NCP standard

Biocide: according to Article 3, paragraph 1 of the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, a biocide is defined as “any substance or mixture in the form in which it is supplied to the user and which consists of, contains or produces one or more active substances intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, prevent the action of, or otherwise exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by means other than mere physical or mechanical action”

and

“any substance or mixture produced from substances or mixtures which are not themselves covered by the first indent and which is intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, prevent the action of, or otherwise exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by means other than mere physical or mechanical action.”

Foreign materials: Different material composition than the basic packaging – e.g. for sleeves or labels

Natural: this standard defines “natural” as anything of non-fossil origin – such as plants, animals, fungi, minerals, soil and water.

NIR: Near infrared. NIR (near infrared) refers to a spectrum in a range between 760 and 2,500 nm that is not visible to humans. In this wavelength range, typical material patterns based on molecular vibrations can be detected after excitation with light. This technology is used to sort packaging.

Recyclability: Recyclability is the individual gradual suitability of packaging or a product to actually substitute material-identical virgin material in the post-consumer phase; “actually” here means that collection and recycling structures on an industrial scale are a prerequisite.

Recycled content: Proportion of recycled raw materials in relation to all raw materials.

Impurities: Substances that disrupt or prevent the recycling process according to the current state of the art.

Synthetic: This standard defines “synthetic” as anything that is the result of a chemical process that would not occur in nature and/or is of petrochemical origin.

Composite packaging: Packaging that consists of different types of material that cannot be separated manually, none of which exceeds 95% by mass of the total packaging.

The aim of the standard is to replace petrochemical-based, genetically modified and environmentally harmful products with less environmentally harmful products. This requires consumers to recognize such products.

Another aim is to promote recyclable packaging in order to contribute to the circular economy.

In order to achieve these goals, NCP offers a means of differentiation at the point of sale with its catalog of criteria for ingredients and packaging as well as the labeling of products with the NCP seal.

Every product that is NCP certified contributes to realizing the transformation to a petrochemical-free and circular economy.

In detail, this means

The lowest possible environmental impact:

• Criteria for CRM and SVHC substances – ban
• Criteria for H400 classification – Final product must not be classified in the H400 range unless this classification is based on natural essential oils
• Strict criteria for petrochemicals

As few products from genetic engineering processes as possible:

• Strict criteria for ingredients involving genetic engineering

Promotion of organic farming:

• Recommendation to use as many organically grown raw materials as possible
• Obligation for organic quality for defined oils

The greatest possible proximity to nature:

• If raw materials are obtained by means of chemical processes, these must correspond to the metabolic processes in plants/nature. They are listed in the standard.

Circular economy:

• Criteria for the design of packaging in order of priority
• Criteria for the permitted materials in accordance with the requirement to achieve the highest possible recyclability.

The NCP standard applies to all products that can be made from renewable raw materials. It is based on the requirements of EU Organic Regulation 2018/848 and the annexes to Implementing Regulation 889/2008 of the former EU Organic Regulation.

The scope of application includes detergents and cleaning agents, leather and textile care products, toys, hygiene products, pesticides, repellents for vertebrates and molluscs, insecticides, disinfectants, fungicides, acaricides, fertilizers, plant protection products and plant strengthening agents.

Products for the care, cleaning and protection of people and animals are regulated by the NCS Natural Cosmetic Standard.

If the registered products are successfully certified, the “NCP Nature Care Product” label (NCP label) may be used for customer orientation and marketing purposes. In addition to using the label, the label user may also advertise the ingredients with organic quality. An NCP-certified product can be advertised as an “organic product” if at least 95% of the ingredients of agricultural origin are of organic quality.

The NCP standard requires compliance with the legal provisions, in particular with regard to Regulation (EC) 648/2004 (Detergents Regulation) and its amendments, in particular with regard to the environmental compatibility of detergents and cleaning agents, Regulation (EC) 528/2012 (Biocides Regulation)[1]Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (CLP) and Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH), DüMV, PflSchG with PflStM and the so-called Supply Chain Act. The requirements of the NCP standard go beyond these regulations.

