Quality Assurance within the 4C System

4C Integrity Program

.

4C Integrity Program

Integrity Assessments Intend to Ensure Credible and Robust Certification Processes.

4C Integrity Program aims to ensure the quality of 4C certification, as well as a consistent and objective audit and certification process by all auditors and Certification Bodies (CBs) cooperating with 4C.

This contributes to continuous improvement over time in effectiveness and efficiency of the 4C system. Integrity Assessments facilitate the high standards of 4C certification with respect to, credibility, impartiality, consistency, and reliability. 

Integrity Assessments are conducted by 4C Integrity Auditors and may take place in any country where 4C System Users are located. These Auditors are independent and free from any conflicts of interest.

All information and findings arising from 4C Integrity Assessments are treated as confidential. The costs and fees associated with Integrity Assessments are covered by 4C. 

Types of Integrity Audits  

I. Compliance auditAssessment of the quality and effectiveness of how 4C Units and CoC groups have implemented 4C’s sustainability criteria and improvement activities on the ground (ref. 4C Code of Conduct), with reference to the certification decision made by the responsible Certification Body (CB).
II. CB office audit Assessment of the quality of the CBs’ management system and the effectiveness of the CB’s auditing processes (ref. 4C Certification Body Regulations). 
III. Witness audit Assessment of the performance of the CB, by evaluating audit procedures and tools on the ground (ref. 4C System Regulations). 
Abbreviations used:  
CoC: Chain of Custody 
CB: Certification Body 

Method for selecting 4C System Users

Quality and Risk Management 
To ensure quality assurance, independent 4C Integrity Auditors, together with the 4C Integrity Program Manager, assess the performance of 4C Units, IBs, FBs, and CBs. Candidates are selected by 4C based on (I) a risk based methodology or (II) randomly.

Parameters of risk analysis applicable to 4C Units: 

  1. Number of BPs within the 4C Unit. 
  2. Area (in ha) of total coffee production area. 
  3. Productivity in terms of average yield of coffee production. 
  4. Number of non-conformities identified during last recertification audit. 

Certification Bodies are selected based on reported infringements as well as notable cases of suspected violations against the 4C System. 

Abbreviations used:  

  • IB: Intermediate Buyer 
  • FB: Final Buyer 
  • CB: Certification Body 
  • BP: Business Partner

Integrity Audit Process

Further Information

4C Integrity Program Flyer