GET CERTIFIED
Find the Right Certification Path.
RBS provides a common certification framework for responsible hemp, flax and linen supply chains, with crop- and material-specific requirements for each pathway.
Tell us where you operate in the supply chain and which material you work with, and we’ll help identify the appropriate certification scope.
Which Material Do You Work With?
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Hemp
Responsible Hemp Standard (RHS)
For industrial hemp supply chains, including agricultural production, processing, manufacturing, trading and applicable finished-product uses.
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Flax
Responsible Flax Standard (RFS)
For flax supply chains, beginning with cultivation and extending through primary fiber processing.
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Linen
Responsible Linen Standard (RLS)
For downstream linen supply chains using certified flax fiber through textile processing, trade and finished products.
Where Do You Operate in the Supply Chain?
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Growers & Farms
For agricultural operations producing hemp or flax under applicable farm-level requirements.
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Primary Processors
For retting, decortication, scutching, fiber preparation and other primary processing operations.
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Mills & Manufacturers
For spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, finishing and manufacturing operations handling certified material.
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Traders & Distributors
For organizations buying, selling or transferring certified material while maintaining chain of custody.
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Brands & Finished-Product Companies
For organizations sourcing certified material and making approved claims about certified products.
Certification scope depends on the activities conducted by each organization. Not every participant is certified to the same requirements.
EXISTING CERTIFICATE HOLDERS
Already RHS Certified?
Existing Responsible Hemp Standard certificate holders can continue under the applicable RHS requirements during the RBS transition period.
RBS expands the certification framework to include flax and linen while maintaining continuity for existing hemp supply chains.
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.
THE PROCESS
A Clear Path to Certification.
01 — Identify Your Scope. Determine the material, operations and facilities that need to be included in certification.
02 — Apply. Submit the required information for the applicable certification pathway.
03 — Prepare for Audit. Review the applicable standard requirements and supporting documentation.
04 — Independent Audit. Control Union conducts the applicable third-party audit.
05 — Certification & Chain of Custody. Certified organizations maintain required documentation and transaction records for certified material.
Certification applies only to the organizations, facilities, activities and scope identified on each certificate.
Prepare for Certification.
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Standard Requirements
Review the requirements that apply to your material and supply-chain role.
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Facility & Supply-Chain Information
Identify the operations, facilities and suppliers included in the proposed certification scope.
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Policies & Records
Prepare applicable production, processing, labor, environmental and traceability documentation.
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Chain-of-Custody Systems
Be prepared to demonstrate how certified material is identified, documented and transferred.
INDEPENDENT CERTIFICATION
Clear Roles. Independent Verification.
INCCert
INCCert develops and administers the Responsible Bast Standard framework and its crop- and material-specific requirements.
Control Union
Control Union conducts independent third-party audits and certification as INCCert’s certification partner.
Separating standard-setting from certification helps support the integrity and credibility of the program.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Certification scope depends on your material, activities and position in the supply chain. If you are unsure whether RHS, RFS, RLS or another RBS scope applies to your organization, contact us before submitting an application.
Build Certification Into Your Supply Chain.
Whether you grow, process, manufacture, trade or source hemp, flax or linen, the Responsible Bast Standard provides a framework for responsible practices, traceability and credible certified claims.