Phase 1: Application & Initial Assessment

Step 1: Submit Application

• Complete online application form

• Provide company and product information

• Submit preliminary supply chain documentation

• Pay the application fee

Step 2: Eligibility Review

• RHS team reviews application completeness

• Initial supply chain assessment

• Identification of certification scope

• Quote for certification costs provided

What You Need:

• [ ] Company registration documents

• [ ] Current supplier list and contact information

• [ ] Product specifications and intended uses

• [ ] Existing quality management documentation

Phase 2: Documentation Review

Step 3: Supply Chain Mapping

• Complete traceability documentation for all suppliers

• Mass balance calculations for hemp content

• Chain-of-custody record establishment

• Internal quality management system review

Step 4: Standards Compliance Check

• Review against RHS requirements

• Gap analysis for non-conformances

• Corrective action plan development

• Pre-audit preparation

Key Documents Required:

• [ ] Supplier certificates and qualifications

• [ ] Production records and batch tracking

• [ ] Quality control procedures

• [ ] Environmental management documentation

• [ ] Social compliance records

Phase 3: On-Site Audit

Step 5: Facility Inspections

• Independent third-party auditors (Control Union)

• All supply chain facilities inspected

• Production process verification

• Record keeping and documentation review

• Staff interviews and training assessment

Step 6: Compliance Verification

• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) verification

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) confirmation

• Environmental management assessment

• Social compliance evaluation

• Chain-of-custody validation

Audit Focus Areas:

• Production Facilities: Equipment, processes, and quality controls

• Record Keeping: Traceability and documentation systems

• Staff Training: Knowledge of RHS requirements and procedures

• Environmental Management: Waste handling and resource efficiency

• Social Compliance: Working conditions and labor practices

Phase 4: Certification Decision

Step 7: Audit Report Review

• Comprehensive audit findings report

• Non-conformance identification and resolution

• Corrective action implementation

• Final compliance verification

Step 8: Certificate Issuance

• RHS certificate issued for approved operations

• Certification scope and validity period are defined

• Logo usage guidelines provided

• Marketing support materials delivered

Certification Requirements & Standards

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Requirements:

• Soil Management: Organic matter maintenance and erosion prevention

• Water Conservation: Efficient irrigation and runoff management

• Pest Management: Integrated pest management without prohibited substances

• Harvest Timing: Optimal fiber quality and THC compliance

• Post-Harvest Handling: Proper drying and storage procedures

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Standards:

• Facility Standards: Clean, well-maintained processing environments

• Equipment Maintenance: Regular calibration and cleaning protocols

• Quality Control: Testing procedures and record keeping

• Contamination Prevention: Separation from non-certified materials

• Traceability Systems: Batch tracking and chain-of-custody documentation

Social Compliance Criteria:

• Fair Labor Practices: Compliance with ILO core conventions

• Safe Working Conditions: Health and safety protocols

• Fair Wages: Local living wage standards

• No Child Labor: Age verification and education support

• Worker Rights: Freedom of association and collective bargaining

Certification Costs & Investment

Annual Certification Fees:

• Based on operation size and complexity

• Includes annual surveillance audits

• Logo usage rights and marketing support

• Access to certified supplier database

Additional Costs:

• Travel expenses for on-site audits

• Corrective action implementation (if required)

• Rush processing fees (if applicable)

Investment typically pays for itself within first year through premium pricing and increased market access

Timeline & Expedited Options

Standard Timeline: 8-12 Weeks

• Suitable for most operations

• Allows time for corrective actions

• Comprehensive documentation review

Expedited Process: 6-8 Weeks

• For pre-qualified suppliers

• Premium fee applies

• Streamlined documentation review

• Priority audit scheduling

Factors Affecting Timeline:

• Supply chain complexity: Number of suppliers and facilities

• Documentation readiness: Completeness of initial submission

• Geographic spread: Travel requirements for audits

• Corrective actions: Time needed to address non-conformances

Maintaining Your Certification

Annual Requirements:

• Surveillance Audits: Annual on-site inspections

• Documentation Updates: Quarterly reporting requirements

• Continuous Improvement: Implementation of best practices

• Fee Payment: Annual certification maintenance fees

Recertification Process:

• Full recertification every year

• Comprehensive supply chain review

• Updated standards compliance verification

• Continued market access assurance

Support Throughout the Process

Dedicated Certification Manager

• Single point of contact throughout certification

• Expert guidance on RHS requirements

• Coordination with audit teams and suppliers

• Post-certification support and maintenance

Technical Assistance

• Pre-certification gap analysis

• Documentation template provision

• Training for your team and suppliers

• Corrective action plan development

Marketing Support

• Logo usage guidelines and artwork

• Marketing material development

• PR support for certification announcement

• Access to certified supplier directory