The direct answer
A GRS claim rests on two documents: the scope certificate (SC), which certifies the organization and its scope, and the transaction certificate (TC), which certifies the specific shipment of goods - and both must be current and matching. The scope certificate in our lining program states this itself: it provides no proof that delivered goods are GRS certified; proof comes from a valid transaction certificate covering them. A buyer who accepts a scope certificate as proof of a recycled product has accepted the wrong document.
The two documents
|
Document |
What it certifies |
Who holds it |
When it is used |
|
Scope certificate (SC) |
The organization, its sites, products and processes |
The certified organization |
Standing proof; checked at onboarding |
|
Transaction certificate (TC) |
A specific shipment of GRS goods |
Issued per shipment |
Proof for every delivery of certified goods |
Why the system works this way
The two-document split solves a real problem: a company can be certified and still ship non-certified goods. The SC proves the company's standing; the TC proves which shipments actually carry the certification. Without the TC, "we are GRS certified" is a statement about the company, not about your fabric. The system forces the chain to document each delivery - which is exactly what makes the claim auditable.
How the chain works in practice
- The supplier holds a current SC for its product scope.
- Each order of certified material is covered by a TC issued for that shipment.
- The buyer checks the TC against the order: quantity, product, material composition.
- The claim "recycled lining" is made only when SC and TC are both valid and matching.
Factory data: When we buy certified lining, we request the TC before the order ships, not after - because the claim depends on the shipment being covered. A supplier who can produce an SC but hesitates on the TC is telling you which document is missing.
What buyers should check
- SC is current - the supplier's scope certificate has not expired.
- TC covers the order - the shipment's TC matches your quantity and product.
- Both resolve - SC and TC are verifiable in the Textile Exchange database.
- The scope matches - the certified product category includes your material (woven fabric, for example).
- The claim matches the evidence - "recycled lining" is stated only for covered shipments.
FAQ
What is a transaction certificate in GRS?
The document issued for a specific shipment of GRS-certified goods, proving that delivery is covered by the certification. It is the product-level proof behind a recycled claim.
Is a scope certificate enough for a recycled claim?
No - the SC certifies the organization's scope, not the goods. The certificate itself says delivered goods need a valid TC.
Who issues transaction certificates?
Certified organizations issue TCs through their certification body for each shipment of certified goods, within the scope of their SC.
How do I know the TC matches my order?
Compare the TC's quantity, product description and material composition with your order and the invoice.
What if a supplier only has an SC?
The SC proves standing; without a matching TC for your shipment, the recycled claim on your order is not supported.
Does CLK keep the SC and TC chain for lining?
We request the TC for each certified order and keep it with the shipment records, alongside the supplier's SC status. Ask us about the current chain at clkbusiness@clkluggage.com or WhatsApp +86-18879628221.
About this report
The SC/TC analysis in this article is grounded in the supplier's GRS scope certificate ITS-A11770-GRS-01908400 and in how the two-certificate system governs every recycled claim. We verify the chain with buyers before any claim is made. Contact clkbusiness@clkluggage.com or WhatsApp +86-18879628221.