Getting Certified with the Responsible Hemp Standard (RHS): FAQ + Process Walkthrough

Who is this for?

This guide is for industrial hemp farms, fiber processors (e.g., decorticators), and textile mills interested in becoming RHS Certified through an approved third-party Certification Body (CB).

What Is the Responsible Hemp Standard (RHS)?

RHS is a global, chain-of-custody certification for industrial hemp fiber that verifies traceability, social and environmental responsibility, and material integrity from farm to finished textile. Certification is audited by approved Certification Bodies such as Control Union.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for RHS certification?

  • Industrial hemp farms growing for fiber

  • Decorticators and fiber processors

  • Textile mills using hemp fiber in yarns, fabrics, or finished goods

Each step of the supply chain must be individually certified to maintain chain-of-custody integrity.

2. What does RHS certification cover?

  • Traceability (from field to fabric)

  • Pesticide, heavy metal, and THC testing

  • Social and environmental responsibility (including labor, health & safety, waste)

  • Processing inputs (retting, scouring, bleaching, etc.)

3. Who conducts the audits?

Audits are conducted by approved third-party Certification Bodies, such as Control Union, which is responsible for on-site inspections and audit verification.

4. What is INCCert’s role?

INCCert is the standard owner. It oversees program governance, issues Transaction Certificates (TCs), and ensures that the RHS Standard remains rigorous, credible, and aligned with global expectations.

5. What are Transaction Certificates (TCs)?

TCs verify that a specific shipment of material is certified and traceable under RHS. TCs are issued by INCCert once audit certification is complete and a valid sale/shipment is documented.

6. How long is certification valid?

RHS certification is valid for one year, with annual audits required to maintain certification.

7. What are the main benefits of RHS certification?

  • Access to premium buyers seeking certified hemp fiber

  • Ability to make verified sustainability claims

  • Compliance with EU textile due diligence regulations

  • Strengthened partnerships with brands and retailers

  • Reduced market risk and improved supply chain credibility

Step-by-Step: How to Get RHS Certified

Step 1: Initial Inquiry + Pre-Screening

  • Contact INCCert or an approved Certification Body to express interest

  • Receive a pre-screening questionnaire to determine readiness

  • Clarify whether your facility is a farm, processor, or mill (or combination)

Step 2: Submit Application

  • Complete the RHS Certification Application

  • Provide documentation of activities, processes, location, and legal status

  • Pay application fee (varies by certifier and scale)

Step 3: Document Review

  • The Certification Body reviews your documents and processes

  • You’ll be asked to submit:

    • Farm input records

    • Facility process flow diagrams

    • Worker health & safety policies

    • Environmental management plans

    • Material sourcing and sales documentation

Step 4: On-Site Audit

  • Certification Body schedules and conducts an on-site audit

  • Auditors verify compliance with RHS criteria, including:

    • Field practices and input use

    • Fiber processing or blending operations

    • Recordkeeping and traceability systems

    • Worker safety and social conditions

Step 5: Certification Decision

  • Based on audit results and documentation, the CB issues an RHS Certificate of Compliance

  • If non-conformities are found, you may need to take Corrective Actions before certification is granted

Step 6: Transaction Certificates (TCs)

  • Once certified, you may request TCs for each batch of certified fiber sold or processed

  • TCs confirm the hemp fiber is traceable and RHS certified for buyers and downstream partners

Step 7: Annual Renewal

  • Maintain records and compliance

  • Undergo a yearly audit to renew certification and stay in the program

How to Get Started

Reach out to:
📩 certification@inccert.com

Let us know:

  • Your role (farmer, processor, mill)

  • Country/region of operation

  • Estimated hemp volume and supply chain partners

We’ll connect you with a Certification Body and help you begin your certification journey.