TS ISO 22095

TS ISO 22095 provides a common framework for chain of custody and aligns the core terminology and model concepts used in this field. It establishes a shared technical language for how traceability arrangements for materials and products are designed, managed, and described across supply chains.

How chain of custody models are organised

In general technical terms, chain of custody describes how the identity of a material or product, or claims about its characteristics, are maintained and transferred through the supply chain. This standard offers a consistent generic approach to the design, implementation and management of such systems, together with harmonized terminology, general requirements for different chain of custody models, and guidance on when each model may be appropriate.

It applies to all materials and products, but not to services as final outputs. It is also intended as a reference point for any organization operating at any step in a supply chain, as well as for standards-setting organizations developing more specific chain of custody standards.

Claim transparency and the limits of the framework

The purpose of the document is to improve transparency around specific claims for materials or products and to support the reliability of those claims. At the same time, a chain of custody system by itself does not prove product characteristics or the conditions under which a material or product was produced. That distinction is important in customer-facing and consumer-facing claims, where the existence of traceability alone should not be taken as evidence of a product’s underlying attributes.

• Provides harmonized chain of custody terminology.
• Sets general requirements for different chain of custody models.
• Gives guidance on when particular models may be appropriate.
• Applies to materials and products, not to services as final outputs.
• Should not be used on its own to make or verify claims.