The Responsible Hemp Standard Is Growing.
RHS is expanding into the Responsible Bast Standard (RBS): one framework for hemp, flax and linen supply chains, independently audited by Control Union.
THE RBS FAMILY
One Framework. Hemp, Flax & Linen.
The Responsible Bast Standard is the umbrella framework. Crop-specific requirements sit beneath it:
RHS — Responsible Hemp Standard
RFS — Responsible Flax Standard
RLS — Responsible Linen Standard
WHAT'S CHANGING
What the Expansion Means.
The Responsible Hemp Standard (RHS) set requirements for responsible hemp production, processing and chain of custody. The Responsible Bast Standard (RBS) builds on that foundation and extends it to flax and linen.
RBS brings the three fibers under one common framework, with crop-specific requirements for hemp (RHS), flax (RFS) and linen (RLS). Independent third-party certification is provided by Control Union, our certification partner.
Bast fibers are still a small but growing share of global textile production. Expanding now means responsible practices are built in while the category scales, rather than retrofitted later.
For certificate holders, independent third-party verification continues — now across the full bast fiber supply chain.
TIMELINE
The Transition to RBS.
July 2026 – July 2027
Adoption of RBS is optional. Audited organizations may certify to RBS or continue under RHS, based on their application and preference.
From July 2027
RBS Version 2.0 becomes the sole certification standard for hemp, flax and linen fibers, replacing RHS as a standalone standard.
Where Would You Like to Go?
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Explore the Responsible Bast Standard
The new framework for hemp, flax and linen: the standards, certification pathways and what the transition means for you.
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Visit the Responsible Hemp Standard
Current RHS certificate holders and applicants can continue to find RHS documents, certification steps and resources.