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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 binding documents by clicking the following links:

Certification Binding Documents For:

UTZ Certification Program

Farms and companies certified to the following standards can find applicable binding documents on utz.org by clicking the following links:

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

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

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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Guides & manuals

Guidance for Working with the Rainforest Alliance Mass Balance Sourcing Program


Available in: English

Companies are encouraged to maintain fully segregated supply chains whenever possible, as this is the best way to achieve full traceability from farm to end-product and to link product contents to
View: Guidance for Working with the Rainforest Alliance Mass Balance Sourcing Program

Topics: 2015 Chain of Custody StandardAssurance systemBinding documentsMass balanceStrengthened Cocoa Certification ProgramSupply Chain CertificationSustainability labelsTraceability

Policies and rules

Policy for Farm and Chain of Custody Certification in Cocoa


Available in: English, French

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

Topics: Assurance systemBinding documentsFarm certificationStrengthened Cocoa Certification ProgramSupply Chain CertificationSustainability labels

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