What is Chain of Custody?
Chain of Custody (COC) Certification is a process of ensuring that a forest product has come from a legal, responsible source. It is a link from the initial logging stage, through the supply chain, potentially ending with the joinery company. Even if you used certified timber, you can only claim to be passing on a Chain of Custody product if you are a certified link in the chain. If you are not, then you break the link. By having Chain of Custody, you allow an environmentally conscious potential customer to make an informed choice. The BWF Group Chain of Custody Scheme is able to offer both FSC and PEFC certifications.
Why undertake Chain of Custody Certification?
In the UK, COC certification is becoming an industry standard for companies buying and selling timber, panel and paper products to demonstrate that they source their products responsibly. Over 70% of timber brought into the UK is now legal, and responsibly sourced, with nearly 2000 companies having achieved Chain of Custody Certification. The demand for certified timber is increasing as more and more central and local government and private development projects insist on it.
Companies that complete Chain of Custody Certification are seen to be environmentally focused and to have proved they run responsible businesses. Having completed the requirements of the Group Chain of Custody Scheme, you will be allowed to use the FSC and PEFC logos on your products and stationary, which will add credibility to your company. Adding these logos to your quotation will give you a distinct advantage over your competitors who have not achieved COC Certification.
What is involved?
The basis for COC is that you manage your supply of timber in a way that identifies certified timber from any non-certified timber. To start with, you must buy from companies that can supply FSC or PEFC timber. When that timber arrives at your workplace, everybody involved in checking goods in must see that it is accompanied by the correct paperwork.
The timber must then be stored and managed separately from any other non-certificated timber. When a customer asks for FSC or PEFC products, this must appear on all of your internal paperwork. When the product is assembled ready for despatch, delivery notes and invoices must include the COC codes and a description of the certificated product.
Why join the BWF’s Group Chain of Custody Scheme?
The BWF has set up a Group Chain of Custody Scheme for companies with 15 employees or fewer. Under the group Scheme, the BWF is the certificate holder allowing companies which become members of the group to use the certificate at a much lower cost that achieving COC independently. The BWF’s package includes an experienced consultant visiting your factory to assist you in setting up the procedures required to satisfy the requirements of the Group Scheme and the audits required to achieve and maintain the certification.
Click here for further information, costings, and an application form.
