PEFC harmonize trade descriptions across international pulp, paper, and packaging supply chains.
Accurate group assignment ensures transparent tracking of certified material inputs against claimed outputs.
Audit Tracing
Certification standards require companies to maintain an updated product schedule specifying input raw materials, claim types, and manufacturing sites. Defining a product group classification commits a packaging converter to apply specific control systems, such as transfer or percentage credit methods, to designated product output lines. Folding boxboard, corrugated containers, and liquid packaging board fall under distinct classification categories with tailored tracking requirements.
Auditors check purchasing records, material balance logs, and sales invoices against registered product groups to verify claim authenticity. Proper classification prevents uncertified paperboard grades from being sold under certified packaging labels.
Transfer Rule
Adding new paperboard categories to an existing certificate requires formal audit review and documentation updates prior to sales release. Products falling outside registered product group classification limits cannot carry certified trademarks or environmental claims on billing documentation.