[1]Unfortunately, the current version of the Biocidal Products Regulation does not allow biocidal products to be labeled with a reference to “natural”, “environmentally friendly”, “non-hazardous” or similar. For this reason, the standard owner must unfortunately advise against using the NCP label for biocides that fall under the Biocidal Products Regulation. It is advisable to seek legal advice to clarify whether an NCP certification may be referred to in the product descriptions or whether the statement “approved for organic cultivation in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation” is legal.

In order to manufacture NCP-certified products, only only raw materials, their manufacturing processes and extraction and auxiliary agents specified in the NCP standard may be used. Annex 2 contains a positive list of tolerated raw materials for nature-identical minerals and pigments, toys, biocides and pesticides. Annex 1 is a list of INCIs that have already been assessed as compliant. This list is not a positive list in the strict sense.

If a raw material does not meet the above criteria but is essential for the effectiveness of a product to be certified, an application for inclusion of the raw material can be submitted. The decision on inclusion in the standard is made on the basis of the requirements in accordance with EU Organic Regulation 2018/848 and 889/2008 of the former EU Organic Regulation and, in the case of appropriate justification and irreplaceability of the raw material for products, on the basis of the objectives of the NCP standard (see Impact).

NCP-certified products must not contain SVHC substances (Substance of Very High Concern)[1] nor CMR substances according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 (CLP) – with the exception of fragrances (according to ISO 9235). However, the final product must not be classified in the H400 series, according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) on classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures, except for those products whose essential oils lead to classification in the H400 series. [2]

For biocides, if no other safety analysis and efficacy study for active substances are available, at least one risk assessment must be carried out in accordance with the “Guidance for health assessments”[3] of the BfR must have been carried out.

Animal testing is not permitted in connection with the manufacture and distribution of NCP-certified products, with the exception of efficacy studies of biocidal raw materials. Animal testing to determine the LD50 for vertebrates and/or aquatic toxicity is not permitted for raw materials. Data of similar ingredients can be calculated in analogies or determined by in vitro tests.

With regard to GMO freedom, the requirements of the EC Organic Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007, until 31.12.2008 Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91) apply to the end product and the raw materials used. This requirement also applies to ingredients that would not fall under the organic regulation, such as substances from the non-food sector and non-organically certified material. [4]

[1] As part of compliance with the REACH Regulation, SVHC substances must be labeled as such.

[2] The equation of the CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) 1272/2008) is used for the calculation.

[3] http://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/350/leitfaden-fuer-gesundheitliche-bewertungen.pdf

[4] The substances are not produced from, by or with the aid of genetically modified organisms. Proof is a GMO-free declaration from the manufacturer and, in case of doubt, a PCR analysis (the threshold value for an adventitious, technically unavoidable admixture is 0.9). Selected raw materials that cannot be produced without enzymes from genetically modified organisms according to the current state of the art and that are separately identified in the list of compliant INCIs (Annex 2) are granted a tolerance period until the end of 2023. A query for the declaration of freedom is provided by the standard setter.

The ingredients of the products according to the NCP standard are divided into the following substance groups:

• Natural substances: chemically unmodified raw materials of plant, inorganic-mineral or animal origin as well as their mixtures and reaction products with each other.
• Near-natural raw materials: Raw materials that have been obtained from a natural substance as defined above, biomass or organic solids through authorized chemical reactions.
• Nature-identical raw materials: Substances that occur in nature but cannot be obtained using approved chemical manufacturing processes or from natural substances.
• Biocidal substances, substances for pest monitoring and repellents: substances that have a killing, deterrent or attracting effect on pests.

The following raw materials and processes can be used to manufacture NCP-certified products:

4.1 Natural substances

Only physical processes using the extraction and auxiliary agents listed under point 4.2.2 may be used for the extraction of natural substances. In addition, enzymatic and microbiological processes are permitted, provided that only naturally occurring enzymes or microorganisms are used.

4.1.1 Natural plant and animal substances

Natural plant-based substances are sourced from certified organic raw materials in the following cases[1]:

Sunflower, olive, soy, coconut, jojoba. Shea butter comes either from organic raw materials or from wild collection .

All other natural substances, if available, come from certified organic source material (organic or certified organic). The use of all chemically unmodified natural plant substances (essential oils, fatty oils, extracts, etc.) is generally permitted if the substance was obtained in accordance with the principles of the standard.

