Overview
ISO 22095:2020/Amd 1:2026 is an amendment to the international standard ISO 22095:2020, which addresses chain of custody (CoC) - general terminology and models. Developed by ISO Technical Committee TC 308, this amendment refines requirements for making item-based claims in chain of custody systems and updates graphical representations of CoC models. The goal is to ensure clearer communication and greater accuracy when handling materials or products with specified, traceable characteristics throughout supply chains.
Chain of custody standards play a vital role in global supply chains by enabling organizations to trace the movement of products, verify claims of sustainability, and ensure transparent sourcing. This amendment provides further clarification and assistance for businesses adopting, auditing, or certifying traceability systems based on ISO 22095.
Key Topics
- Item-Based Claims: The amendment clarifies that organizations may only make item-based chain of custody claims if aligned with their supplier’s chain of custody model or as permitted within the standard’s model hierarchy.
- Chain of Custody Models: The updated Figure 1 in the amendment visually elaborates on different CoC models, illustrating the degree of certainty regarding the physical presence of specific characteristics in products or materials.
- Consistency in Communication: By refining terminology and requirements for claims, the amendment enhances consistency and reliability in stakeholder communications throughout the value chain.
- Alignment with Supply Chain Models: The updated guidance supports organizations in better aligning their internal processes and documentation with recognized CoC standards.
Applications
Organizations across various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, and raw materials sourcing, find practical value in ISO 22095 and its amendment:
- Supply Chain Transparency: Adopting the clarified requirements improves the ability to track product origins, ingredients, or attributes, especially in complex or multi-tier supply chains.
- Sustainability Claims: Ensures that claims related to recycled content, responsible sourcing, or sustainable production are substantiated and traceable to recognized chain of custody models.
- Certification and Auditing: Facilitates easier auditing and certification processes by standardizing how item-based claims are structured and communicated.
- Risk Management: Minimizes the risk of misrepresentation or errors related to product characteristics, supporting regulatory compliance and brand reputation.
- Sector Flexibility: Applicable in diverse industries - from forest products to textiles, electronics, and food sectors - wherever robust traceability and product integrity are required.
Related Standards
When implementing chain of custody requirements, organizations may reference the following related standards and frameworks:
- ISO 22095:2020 - Chain of custody - General terminology and models (parent document)
- ISO/IEC Directives - Guidelines for drafting and implementing international standards
- Sector-Specific CoC Standards - Such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), and standards for textiles or minerals
- ISO 9001 - Quality management systems, often aligned with CoC processes for traceability and documentation controls
For further information or access to official documentation, visit www.iso.org.
Keywords: ISO 22095:2020 Amendment 1, chain of custody standard, CoC models, supply chain traceability, item-based claims, ISO standards, supply chain transparency, product certification, global supply chain management
