Posted 23/12/2025

Certifications play a critical role in building trust across supply chains. They signal that standards have been met and processes have been reviewed. But a certification alone does not guarantee that the product on the shelf actually originated from a certified location. Between audits, handoffs, and complex global sourcing, gaps can emerge – creating risk where confidence is otherwise assumed.

Three key differences between certification and verification.

  1. Certification confirms compliance to a process. Scientific verification confirms the truth of a product claim.
    Certification shows that systems and practices meet a prescribed standard. Scientific verification tests the product itself to confirm whether it genuinely comes from where it’s claimed to, and consequently that the business can make the ethical or sustainable promises attached to the product.

  2. Certification is procedural. Scientific verification is evidential.
    Certifications rely on documentation, audits,or self-reported data. Scientific verification provides independent, physical evidence by analysing the product’s material properties to determine origin or authenticity.

  3. Certification assumes data integrity. Scientific verification validates it.
    Certification trusts supply chain data as reported. By scientifically testing a physical product to verify its origin claim you are also performing a check on supporting data, detecting mislabelling, substitution, or fraud that paperwork alone can’t uncover.

Certifications remain essential – but they are only part of the assurance equation. To confidently stand behind origin, sustainability, and ethical claims, businesses need evidence that goes beyond certifications.

Scientific verification provides that missing proof, turning assumptions into facts. If you’re ready to strengthen trust, reduce risk, and truly validate where your product has come from have a confidential chat with one of our experts.

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