Handling of 4C Compliant Coffee
After a successful independent third-party audit, the Managing Entity of a 4C Unit receives a 4C Certificate which confirms the compliance with the requirements of the 4C Code of Conduct and Certification Regulations. With this certificate, the 4C Unit, through its Managing Entity, can sell coffee from its listed farmer business partners as 4C Compliant Coffee.
Complementary to this, coffee roasters, retailers and other coffee brand owners, committed to including the 4C Code of Conduct in their sustainable sourcing commitments, purchase 4C Compliant Coffee through the 4C Certificate of the Managing Entity.
4C Units must only trade coffee from registered Business Partners of the 4C Unit as 4C Compliant Coffee. As a consequence, Business Partners of a particular 4C Unit who want to sell their coffee as 4C compliant can only do this through the Managing Entity of their Unit. Business Partners can also sell their coffee to other 4C Units/Managing Entities or any other buyer, but in that case, this coffee is not considered as 4C compliant anymore.
4C Logo Use and Claims
Communication of sustainability efforts is essential and contributes to increased awareness and consumer support who rely on inspections carried out by independent parties. 4C offers a credible solution to support your sustainable strategy and claims regarding the implementation of good agricultural and management practices.
4C is well recognized by SAI, ITC, and further organizations
How the 4C logo can be used
The logo can be used on-pack and off-pack, e.g. bags for green coffee beans, brochures, websites, etc. It is crucial to use appropriate claims and without misleading wording, which will be understood correctly by stakeholders. In particular, sourcing requirements of 4C coffee are to be considered when using the 4C logo on-pack.
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For more detailed information on the correct use of the 4C logo and related claims – including general usage rules, technical logo specifications (such as size, colour, and placement) – please refer to chapter 10 of the official 4c System Regulations. This document provide clear instructions to help ensure that all communications are aligned with 4C’s standards and do not mislead stakeholders or consumers.
Request Permission
4C’s approval is mandatory to obtain prior to using 4C logo and claims.
Please send us an email
Proper Use of the 4C Logo and Claims
Maintaining the credibility of the 4C certification system requires the correct and responsible use of the 4C logo and any related claims. Any misuse may lead to reputational damage and legal consequences for the parties involved.
4C reserves the right to publish any case of misuse or unauthorized use, request correction and compliance with requirements and/or take legal action against any party that uses the 4C logo without written approval.
Unauthorized Use
Any direct or indirect reference to the name “4C Services”, the abbreviation “4C”, the 4C logo that does not comply with the official 4C communication rules will be considered unauthorized.
Examples include:
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Use by entities with expired, withdrawn, or suspended certificates
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Use of claims that are misleading, incorrect, or unverifiable
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Use without written approval from 4C
Consequences of Misuse
4C reserves the right to:
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Request immediate removal or correction of any unauthorized or improper use
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Publicly disclose violations
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Take legal action if necessary
This applies to Managing Entities (MEs) and 4C Units that continue to use the logo and claims after their certification has lapsed or been revoked. In such cases, the 4C logo must be immediately removed from all websites, printed materials, packaging, and any other communication channels.
4C conducts regular audits and random checks of former certified partners to ensure compliance.
Legal Statement
4C reserves the right to publish any case of misuse or unauthorized use, request correction and compliance with requirements and/or take legal action against any party that uses the 4C logo without written approval.
Unauthorized Use of the 4C Logo- Public List
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