A new era of transparency

Governments, regulators and consumers increasingly expect clear evidence of where cocoa comes from, how it is produced and whether it meets sustainability standards. WCF’s Traceability Strategy helps the sector respond by linking data, systems and policies into a shared, interoperable approach that supports credible verification and reporting.

 

Building a Coherent Traceability System

Developed in collaboration with the European Cocoa Association, origin governments and WCF members, the Traceability Strategy is structured around three progressive phases:

  • Phase 1: Regulatory readiness WCF supports members with shared tools, including deforestation risk assessment methodologies and due diligence templates, to support near-term compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation. 
  • Phase 2: National alignment We work with producing country governments to strengthen national traceability systems in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, ensuring they are robust, interoperable and accessible to companies.
  • Phase 3: Global integration WCF connects national and company-level systems to support a global traceability model that can respond to multiple regulatory and sustainability requirements across markets.

Creating Clarity and Confidence Across the Value Chain

A shared traceability framework delivers value across the sector:

  • Consistency: Common definitions and approaches support comparability across countries and companies
  • Credibility: Verifiable data strengthens confidence with regulators, partners and consumers
  • Clarity: Harmonised systems support clearer expectations and implementation
  • Impact: Stronger data enables more targeted action on deforestation, livelihoods and other sustainability priorities

“Traceability connects everything we do - from sustainability standards to policy engagement. WCF’s shared framework gives the cocoa sector the clarity and confidence it needs to demonstrate credible progress”


Chris Vincent, President, World Cocoa Foundation

From frameworks to measurable progress

The Traceability Strategy underpins WCF’s standards and assurance work through:

  • Deforestation Risk Assessment tools to support EUDR compliance
  • Alignment with national traceability systems in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
  • Shared templates for company due diligence
  • Integration of traceability insights into policy engagement

Toward a Global Traceability Model

WCF continues to expand traceability alignment across additional origins and partner markets, ensuring interoperability with national systems and international standards. The next phase will focus on developing a global traceability reference platform that supports compliance, transparency and measurable sustainability outcomes across the cocoa sector.

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