COLOGNE, Germany – In the midst of the evolving landscape of the EU regulation on deforestation-free products, 4C introduces its comprehensive one-stop-shop solution for coffee and cocoa supply chains. From producers to traders, roasters and brand owners, 4C supports its system users in complying with the requirements of the EUDR.
4C introduces its new Regulation for 4C certified EUDR Coffee in response to the obligations faced by importing and exporting operators under the EUDR which will be fully implemented by December 30th, 2024.
The obligations entail the establishment of a robust due diligence system, providing information on encompassing product details and traceability, geolocation specifications, deforestation-free production practices, legality of production, and comprehensive risk assessments.
What sets 4C apart is its strategic collaboration with Global Risk Assessment Services (GRAS), seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art risk assessment procedures such as high-resolution satellite image interpretation for forest and deforestation monitoring, complemented by an extensive data set covering national legislation, human rights, claims by indigenous peoples, corruption indices, and information on law enforcement.
This unique approach, combined with the already incorporated traceability platform, allows every coffee batch to be traced back to its origin with all relevant data. 4C provides the necessary information, risk assessment, and risk mitigation crucial for the Due Diligence Statement required by the EUDR.
The documents for 4C certified EUDR Coffee are now available on the 4C website. They comprise the Regulation for 4C certified EUDR Coffee v.1.0 and the Self-Assessment and Self-Declaration templates which provide a tool for 4C certified groups of farmers to assess their risks with regard to relevant national and international laws and declare their conformity, as well as the Guidelines for Geodata collection v.1.0.
The 4C system will be monitored and revised according to any further guidance and requirements to be provided by the authorities of the European Union.
The application of 4C certified EUDR Coffee is available for all 4C Units in 2024 before being integrated into the revision of the 4C System in 2025. Thus, from 1st of January 2025 all 4C certified coffee will be required to comply with these additional EUDR criteria. In February 2024 4C will conduct a series of introductory webinars to facilitate the understanding of the new Regulation for 4C certified EUDR Coffee for all 4C System users. The dates will be announced shortly.
4C extends its commitment to supporting companies with their sustainability strategies and EUDR compliance into the cocoa sector. Known for applying comprehensive standards to coffee production and processing, 4C leverages its solid experience to bring the same level of reliability and integrity to cocoa certification.
In response to the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly the EUDR requirements, 4C ensures that its cocoa certification process seamlessly aligns with the required standards. For conventional cocoa, 4C offers a special solution covering EUDR compliance, focusing on two modules comprising geo-analysis tools, legality, and traceability.
By choosing 4C, companies can be confident that their supply chains meet the highest standards of compliance, laying the foundation for sustainable, trustworthy, and fair coffee and cocoa sourcing.
About 4C
4C is a leading sustainability certification scheme for the entire coffee sector. 4C certification focuses on good agricultural and management practices, including requirements on economic, social and environmental conditions for coffee production and processing in order to establish credible sustainable and transparent supply chains.
