Segregated chain of custody
Segregated chain of custody is a traceability model in which verified material is physically kept separate from non-verified material throughout handling. Applying Segregated chain of custody requires a stated affected people, rights, value-chain tier, geography, remedy, and distribution of benefits or harms.
In simple terms
In practical use, Segregated chain of custody is a traceability model in which verified material is physically kept separate from non-verified material throughout handling. For Segregated chain of custody, the selected inputs, ordered steps, decision rule, assumptions, and limitations form part of the result within a declared affected people, rights, value-chain tier, geography, remedy, and distribution of benefits or harms. Segregated chain of custody connects with Chain of custody and Sustainable procurement; each can affect its application without sharing its definition. The candidate link between Segregated chain of custody and Trade union remains a separate expansion question supported here by Forest Stewardship Council.
Why it matters
Segregated chain of custody matters because decisions about it determine which workers or communities are visible, what rights or harms are assessed, and where prevention or remedy is assigned. A defensible use of Segregated chain of custody therefore exposes its boundary, method, evidence, responsible actor, and uncertainty before a conclusion is accepted. That discipline keeps Chain of custody and Sustainable procurement from being treated as proof of Segregated chain of custody when their criteria, scope, or results differ.
Example
A procurement and human-rights team evaluates Segregated chain of custody for a defined decision and records the relevant affected people, rights, value-chain tier, geography, remedy, and distribution of benefits or harms. For Segregated chain of custody, the team uses cited material from Forest Stewardship Council to structure the analysis and follow its ordered steps, documenting the period, data, assumptions, and comparison with Chain of custody. It treats Sustainable procurement and Trade union as separate questions rather than proxies for Segregated chain of custody.
How it differs
Chain of custody
Segregated chain of custody is a method; Chain of custody has a different function. Evidence for Chain of custody does not establish Segregated chain of custody unless both sets of applicable criteria are met.