Elements and Performance Criteria
- Confirm certification requirements
- Identify key requirements of relevant laws to confirm understanding and ensure consistency of interpretation and application to chain of custody requirements.
- Clarify the relationship between chain of custody certification and forestry certification systems to ensure integration and compatibility of both systems.
- Investigate each operational area for applicability to certification requirements under law and determine management system options.
- Identify organisational requirements for traceability chain of documentation and all other required components.
- Develop chain of custody certification system
- Design all required components of certification system for effective and efficient operation and document all specifications.
- Write a values statement, in consultation with senior managers, that outlines the organisation’s commitment to certification.
- Develop policies and procedures for completing and maintaining required traceability chain documents.
- Develop policies and procedures for meeting reporting requirements.
- Develop policies and procedures for auditing processes and managing and documenting breaches.
- Document a process for evaluating system effectiveness.
- Prepare a chain of custody certification systems manual to compile all documents.
- Request authorised external entities to review chain of custody certification system and make any necessary adjustments.
- Evaluate system
- Monitor and review operation of certification system in line with system and regulatory requirements.
- Analyse audit and other operational data.
- Consult with auditors and system managers to seek feedback on operational effectiveness of system.
- Make required changes to system based on consultation and analysis.
- Prepare reports on review of certification system in line with system and regulatory requirements.