Standard and Checklists  

As you prepare for certification, there are four documents you should review to prepare for your audit: 

1. UEBT Standard – This has all the criteria and indicators that are checked and defines the practices for ethical sourcing

2. Field Checklist – This is the document used by auditors to audit the field level practices. If you are enrolled in the UEBT/Rainforest Alliance Herbs & Spices Programme, you should look at this field checklist that includes the additional requirements from Rainforest Alliance.  Enrolled in the UEBT/RA programme and working in Rooibos? Use this checklist that has additional guidance for this crop. 

3. Requirements for Certificate Holders - This document can help you set up systems for preparing to certification. We have requirements for farms and local companies, and for companies not located in sourcing areas. 

4. System Checklist – This is the document used by auditors to audit the organizational level practices. We have a check list for farms and local companies, and for companies not located in sourcing areas.    

Training 

You can also learn more about the process and the requirements of certification by using our Learning Platform. UEBT’s Learning Platform provides this information in short, recorded presentations, online quizzes and factsheets you can download.   

When to schedule the audit ?

It is important to wait to schedule your audit until your operation has incorporated the requirements and will have good results during an audit. 

When you are ready, choose an accredited certification body (CB) to ask for a quotation and to schedule an external audit. 

In general, you should contact a CB at least three months in advance of when you wish to have an audit.

The audit will take one or more days depending on the size and complexity of the operation being assessed. 

Have questions? 

You can reach out to us anytime at certification@uebt.org 

Herbs and Spices Programme:  herbsandspices@uebt.org