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Binding documents

Binding Documents are a set of standards, policies and rules that are applicable to different actors in the Rainforest Alliance’s programs, depending on the type of activity the actor is engaged in, as set forth in an organization's license agreement with the Rainforest Alliance.

These Binding Documents include the following documents and categories of rules: License Agreement Terms and Conditions, certification standards and rules, traceability rules, labeling rules, and online platform terms and conditions.* Additional guidelines can be found in our Help Center.

*Note: All actors that are part of either cocoa program and any actors interested in using the new Rainforest Alliance seal must also sign a License Agreement (2020 Version) with Rainforest Alliance.

Which documents do you need?

Use our Binding Document Finder to determine the documents you need, based on which Rainforest Alliance or UTZ program you are certified under.

Find Binding Documents

Binding Documents by Program

Certification Binding Documents For:

Rainforest Alliance Certification Program

Farms and companies certified to the following standards can find applicable certification binding documents. View all Rainforest Alliance Certification Binding Documents, or view by program:

Certification Binding Documents For:

UTZ Certification Program

Farms and companies certified to the following standards can find applicable certification binding documents. View all UTZ Certification Binding Documents , or view by program:

Certification Binding Documents For:

Rainforest Alliance Cocoa Program

Farms and companies that are part of the Rainforest Alliance cocoa program can find applicable binding documents by clicking the following links:

Additional Binding Documents For:

Rainforest Alliance

For farms and companies that are selling, labeling or claiming products as Rainforest Alliance Certified or using the Rainforest Marks. View all Rainforest Alliance Additional Binding Documents or view by topic:

Certification Binding Documents For:

UTZ
Cocoa Program

Farms and companies that are part of the UTZ cocoa program can find applicable binding documents on utz.org by clicking the following links:

Additional Binding Documents For:

UTZ

Farms and companies that are selling, labeling or claiming products as UTZ Certified or using the UTZ Marks can find applicable binding documents by clicking the following links:

All resources for Binding documents

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Policies and rules

Exceptional Use Policy: Granted exceptions and their conditions for using Rainforest Alliance Prohibited Pesticides

The objective of this policy, alongside the 2020 Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard requirements, is to support producers in their journey to phasing out the use of HHPs. The
View: Exceptional Use Policy: Granted exceptions and their conditions for using Rainforest Alliance Prohibited Pesticides


Available in: English

Topics: 2020 Certification ProgramBinding documents

Policies and rules

Policy for Farm and Supply Chain Certification in Cocoa

This policy sets out specific implementation requirements for certificate holders at both producer and supply chain actor levels (Certification requirements) and for reinforcing the assurance process
View: Policy for Farm and Supply Chain Certification in Cocoa


Available in: English, French

Topics: Assurance systemBinding documentsCocoaFarm certificationSupply Chain CertificationSustainability labelsTraceability

Policies and rules

Policy: New Certificate Holders During the Transition Period For the 2020 Rainforest Alliance Certification Program

Rainforest Alliance has established a one-year period with special, transitory rules intended to facilitate a smooth transition from the UTZ and 2017 Rainforest Alliance Programs into the new 2020
View: Policy: New Certificate Holders During the Transition Period For the 2020 Rainforest Alliance Certification Program


Available in: English, Spanish, Portuguese

Topics: 2020 Certification ProgramBinding documentsFarm certificationSupply Chain Certification

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