Chapter 2: Traceability
Introduction to Traceability
A successful and credible sustainable agriculture certification program must give its users confidence that certified products are sourced according to the applicable requirements set out in the standard. This requires a robust, transparent system to track products from farm to the final manufacturer of consumer products. The requirements in this chapter provide certificate holders with a framework to accurately and credibly track certified products and report any activity performed on certified products (including conversions and sales) in the Rainforest Alliance traceability platform.
Why the Change?
The updates to the Traceability Requirements from version 1.3 to version 1.4 were made to simplify the reporting process, improve clarity in documentation, and strengthen the traceability of certified products throughout the supply chain. Some redundant requirements were merged, and additional examples of documentation were provided to ensure better understanding of what is needed for compliance. The introduction of a new requirement related to royalty payments also integrates financial compliance into the traceability system, allowing for a more holistic approach to certification.
Key Changes:
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Merging Redundant Requirements: 2.1.3 (previously 2.1.11) merged with 2.1.6 to simplify volume tracking, reducing the number of similar requirements and streamlining the reporting process.
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Improved Documentation Clarity: 2.1.4 (previously 2.1.12) now includes examples of required documentation and merges with 2.2.2 from v1.3 to make it easier for supply chain actors to understand and meet traceability documentation requirements.
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Simplification of Claims Management: 2.1.5 (previously 2.1.13) merged with 2.2.4, simplifying the process for managing and verifying public-facing claims related to certified products.
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New Requirement for Royalty Payment Tracking: 2.2.2 introduces a system for verifying royalty payments, adding a financial component to the traceability process and strengthening overall compliance.
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Comprehensive Activity Tracking in the Traceability Platform: 2.2.1 adapts language to ensure all activities (redeem, remove, sell, purchase, confirm, etc.) are recorded accurately in the traceability system, ensuring comprehensive tracking.
Chapter 2: Traceability Requirements Change Overview
|
Requirement Number |
Subject |
Changes from V1.3 |
Implication |
Explanation |
|
2.1.1 |
Traceability |
This was previously requirement 2.1.3 in version1.3. No major content changes. |
Maintains the separation of certified and non-certified products to ensure product integrity. |
This requirement is crucial to prevent the risk of mixing certified and uncertified products during storage, transport, and processing. |
|
2.1.2 |
Traceability |
This was previously requirement 2.1.9 in version 1.3. No major content changes. |
Ensures accurate volume tracking for certified products in the supply chain. |
Accurate tracking of certified volumes in the supply chain is critical to ensure compliance and prevent misuse of certification claims. |
|
2.1.3 |
Traceability |
This was previously requirement 2.1.11 in version1.3. Merged with requirement 2.1.6 of v1.3 for simplification. |
Provides a more streamlined way to manage and report certified product volumes. |
The merged requirement reduces redundancy in the volume reporting process, ensuring clear documentation of certified product flows. |
|
2.1.4 |
Traceability |
This was previously requirement 2.1.12 in version 1.3. Added examples of documentation for clarity and merged with requirement 2.2.2 of v1.3 for simplification. |
Improves clarity for supply chain actors regarding what documentation is required for traceability. |
By adding specific examples and merging similar requirements, this change reduces confusion and ensures that necessary documentation is provided for certified product traceability. |
|
2.1.5 |
Traceability |
This was previously requirement 2.1.13 in version 1.3. Merged with language from requirement 2.2.4 of v1.3 as they both reference claims. |
Ensures that any public-facing claims related to certified products are valid and comply with certification standards. |
By consolidating these requirements, it simplifies the process for supply chain actors to manage public claims and ensure compliance with certification guidelines. |
|
2.1.6 |
Traceability |
This was previously requirement 2.1.7 in version 1.3. No major content changes. |
Ensures no double-selling of volumes across different certification schemes. |
The requirement is critical in ensuring that volumes sold as certified are not sold again as conventional or under other certification schemes. |
|
2.2.1 |
Traceability in the Online Platform |
Adapted language to cover all activities that may be performed in the system for clarity. |
Ensures all traceability-related activities (redeem, remove, sell, purchase, etc.) are accurately recorded in the system. |
The change broadens the scope of the requirement to cover all possible activities in the traceability platform, ensuring more comprehensive and accurate tracking. |
|
2.2.2 |
Traceability in the Online Platform |
New requirement. Added to support the verification of royalty payment through our assurance process. |
Introduces a system to ensure that royalty payments are properly tracked and verified as part of certification. |
The new requirement integrates royalty payments into the certification process, allowing the system to track compliance and ensure payments are made on time. |
|
2.2.3 |
Traceability in the Online Platform |
This was previously requirement 2.2.6 in version 1.3. No major content changes. |
Reinforces the traceability system's ability to verify the accuracy of certified volumes sold by the supply chain actors. |
Maintaining this requirement helps verify that those acting as mandated trade partners adhere to traceability requirements. |
|
2.3.3 |
Mass Balance |
This was previously requirement 2.3.5 in version 1.3. No major content changes. |
Ensures that mass balance volumes can only be converted through real, physical processes, not retroactively. |
This is essential for ensuring that mass balance volumes reflect actual product flow and cannot be manipulated to appear as certified products. |
|
2.3.4 |
Mass Balance |
This was previously requirement 2.3.3 in version 1.3. No major content changes. |
Ensures that mass balance products reflect their true origins, preventing misrepresentation in the supply chain. |
Accurate origin matching ensures transparency and directs investments toward sustainable production in the countries of origin. |
|
2.3.5 |
Mass Balance |
This was previously requirement 2.3.4 in version 1.3. No major content changes. |
Requires proper documentation for incoming and outgoing volumes, ensuring the traceability system reflects accurate product flows. |
This is critical for maintaining transparency in the movement and sale of certified products under the mass balance model. |