The Copper Mark Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard allows compliant producers and downstream actors to make product-level claims such as “Copper Mark copper” in relation to products that may contain the four principal covered metals: copper, molybdenum, nickel, or zinc.

The CoC Standard sets a clear framework for verification and reporting on the flow metal products, supporting informed decision-making and building confidence in responsibly produced metals across the value chain.

The CoC Standard is a voluntary add-on option to our main standard, the Risk Readiness Assessment Criteria Guide, which is used for The Copper Mark and other Metal Marks. Conformance with the main standard is a requirement to complete the CoC Standard, though both assessments may be done at the same time.

Downstream actors (e.g., manufacturers, end users) may apply the CoC Standard as a standalone framework to account for the relevant principal metal in their products.

• The Copper Mark Chain of Custody Standard rev. 2; effective 1 November 2026
• Corresponding updates to the Copper Mark Assurance Process and Claims Guide will be published shortly here

Models of the CoC Standard

The CoC Standard includes separation and mass balance models for the accounting of principal metals, which can be applied at site or group levels. The CoC Standard includes all the applicable details and procedures for each.

• Separation model: Metal Mark metal is separated from non-Metal Mark metal through each stage of the supply chain. No mixing is permitted
• Mass balance model: Metal Mark metal is physically separated from non-Metal Mark metal until a processing stage when they can be mixed

 Copper Pilot Projects to Link Mine Site to End User

The Copper Mark is using the CoC Standard to build unique pilot projects to link mine site to end user in the copper value chain. The pilots will be conducted through the Transparency and Traceability Group, a key component of the Copper Mark’s new Responsible Metals Value Chain Platform launching later this year.

The Value Chain Platform will expand on and complement the Copper Mark’s upstream coverage while enabling new capabilities benefitting the entire value chain among upstream, midstream, and downstream companies and stakeholders. Learn more about the Value Chain Platform.

Updates to the Latest CoC Standard

Drawing on stakeholder feedback, the latest revision (version 2) of the CoC Standard is designed to increase uptake along the value chain and better meet the needs of end-users. It includes the following changes:

• Extended scope to four principal covered metals: copper, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc
• Clarified claims and mass-balance rules, including percentage-based claims and minimum thresholds
• Clarified expectations for sites, traders, and contractors
• Alignment of how data is delivered and records are retained
• Refined to ensure internal consistency, reduce ambiguity, and maintain alignment with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice

CoC Standard Development

The CoC Standard was developed using our Standard Setting Procedure. Read more about the process and past public consultations here.