Policies and rules
May 30, 2023
Binding Documents
Binding Documents are a set of standards, policies and rules that are applicable to different actors in the Rainforest Alliance’s programs, depending on the type of activity the actor is engaged in, as set forth in an organization's license agreement with the Rainforest Alliance.
These Binding Documents include the following documents and categories of rules: License Agreement Terms and Conditions, certification standards and rules, traceability rules, labeling rules, and online platform terms and conditions.* View additional business updates and information on the Knowledge Hub.
*Note: All actors that are part of either cocoa program and any actors interested in using the new Rainforest Alliance seal must also sign a License Agreement (2020 Version) with Rainforest Alliance.
Binding Documents by type
Certification Binding Documents
Certification Program
Farms and companies certified to the following standard can find applicable binding documents:
- Rainforest Alliance Certification Program (2020 Certification Program)
Additional Binding Documents
Labels & Traceability
Farms and companies that are selling, labeling or claiming products as Rainforest Alliance Certified or using the Rainforest Marks can find applicable binding documents by clicking the following links:
Terms & Conditions
The Knowledge Hub: Your go-to place for version 1.4 content
Version 1.4 of the Sustainable Agriculture Standard, along with its supporting documents and the Certification and Auditing Rules, have been published on the Knowledge Hub.
All resources for Binding Documents
Annex S03: Risk Assessment Tool
SA-S-SD-4 As outlined in the requirements of the 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard, certificate holders must conduct a risk assessment. The risk assessment tool is available for group and individually certified farm management as well as supply chain actors who have social topics in their scope. The tool helps to identify risks that could prevent the […]
Exception to use Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxan, Spirodiclofen, and Glufosinate Ammonium for the Citrus Sector in Brazil
Rainforest Alliance has included the use of Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxan, Spirodiclofen And Glufosinate Ammonium in its list of prohibited pesticides; however, we have granted temporary authorization to the Brazil citrus sector to use these substances, while viable alternatives are identified. These authorizations are conditioned to be used within the strategy of Integrated Pest Management, in […]
Policy on Changes to Chapter 2: Rules for CB Personnel
The Rainforest Alliance Certification Program, based on the 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard, introduces several requirements for Certification Body (CB) personnel that will strengthen our assurance system but will need additional time and resources to be fully implemented. Therefore, the Rainforest Alliance authorizes the changes summarized in this policy, during the transition year. In addition, this […]
Exception Policy to use Combination of Thiamethoxam + Cyproconazole for Brazil
Rainforest Alliance prohibits soil application of cyproconazole, and therefore also prohibits the use of products combining thiamethoxam and cyproconazole. We acknowledge that some coffee producers in Brazil are using commercial formulations with this combination. We will support producers to gradually phase-out the use of these products granting a temporary authorization to use commercial products combining […]
Policy: Audits for Certificate Holders based in Brazil
The aim of this policy is to align requirements of our Certification Rules and Sustainable Agriculture Standard with local legislation requirements in Brazil.