Chain of custody is the documented history of who controlled, handled or transferred an item, sample or shipment from origin to final disposition. It supports traceability and helps demonstrate that the item identified in a record is the same item later tested, transported or delivered.
What does a custody record include?
- Unique item, lot, seal or shipment identifier
- Releasing and receiving parties
- Date, time and location of each transfer
- Condition, quantity and packaging
- Transport or storage requirements
- Exceptions, broken seals or discrepancies
How is custody maintained?
Identify the item before the first handoff, restrict access, document each transfer and reconcile the next receipt to the prior release. Where evidence matters, signatures, tamper-evident seals or electronic attestations should be tied to accountable identities.
Chain of custody vs. traceability
Traceability shows the product’s history and relationships across production and distribution. Chain of custody focuses on possession and transfer. A traceability record may be detailed while a particular custody handoff remains undocumented.
What breaks the chain?
Unrecorded transfers, reused identifiers, unexplained quantity changes and uncontrolled storage create gaps. A gap does not automatically prove tampering, but it weakens the ability to establish integrity.
