RSPO supply chain certification

Key steps 

To begin your certification process and receive a service quote, fill in our service request form or contact us. 

The process normally entails the following steps:

Your RSPO certificate remains valid for five years, providing that you pass annual audits. Once the validity period ends, you need to be reassessed to renew your certificate.

Service scope

We can help you identify the type and scope of certification that best match your needs. Here are some of the key choices available regarding the scope of an RSPO supply chain certificate:

• Supply chain model: You need to choose among three distinct supply chain models used for RSPO supply chain certification: Identity Preserved, Segregation or Mass Balance. This is closely linked to your company set-up, including whether you will need to mix certified with non-certified material or not. You may need to select more than one system, depending on the complexity of your production and trade.
• Book and Claim: The fourth supply chain model, not for producers, is the Book and Claim model. No certification is required for this model, but users need to show that they are compliant with the rules for the RSPO book and claim system. In addition, the claims they make need to be in accordance with the published RSPO rules on market communications and claims.

Single, multi-site or group certification

• If your organisation manages facilities in two or more sites, you may be eligible for multi-site certification that will reduce the total cost of certification. 
• Single: This is an entity that administers only one site. The CoC certificate is for one entity. An example might be a single raw material exporter or a cocoa processor with a single processing facility that produces cocoa butter, liquor and powder.
• Multi-site: This is a certification option for a group of sites that have a contractual link, a defined Central Office and a minimum of two participating sites. 
• Group: Supply chain group certification offers an option for RSPO supply chain certification whereby the direct costs are shared between the eligible members of a group. 

Our credentials

• Expertise. We work with companies of all sizes dealing with various agricultural products including coffee, tea, cocoa and tropical fruit. Since 2012, we have delivered Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Chain of Custody certification services to over 360 companies in Europe and Russia. We are seasoned FSC and PEFC chain of custody certifiers and experts on legal and sustainable forestry. We also provide Carbon Footprint Management certification to help companies reduce their emissions.

• Focus on customer experience.  We keep you up to speed on the certification requirements, and we take pride in providing clear and full answers to your questions.

• Industry insight. We cater to companies of all sizes and from all business sectors along the supply chain. Whatever your line of business and company set-up, we possess insight into the specific options and challenges of certification that apply to your organisation.

• Local presence, global reach. With staff located in over 40 countries across the globe and backed by an extensive global network of experts, we cater to companies worldwide. 

Additional value of engaging with us

• Wider service choice. We offer a wide range of additional services to support your sustainability efforts. For example, you can  work with us on responsible packaging if you are using paper-based packaging. Or we can help you to cut your carbon emissions through carbon footprint management training and certification.

• The non-profit factor. We are mission-driven. This is reflected in our focus on quality, information sharing and capacity building.  

Five benefits of choosing RSPO certification