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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Annex

Annex S3: Risk Assessment Tool

As outlined in the requirements of the 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard, certificate holders must conduct a risk assessment. The tool which is available for group and individually certified farm
View: Annex S3: Risk Assessment Tool


Available in: English, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Indonesian, French, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Turkish

Topics: 2020 Certification ProgramAssess and AddressBinding documentsCertificationFarm certificationSupply Chain Certification

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, Portuguese, Spanish

Topics: 2020 Certification ProgramBinding documentsPesticides

Policies and rules

Policy on changes to certification and auditing rules for audits in the transition year

This policy describes the changes to ensure consistent implementation of the Certification and Auditing Rules across the Rainforest Alliance Certification Program during the Transition year.
View: Policy on changes to certification and auditing rules for audits in the transition year


Available in: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese

Topics: 2020 Certification ProgramBinding documentsCertification

Certification Standard

Certification Application Form (CAF)

The Certification Application Form (CAF) is a mandatory document to be filled out by Certificate Holders and Certification Bodies along the Certification Process of the Sustainable Agriculture
View: Certification Application Form (CAF)


Available in: English, Portuguese, French, Chinese (Simplified), Indonesian, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese

Topics: 2020 Certification ProgramAssess and AddressBinding documentsCertificationFarm certificationSupply Chain Certification

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