The article publishes the results of research and scientific discussion in the field of the development of the theory and methodology of control in an economy focused on sustainable development and compliance with the principles of environmental responsibility and cycle economics. The authors focus on both external financial controls implemented in the public administration sector and based on INTOSAI international standards, and intersystem (intersectoral) control of the commercial segment of value creation. The data of observations and analysis of the development of various types of control in the timber industry as an element of value chains in the national economy are presented. The purpose of the study is to formulate conceptual directions for the development of control mechanisms implemented in the economy of sustainable development, including in the economy of the cycle. The subject of the study is the problems of applying control methods in an economy focused on sustainable development and cycle economics. The research materials are presented by scientific literature and data, relevant analytical industry data. Research methods include communicative research methods (narrative analysis, concept analysis, case analysis), an abstract review of scientific literature and best management practices. The results obtained include the identification of key areas of research on methods and types of control implemented in national economies in order to achieve sustainable development goals and implement the principles of cycle economics. The results of the study can be useful in further studies of the methodology of control, in the development of strategies and programs of state regulation, in the educational process.