The RHS Certification Process

Phase 1: Application & Initial Assessment

Step 1: Submit Application to Certification Body

  • Complete online application form

  • Provide company and product information

  • Submit preliminary supply chain documentation

  • Pay the application fee

Step 2: Eligibility Review

  • Certificaiton Body 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

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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)

Maintaining Your Certification

    • Surveillance Audits: Annual on-site inspections

    • Documentation Updates: Quarterly reporting requirements

    • Continuous Improvement: Implementation of best practices

    • Fee Payment: Annual certification maintenance fees

    • Full recertification every year

    • Comprehensive supply chain review

    • Updated standards compliance verification

    • Continued market access assurance

Ready to differentiate your hemp products with the world's first global hemp certification?

Contact our team today.

 FAQs

  • RHS certificates are valid for 1 year, with annual surveillance audits required to maintain certification status.

  • Non-conformances can typically be addressed through corrective action plans. We work with you to achieve compliance rather than simply failing operations.

  • Yes, certified operations receive logo usage rights and guidelines for marketing certified products and supply chains.

  • Each facility in your supply chain requires RHS certification, but we coordinate the process to minimize duplication and costs.