Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? You may find your answer in the list below.
If not, feel free to contact us.
General questions
How long is the validity of 4C certification?
3 years.
Does the 4C certification only apply to Robusta coffee or also for Arabica coffee?
4C certification can be applied to both varieties.
Is it possible for an independent coffee processing unit (company) to become 4C certified?
Yes, this company will take the responsibility of the Managing Entity.
What is the maximum number of BP Producers that can be included into a 4C Unit?
There is no pre-defined maximum. The number of BPs within one unit depends on the capacity and ability of the ME to manage a group of a certain size.
Can one BP Service Provider, e.g., a dry mill or warehouse, be part of more than one 4C Unit?
Yes, that is possible. The same BP Service Provider can be part of several 4C Unit and hence be listed in several BPMs.
Is a Managing Entity required to conduct internal audits on all of its BP Producers?
Yes, the ME is required to conduct internal audits on its BPs. This includes an internal risk assessment, as well as to ensure the compliance of all of its BPs with 4C requirements.
Can a certified 4C Unit undergo changes during one certification cycle or can changes only be made during recertification?
The composition of a 4C Unit can be adjusted during the certification cycle, e.g., by adding or removing BP Producers or BP Service Providers. If new BP Service Providers are added or if the turnover rate of BP Producers exceeds 10%, an Addendum Audit is required. This Addendum Audit can take place any time during a certification cycle of 3 years. Smaller changes to the 4C Unit, i.e., less than 10% BP Producer turnover rate don’t require an Addendum Audit and can simply be confirmed when updating the BPM during an Annual Update.
How can we update the name or ID of a BP Producer?
This can be done by simply updating the BPM immediately. As a next step, the ME must inform its responsible CB about the change in the BPM. The updates version of the BPM must be shared with the CB in a reasonable timeframe, but never later than the submission deadline of the next Surveillance Audit (previously Annual Update).
If a BP Producer has several plots with different geo locations, how can this be input into the BPM?
Each plot must be input in a separate line in the BPM. This implies that the farmer who owns, for example, two farms, appears with the same name and ID in two lines of the BPM.
Can a BP Service Provider or Managing Entity sell their 4C coffee to other traders that are not registered in 4C?
Any actor trading 4C coffee must register as an Intermediary or Final Buyer at 4C. Consequently, all 4C coffee that is bought and sold by this trader must be reported to 4C via the 4C Commercial Reporting.
I am a farmer and would like to become 4C certified. What do I need to do?
4C as many other group certifications becomes more cost-efficient for the individual farmer if you gather in an organized group, e.g., in a cooperative. Through the structures of a group (4C Unit in 4C terms) many preparatory processes, such as trainings, internal management and traceability systems will be facilitated. For a small-scale farmer, we recommend to join an existing 4C Unit. The Managing Entity (ME), which can be a cooperative management, an exporting company, or another legal entity, will take over the responsibility of its Business Partners (producers and service providers) and is hence responsible for trainings, extensionist services, and audit preparations.
If you own a larger farm with a yearly production of 20 metric tons or above, you can also obtain a single certification for your farm.
You can find out more about the certification process, here: How to get certified – 4C Services
We also publish a list of existing 4C Units: Active 4C Certificates – 4C Services