SFA Chain of Custody

SFA Chain of Custody (CoC) is an international chain certification system that ensures the uninterrupted traceability of “SFA Certified” cashmere from the producer to the final product.
As USB Certification , an organization authorized by the Sustainable Fibre Alliance for the Chain of Custody (CoC) scope, we certify the compliance of businesses in the cashmere supply chain with SFA CoC requirements in a reliable, transparent and fast way.

What is SFA Chain of Custody?

SFA Chain of Custody is a traceability standard developed by the Sustainable Fibre Alliance. It ensures that certified cashmere moves through the supply chain unmixed and that every processing step is recorded.
The standard covers not only the origin of the product, but also the processing, storage, shipment and commercial recording processes. Thus, the term “SFA Certified” used in the market is based on a technically verifiable and auditable structure.

Objectives and Advantages of SFA Chain of Custody


Become a Global Brand Supplier

International luxury and premium brands demand SFA verification in the cashmere supply chain.

Reduce Supply Chain Risk

Certification minimizes the risk of mixing and false claims.

Build Transparency and Trust

Every batch is registered. Traceability is auditable.

Logo and Claim Assurance

Authorization to use the SFA Certified logo correctly and safely.

Who should be certified?

In the cashmere supply chain, all organizations that take legal ownership of the product fall within the scope of this system. Raw material trading companies, yarn and fabric manufacturers, dyehouses, garment manufacturers and exporters are considered as part of the chain.
The involvement of an uncertified actor at any stage in the supply chain may cause the product to lose its “SFA Certified” status. Therefore, the system is based on the integrity of the chain.

Transparency and Trust in Sustainable Cashmere Production with SFA Chain of Custody Certificate!

Get free consultancy from our team of experts, ensure traceability at every stage of your supply chain and certify your brand to global sustainability standards.

1
Application and scoping
2
Documentation review
3
Chain control (site-based or remote)
4
Traceability and record control
5
Certificate issuance

SFA CoC Certification Process

Continuity is ensured through annual surveillance audits after certification.

Requirements for Inclusion in the SFA Chain of Custody System

Organizations wishing to participate in the SFA Chain of Custody system must meet certain requirements to ensure traceability and compliance throughout the supply chain. These requirements aim to protect the integrity of certified cashmere throughout the chain.

  • All organizations within the SFA Chain of Custody must comply with the applicable legal regulations in the countries in which they operate.
  • Cashmere producers must be certified according to the relevant requirements of the SFA Animal Fibre Standard.
  • Primary processing facilities must operate in accordance with the SFA Clean Fibre Processing Standard.
  • All businesses in the chain must have a valid scope certificate before taking legal ownership of “SFA Certified” products.
  • Trade in certified products should only take place between organizations registered and verified in the SFA Chain of Custody system.
  • For products containing certified cashmere, the entire cashmere content must be “SFA Certified”.
  • Businesses should keep complete traceability records and be able to present them in a verifiable form during the audit.
  • The use of the logo and claim must comply with SFA’s visual and declaration rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

In order to obtain SFA Chain of Custody certification, you must first register with SFA and then receive an audit service from a conformity assessment body (CAB) approved by SFA. During the audit process, your compliance with the SFA Chain of Custody standard is evaluated and, if the audit is successful, your certificate is issued. You can contact USB Certification for more detailed information about the process.

The SFA Chain of Custody scope certificate covers the traceability of certified cashmere throughout the supply chain, from the purchase of certified raw fibre to the final product. It verifies that certified cashmere remains identifiable, is not mixed with non-certified fibre, and that trade takes place between registered and verified organizations. Environmental and social requirements at the production and primary processing stages fall under the SFA Animal Fibre Standard and the SFA Clean Fibre Processing Standard. For more detailed information about the scope of the certificate, please contact our USB Certification experts.

The validity period of the SFA Chain of Custody certificate is usually one year. However, in order to maintain the certificate, annual surveillance audits must be conducted and compliance with the SFA Chain of Custody standard must be maintained. You can contact USB Certification for more detailed information about the validity period and audit processes.

While there is no direct incentive for SFA Chain of Custody certification, companies engaged in sustainability-oriented production can benefit from various support programs provided by the government or international organizations. These programs may offer incentives in areas such as investment in environmentally friendly technologies, energy efficiency projects or the use of sustainable materials. For more information about incentives, please contact our USB Certification experts.

Pricing is based on factors specific to each company’s structure. Since elements such as your company’s processes and number of employees directly affect the cost, you can contact USB Certification to request a quote.

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