Animal raw materials for fertilization or protection are either excrements or a by-product of slaughter. Animal and vegetable raw materials must not be on the IUNC list of endangered species, unless they come from live animals from species-appropriate husbandry or from species-appropriate organic farming.

The following natural substances originate at least from RSPO cultivation:

Palm oil and palm kernel oil

Raw materials whose cultivation is critical in terms of sustainability, such as palm oil, are only tolerated with a verifiable weighing up of priorities.

4.1.2 Natural mineral substances

Natural mineral substances are generally permitted as long as they are obtained by physical methods and have not been chemically modified. Mineral salts, such as magnesium sulphate or sodium chloride, may be used in NCP-certified products. Exceptions to this are regulated under point 5 “Non-permitted substances”.

4.1.3 Fragrances

Fragrances that comply with the ISO 9235 standard may be used in NCP-certified products – as well as biotechnologically derived fragrances. The manufacturer’s confirmation of ISO 9235 conformity is sufficient.

4.1.4 Water

It is only classified as a natural substance of agricultural origin if it comes directly from plant sources. In this case, it can be labeled as such if the organic quality of the source material is proven.

4.2 Near-natural raw materials

Natural raw materials may be obtained from natural substances as defined above, biomass or organic solids by fermentation with GMO-free organisms or the following chemical reactions: Hydrolysis (including saponification), neutralization, condensation with elimination of water, esterification, transesterification, hydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, dehydrogenation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, sulphation, amidation, oxidation (with oxygen, ozone or peroxides) and pyrolysis.

Electrolysis is permitted as a possible processing step. However, no substances from Chapter 5 “Prohibited substances” may be produced, with the exception of the substances listed in the EC Eco-Regulation Annex VII for disinfectants and cleaning agents. The following applies to these: If a substance from Chapter 5 “Non-permitted substances” is created, it must not make up more than 0.1% of the total product. See also 4.4.1.

The use of organohalogen compounds for the extraction of near-natural raw materials is not permitted.

4.2.1 Surfactants

Surfactants are derived from a starting material of natural origin. All surfactants show a biodegradability of >60% within 28 days according to OECD test 310 (EN ISO 14593,_{CO2 headspace} test) for aerobic degradation and OECD 311 (EN ISO 11734) for anaerobic degradation.

Surfactants made from conifer resins are not permitted due to their aquatic toxicity.

4.2.2 Auxiliary and extraction agents

The following are permitted as extraction agents for natural substances: Water, vegetable alcohol, carbonic acid, vegetable fats and oils, glycerine of vegetable origin. Furthermore, enzymatic and microbiological processes that also occur in nature may be used, provided they comply with the GMO-free definition of this standard.

Pre-preservation and technical and chemical additives (catalysts) must comply with the NCP standard if they remain in the end product.

4.2.3 Aerosols

Propellant gases are components of the care product. The following propellant gases are permitted in NCP-certified products:_CO2, nitrogen, compressed air.

4.3 Nature-identical raw materials

The nature-identical raw materials approved for NCP products are listed in the positive list (Annex 2). The use of nature-identical raw materials must be justified.

4.4 Special regulations for special product groups

4.4.1 Biocidal substances, substances for pest monitoring and repellents as well as plant protection products

The positive list (Annex 2 of the NCP Standard) for biocides and plant protection products regulates the tolerated substances on the basis of the EU Organic Regulation 2018/848, without which a biocide, pest monitoring and repellent would not be effective or durable. It corresponds to the version of Annex II of the implementing provisions 889/2008 of the former EU-Eco-Regulation, supplemented by a few substances that serve as carriers. Other raw materials in the end product must meet the NCP criteria. Regulation (EC) 528/2012 (Biocidal Products Regulation) applies.

4.4.2 Candles

NCP-certified candles meet all the requirements of the standard. In order not to promote the demand for palm oil, a synthetic wax content of up to 3% is tolerated as a crystallization accelerator for vegan candles based on rapeseed oil.

4.4.3 Letterpress products and products according to DIN EN 71

Products that fall under DIN EN 71 are subject to special conditions.

Products covered by DIN EN 71 Part 7 “Finished finger paints” must be preserved with the preservatives listed in the standard. NCP-certified products that fall under DIN EN 71-7 may therefore contain the following preservatives or bittering agents up to the specified maximum percentages:

Phenoxyethanol: 1%
Potassium sorbate: 0.5%
Sodium benzoate: 0.5%
Bittering agent denatonium benzoate: 0.04%

Furthermore, the raw materials listed in the positive list may be used as pigmenting components for this product category with a time limit.

