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.
Transaction Verification System
Audit Mechanism
Forest certification schemes protect the integrity of their claims by using a centralized digital platform to match sales and purchases of certified wood products between companies. This audit mechanism is the transaction verification system, which prevents the double-counting of certified volume along the supply chain. It requires both the buyer and the seller to enter transaction details for verification.
Data Matching
The platform compares the volume of certified paperboard sold by the mill with the volume recorded as purchased by the converter. If the figures do not match, the system flags the transaction and initiates an audit to resolve the discrepancy. This automated cross-check ensures that companies do not claim more certified material than they actually purchased.
Certification Integrity
Using the transaction verification system is mandatory in high-risk supply chains and is being expanded to cover all certified fiber transactions globally. It provides a robust defense against falsified invoices and the mixing of uncertified or illegal wood with certified paper. This digital tracking allows brand owners to confidently display eco-labels on their packaging, knowing that every fiber claim is backed by a verified audit trail.
This system is a standard tool for maintaining trust in global sustainability certificates.