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In today’s interconnected supply chains, maintaining a reliable Chain of Custody (CoC) is more important than ever. Whether transporting high-value goods, handling sensitive assets, managing utility infrastructure, or securing export shipments, organisations must be able to demonstrate exactly where products have been, who has handled them, and whether any unauthorised interference has occurred.
A well-managed Chain of Custody system helps businesses improve traceability, reduce losses, support regulatory compliance, and build customer confidence.
At Acme Seals Ltd, we help organisations across logistics, utilities, retail, waste management, manufacturing and international trade implement effective tamper-evident security solutions that strengthen their Chain of Custody processes.
Chain of Custody refers to the documented and verifiable trail that records the control, transfer, handling and storage of an item throughout its lifecycle.
The concept is widely used across:
The international standard ISO 22095 defines Chain of Custody as a framework for designing, implementing and managing systems that support traceability and transparency across supply chains. [iso.org], [knowledge….igroup.com]
In simple terms, Chain of Custody answers four critical questions:
Supply chains have become increasingly complex, often spanning multiple countries, suppliers and distribution centres.
According to the British Standards Institution (BSI), traceability enables organisations to track products, materials and components throughout the supply chain while improving visibility and supporting compliance obligations. [bsigroup.com], [groupsitep…igroup.com]
An effective Chain of Custody system helps organisations:
For regulated sectors, proving an unbroken chain of custody can be essential during inspections, audits and legal investigations.
One of the simplest and most cost-effective methods of maintaining Chain of Custody is through the use of tamper-evident security seals.
Security seals create a visible record of access and provide immediate evidence if interference has occurred.
Common seal types include:
Ideal for:
Recommended Product: https://www.acmeseals.co.uk/product-category/plastic-security-seals/
Suitable for:
High-security bolt seals support compliance with customs and container security requirements.
Recommended Product: https://www.acmeseals.co.uk/product-category/bolt-seals/
Often used on:
Used where tamper evidence is more important than physical restraint.
A typical Chain of Custody process follows several stages:
Each asset receives a unique identifier such as:
Details are documented including:
Every custody transfer is recorded and verified.
Seal integrity is checked at each handover point.
Records can be reviewed to verify accountability and investigate discrepancies.
Consider a food-grade tanker carrying liquid product between facilities.
A uniquely numbered cable seal is fitted after loading.
The Chain of Custody record includes:
Stage | Activity |
Loading | Seal applied and recorded |
Transit | Seal remains intact |
Arrival | Seal number verified |
Unloading | Seal removed and documented |
If the seal number does not match or the seal shows evidence of tampering, investigation can begin immediately.
This simple process significantly improves supply chain integrity.
Organisations seeking to strengthen Chain of Custody controls should adopt the following best practices:
Never use unnumbered seals for critical applications.
Digital records improve audit readiness and reduce human error.
Ensure staff understand:
Regular reviews help identify weaknesses before they become major issues.
Different assets require different seal types.
For example:
Organisations should consider relevant standards and guidance including:
Prevent cargo theft and maintain shipment integrity.
Secure gas, water and electricity meters from unauthorised access.
Track movement and disposal of regulated materials.
Demonstrate product integrity from source to delivery.
Protect products throughout storage and distribution.
Support container security and customs compliance.
For over a century, Acme Seals has supplied high-quality tamper-evident security seals to organisations throughout the UK and internationally.
We offer:
Whether you secure a single meter or manage thousands of freight movements, our team can help you implement a practical and cost-effective Chain of Custody solution.
Chain of Custody is the documented record showing who had possession, control or responsibility for an item throughout its lifecycle.
It provides traceability, accountability and evidence that an item has not been tampered with.
Security seals provide visual evidence of unauthorised access and help verify asset integrity during transit and storage.
Logistics, utilities, manufacturing, healthcare, waste management, food production, ports and customs operations.
ISO 22095 provides a recognised framework for Chain of Custody terminology, models and implementation.
High-security bolt seals are typically used for export containers and international freight.
Looking to improve traceability, reduce security risks, and demonstrate clear accountability across your operations?
Acme Seals Ltd supplies industry-leading tamper-evident security seals trusted by logistics providers, utilities, manufacturers, ports and exporters throughout the UK.
Contact our team today for expert advice on the best sealing solution for your application and discover how a robust Chain of Custody system can protect your assets and reputation.
Visit: https://www.acmeseals.co.uk
ISO 17712 Buyer Guide: Choosing the Right Security Seals for Compliance and Protection
Seals for High Value Cargo: Protect Valuable Shipments with Tamper-Evident Security Seals
Cargo Handover Risks: Why the Most Vulnerable Point in the Supply Chain Is the Transfer of Responsibility
Suitable for applications requiring secure sealing of containers, vehicles and cargo movements.