Greenwashing, evidence & assurance · Working
Chain-of-custody certification
Also called: CoC certification
ELI5
Certification tracing certified material through supply-chain transfers.
Used in conversation
“The control owner needs to resolve the exception around chain-of-custody certification.”
Pitch context
You will see “Chain-of-custody certification” in sustainability reports, impact decks, climate plans and assurance materials when the discussion reaches greenwashing, evidence & assurance.
Why it matters: In greenwashing, evidence & assurance, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 4
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- IFRS Foundation / International Sustainability Standards Board — IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 Sustainability Disclosure StandardsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- GHG Protocol — Standards and GuidanceDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- International Organization for Standardization — ISO Net Zero Guidelines and related workDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission — Advertising and Marketing GuidanceDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16