Chain of Custody


Chain of custody describes the documented, unbroken sequence of handling, transfer, and control of a product or material as it moves through each step of the supply chain. Maintaining a secure chain of custody provides proof of authenticity, prevents tampering, and records every key transaction from origin to point-of-sale or disposal.

Why this matters for Brand Protection / Anti-counterfeiting

A well-managed chain of custody is a cornerstone of effective anti-counterfeiting and brand protection strategies. When brands can demonstrate product provenance at every link in their supply chain, they gain powerful defense against:

  • Counterfeiting by ensuring each product’s journey is logged, authenticated, and traceable back to the source.

  • Diversion by flagging unauthorized distribution channels and ensuring goods are delivered only to approved endpoints.

  • Fraudulent returns or recalls by verifying precise product history and location.

  • Compliance failures by having audit-ready records for regulatory and law enforcement inspections.

  • Reputation risk by proving corporate responsibility and traceable integrity to customers and partners.

Cutting-edge technologies such as invisible cryptographic markers, blockchain, tamper evident seals, and smart packaging further secure the chain of custody, giving brands real-time insights and automation capabilities. Explore how Ennoventure’s smart packaging technology and mobile verification solutions help digitally authenticate every stage of custody.


Direct Alignment with Laws/Acts Applicable

Chain of custody requirements are embedded in global regulations addressing product safety, pharmaceuticals, food, and goods traceability. Key legal frameworks include:

  • United States – DSCSA (Drug Supply Chain Security Act)
    Mandates secure chain of custody for prescription drugs, requiring manufacturers and partners to document every transfer and transaction electronically.

  • EU – Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD)
    Requires serialization and a verifiable chain of custody for medicines to protect consumers from falsified products and ensure supply chain integrity.

  • Food & Beverage – HACCP, FSMA
    Both HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) require documented custody for food products from farm to table.

  • Supply Chain & Logistics Laws
    Many countries require legal documentation of chain of custody for sensitive or regulated goods spanning electronics, chemicals, and luxury items.

Global compliance and audit-readiness hinge on maintaining and verifying a seamless chain of custody across all partners and transit points. See our Brand Protection Software Guide for compliance tools and best practices.


Practical Example & Industry Context

Consider a specialty chemicals manufacturer supplying products for electronics assembly. Without an auditable chain of custody, counterfeit components or unauthorized substitutions could enter the workflow, resulting in quality failures and liability risks. By assigning unique IDs and recording every custody event digitally (using solutions from Ennoventure), the company can trace materials from source to device, ensure compliance with customer specs, and quickly respond if tampering or diversion is detected.

In the FMCG sector, chain of custody documentation is central to managing product recalls, verifying authenticity in returned goods, and preventing supply chain abuse. Retailers and distributors increasingly require documentation at each handoff. Find real-world solutions in our Specialty Chemicals, FMCG, and Electronics industry pages.

Further Reading & Solutions

Discover best practices and technologies for chain of custody management: