RAINFOREST ALLIANCE CERTIFICATION

A NEW MOMENTUM FOR A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION MODE

UTZ and RAINFOREST ALLIANCE joined forces and merged in January 2018; Rainforest Alliance is now acting to have a greater impact and be a better partner for the many stakeholders in the coffee, cocoa, etc. sectors: producers, processors, distribution chain.

The 2020 Certification Program sets out the Rainforest Alliance's long-term vision and the path needed to get there. The Sustainable Agriculture Standard, with its quality assurance systems and technologies, is designed to add value to the two million farmers and hundreds of businesses that use Rainforest Alliance certification to ensure the production of more sustainable agriculture and more responsible supply chains.

The Rainforest Alliance Standard Requirements for Supply Chains for Sustainable Agriculture aim to foster responsible and transparent business practices among businesses, from farm to shelf.

To learn more about the 2020 Standard for Sustainable Agriculture and its supply chain requirements,visit the Rainforest Alliance website

Transition keys dates

UTZ certification is still possible until 06/30/2021

Rainforest Alliance certification will start from 06/01/2021, with a transition period of one year.

WHY CHOOSE BUREAU VERITAS CERTIFICATION?

• Combined audit - Bureau Veritas Certification can combine your Rainforest Alliance audit with other audits: our presence on your site is thus optimized and allows a homogeneous and coherent approach.
• Expertise in sustainable development - Bureau Veritas Certification is one of the world leaders in the following schemes: FSC, PEFC, biofuels certification, Organic Agriculture certification, H.V.E., ISO 14001, etc.
• Network - Our presence in 140 countries provides our clients with international expertise and in-depth knowledge of national contexts.

Customer complaints

Customer complaints will be handled under the responsibility of the technical management the client can appeal the decision of Bureau Veritas Certification in the following cases:

• Refusal to accept an application
• Non-issuance of a certificate
• Suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of a certificate

Appeals

Appeals are handled under the responsibility of the technical management. An acknowledgment of receipt is sent to the customer without delay.

The formulation of an appeal must be made in writing and preferably within 15 days of notification of the contested decision. After this period, Bureau Veritas Certification reserves the right to refuse the appeal, in particular if the elapsed period does not allow compliance with the certification program.

The decision is made by a person not engaged in the certification activities related to the appeal. A response is provided in writing to the customer.

Third party complaints

Third party complaints are handled under the responsibility of the technical department, which investigates and determines if the complaint is related to a certified activity and performs a root cause analysis.
To submit a complaint about Rainforest Alliance certification, you have access to local bank resources according to this table:

By postal address : BUREAU VERITAS CERTIFICATION | CS 27715 | 35577 CESSON SEVIGNE CEDEX - FRANCE

By email address: contactagro@bureauveritas.com

By internet form: https://certification.bureauveritas.com/contact-us-0 

A response is provided to the complainant and the nature of the processing is recorded.

Bureau Veritas Certification undertakes to respect the confidentiality requirements vis-à-vis the complainant and the client.

A report on complaints, appeals and complaints is brought to the attention of the impartiality committee.