4C Document Library
System Documents
- 4C Code of Conduct (English, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese)
- 4C Certification Step by Step (English, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese)
- 4C Certification Regulations (Document under review)
- List of Approved 4C Certification Bodies
- 4C Commercial Guidelines (English, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese)
- 4C Communication Guidelines (English, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese)
- 4C Procedure for Complaints and Appeals
- 4C Complaints and Appeals Form
- Checklist for application documents (Under review)
Tools for 4C Units and Certification Bodies
- Business Partner Map (BPM) v3.6 (Example, Demo Video)
- Improvement Plan
- 4C Services Transparency List Tool-BR (for Brazil only)
Portal
- Direct access to the Portal for 4C System Users
4C System Updates
In the event of adjustments or changes to the 4C System requirements, 4C communicates the adjustments to all Managing Entities (MEs) of 4C units and all Certification Bodies (CBs) cooperating with 4C via system updates (formerly known as 4C info mails).
It is the responsibility of the ME and CB to take the system updates into account and inform all relevant members of staff and Business Partners (BPs) about such updates.
2019
01 April 2019 – System Update 1
Topics: 4C system updates; New 4C procedure: which cycle to use for the recertification audit; In case of new BPs joining a 4C unit or a break between two certification cycles, which cycle should be used for recertification; Revision of 4C audit report; Multiple producers cultivating and selling coffee from the same plot: how to register this in the BPM; Availability of geo-coordinates of BPs in the BPM; Obligation to participate in a 4C training
14 November 2019 – System Update 2
Topics: Clarification: 4C audit report – Which cycle to use in a recertification audit; Non-conformities identified in previous audits; Completeness and correctness of BPM data; Use of old versions of the 4C logo
2020
09 January 2020 – System Update 3
Topics:
- New BPM template 3.6 published
- Updated 4C portal views
- Use of the GRAS tool for risk-based sample calculation
- Extension of the transition period on the clearance of non-conformities
10 March 2020 – System Update 4
Topics:
- Important notification on exceptions due to Corona virus
- 4C includes glyphosate into the 4C Yellow Pesticide List
- 4C Classified Chemicals tool
- Use of the new BPM functions in the 4C portal
- 4C impact survey for Certification Bodies and Managing Entities
06 April 2020 – System Update 5
Topics:
- Phase out of the Rainforest Alliance (RA) certificate recognition
- Reminder: Survey on 4C impact
- Audit checklist translations
- Addition: Important notification on exceptions due to Corona virus