Materials Traceability
Version 1 - Last updated
24 Sep 2025
Input material traceability is the ability to track the final product to the input materials used and related information on their suppliers. It helps link materials with specific finished products and their sourcing.
It also provides the transparency needed to conduct a root cause analysis (RCA) for any non-conformities in restricted substances that may arise in finished materials. Materials traceability helps to respond to restricted substances failures in finished products, including corrective and preventive actions taken regarding input material purchasing to eliminate future occurrences.
Suppliers are expected to ensure that products/articles comply with applicable regulations and customer-specific requirements on restricted substances (RSLs), this includes:
- Conducting testing or evaluations as required by the customers (brands), applying chemicals in accordance with the formulator's instructions and taking corrective actions in response to any RSL non-compliance.
- Product/article testing should validate the effectiveness of chemical input controls and process management, thereby supporting continuous improvement in chemical management practices.