Chain of Custody Certificate Scope Verification and Claim Validity Tracking
Scope cross-checking against public scheme registers and line-item invoice verification prevent customs detentions and illegal packaging claims.
Public Register Cross Check
Verification Method
Procurement departments must verify that the forest management and chain-of-custody certificates provided by their paper suppliers are valid and active. This audit step is the public register cross check, which involves searching the official database of the certification body to confirm the status of the certificate number. Doing so prevents the use of expired or falsified claims on printed packaging.
Supplier Auditing
Printers perform these checks to protect themselves from liability when printing eco-labels on behalf of brand owners. A supplier may claim a certain certification, but if the certificate has been suspended or withdrawn, the printer cannot legally use the logo. This step must be executed before placing an order to avoid the risk of packaging recalls.
Chain Credibility
Implementing the public register cross check as a standard procedure in the quality management system ensures that every batch of paperboard can be traced to a certified source. It provides an independent and transparent way to verify compliance with global standards without relying solely on the supplier’s word. This procedure is especially important when sourcing from high-risk regions where illegal logging remains a concern.
By integrating this audit into their procurement software, converters can maintain a complete and reliable history of all fiber purchases.