SRP Chain of Custody (CoC) Verification Standard

The verification process

	Application process: The SRP CoC verification process begins when you submit an application form to us, which will help us identify the relevant scope of your audit (type, budget and duration). This information is recorded in the SRP and our database, updated based on any changes. For multi-sites, a member list must be uploaded at the time of report finalisation each year, when changes occur.  Once you have accepted our proposal, we will assign a Preferred by Nature contact person for your organisation.
	Audit preparation: We will provide an audit plan at least five days prior to the on-site or desk audit, except for research audits. The objective of the audit plan is to describe all activities covered by the audit process, as well as the documents that will need to be reviewed during the audit.
	Audit execution: A review of documentation is conducted along with on-site audit visits. The audit usually involves a visit to one or several of your company sites. The audit team shall record all non-conformities and consolidated evidence in the audit report to ensure that all CoC Standard criteria are audited and to facilitate the recounting of evidence during the closing meeting.
	Audit report and review:  The report describes the audit results, and it is reviewed by a Preferred by Nature internal quality reviewer. Following completion of the review process, we will take the verification decision and register the decision in the database. SRP may stipulate shorter timelines in cases of research audits for high-risk cases.
	Verification decision and issuing verification statement: The verification can only be issued once the organisation has successfully passed a verification audit, or corrective verification audit (CVA) after failing a verification audit. All verification statements are valid for 36 months from the date of the verification decision.

Chain of Custody audit scope

The SRP Chain of Custody requirements shall apply to any organisation in the supply chain that physically handles SRP-Verified rice products at a location under the control of the organisation, including outsourced contractors. 

Any company, association, factory, processing unit or other entity that applies for SRP CoC verification, shall be referred to as a Participating Operator (PO). The CoC cycle of SRP is three years. 

POs are divided into two categories in the context of the SRP CoC system:

• Single Participating Operator: An entity that administers only one production and/or processing facility but may administer one or more offices. The CoC verification statement is issued for a single PO.
• Multi-site Participating Operator: An entity that administers two or more sites. 

Outsourced contractors

If a PO outsources activities to independent third parties, we will conduct a risk assessment to determine whether an audit of the outsourced contractors is required. In the case where the outsourced contractor holds the SRP CoC verification, this is categorised as low risk and the outsourcing contractor audit is, therefore, not required.

Outsourced contractors that are not SRP-Verified will be considered high risk if they are engaged in physically transforming products or if there is risk of uncontrolled, non-deliberate or accidental cross-contamination resulting in mixing verified and non-verified products. Outsource contractors can be categorised as 'Single Participating Operator' or 'Multi-site Participating Operator'. 

Expansion of Multi-site Participating Operator Scope

At any time in the audit cycle and as long as effectiveness of the audit is guaranteed, a PO may request a change to the verification scope to increase or decrease the number of sites. For a multi-site PO to increase its number of sites, this must be communicated to us, as the verification body, regarding each site it wishes to include. 

Any new facilities involved in manufacturing, packaging or labelling must be approved by Preferred by Nature before they can be included within the scope of the SRP CoC system. This may require an on-site audit or a desk review, depending on complexity and the risk associated with the site as a result of the PO’s risk assessment. 
 

Our credentials

• Expertise. With over 25 years of experience within certification, we have built a team of qualified auditors located across Europe, America, Russia, Africa, Oceania and Asia. We service companies of all sizes dealing with various agricultural products. 
• Focus on customer experience. Our aim is to provide you with a beneficial service that is supportive and friendly. Our professional services are delivered on time and to high quality. We will keep you up to speed on evolving certification requirements through client updates and provide you with the full support that you need to understand and fulfil your certification commitments.
• Local presence, global reach. With staff located in over 40 countries and backed by an extensive global network of experts, we cater to companies worldwide.
• The non-profit factor. We are mission-driven, which is reflected in our focus on delivering our services with integrity and a high degree of professionalism.

 Five reasons for choosing SRP

	Public trust. SRP-Verified ecolabel is backed by the United Nations. Carrying the SRP-Verified label on your rice-based products can help assure consumers on your responsible sourcing practices.
	Enhanced access to new markets and customers. With sustainability as a central part of many business strategies and growing eco-friendly trends, you will be able to expand your reach. As one of the newest ecolabels introduced to the market, obtaining SRP-Verified label for your product will help position your brand as an active player to help transform the global rice sector.
	Improved supply chain transparency. The SRP Assurance Scheme allows farmer groups to connect with buyers seeking sustainably produced rice with value chain transparency.
	Supporting rice sustainability. You can demonstrate your commitment to rice sustainability by participating in a system that empowers rice-growing communities and their transition towards sustainability.
	Embracing continuous improvement. As SRP's social criteria for all actors in the rice value chain covers child labour, forced labour, worker health, freedom of association and fair wages, choosing SRP assures traceability for continuous improvement.