For products from the book printing sector (at least 80% of the product consists of paper), the following applies: The paper is preferably made from recycled plant fibers, at least from FSC, PEFC or recycled paper or cardboard. If individual components of the products cannot be manufactured with the permitted chemical processes from Chapter 4.2, e.g. inks, varnishes, individual additional components such as screws or rubber, these at least meet food law requirements in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, do not contain any substances from Chapter 5, no SVHC substances, no CMR substances and have not been classified in an H400 series (see also Chapter 2 General criteria).

Adhesives meet the packaging criteria for paper packaging.

The ink is EuPIA compliant.

Paints and varnishes are mineral oil-free.

The thread for tying is preferably of plant origin, at least from recycled material.

The entire product follows the principle of “reduce, reuse, recycle”.

4.4.4 Products for use on the body that are not covered by the Cosmetics Regulation

Products that are applied to the human body but do not fall under the Cosmetics Regulation require preservation. The raw materials listed in the positive list in “Annex 2 for DIN EN 71 and others” are permitted for this purpose.

[1] If the raw material is not available due to geographical location – i.e. emerging countries, crop failures or political conditions (trade boycott or similar), this unavailability is proven by documented demand from at least three different traders.

Substances from the following substance groups may not be used for NCP-certified products:

• Substances of petrochemical origin, with the exception of raw materials according to the positive list for special product groups such as biocides, pesticides, dishwasher tabs, bleaching agents and products according to DIN EN 71-7.
• Poorly aerobically degradable organic substances and anaerobically non-degradable organic substances listed in the DID list of the EU EcoLabel Regulation[1].
• Surfactants from conifer resin
• Synthetic surfactants, such as alkylbenzenesulfonates
• EDTA complexing agents, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers
• Organohalogen compounds
• Synthetic fats, oils, waxes or silicones, with the exception of the crystallization accelerator for candles
• Aromatic amines, ethanolamines and derivatives
• synthetic fragrances
• Mercury
• Musk compounds
• Phthalates
• PEG and PEG derivatives
• quaternary ammonium compounds
• Borium and its derivatives
• Phosphorus, synthetic phosphates
• Mineral acids (_H3PO4, HCl, _H2SO4, ,…) and their derivatives
• Ethoxylated substances with the exception of the substances listed in chapter 4.4

[1] See: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/documents/did_list/didlist_part_a_en.pdf anaerobic marked with “N” means NON-degradable, aerobic marked with “P” means HARDLY degradable.

The treatment of plant and animal raw materials and end products with ionizing radiation is not permitted.

Raw materials that would have to be labeled as nanomaterials according to the KVO are not permitted in NCP-certified products.

Valid for all packaging to be purchased from 01.01.2024[1] and biocides to be registered with the authority[2]-products:

Natural products in environmentally harmful packaging do not go together. Especially not if the packaging gives a green impression, even though it interferes with the recycling process or is even non-recyclable. The standard sets its criteria against such greenwashing packaging:

These packaging criteria apply to products that are marketed under the company’s own brand or produced in-house for end consumers. Packaging for B2B transport or sales is not covered here.

[1] Explanation of the criteria and recommendations for action

Section 21 of the Packaging Act* provides for the implementation of financial incentives for the use of recyclable packaging. No recyclability will result in a payment by the distributor, but the use of at least 90% recyclable packaging will result in a refund.

The standard setter therefore recommends not only adhering to the minimum requirements in this standard, but also following the recommendations, both from a financial and environmental perspective.

Fiber materials in particular are often assumed to be recyclable as a matter of course. However, this can be undermined by the wrong or too thick coating, by hot melts in folding boxes or by coatings and finishes. The PTS-RH 021 97 standard provides information on the recyclability of fibrous materials. The origin of fibrous materials should also be checked, as around half of cellulose comes from Latin America and from eucalyptus monocultures. To avoid supporting this trend, it is important not only to see the certificate number of the producing company in the FSC supply chain traceability, but also to list the numbers of the raw materials used.

The recyclability of composite material, plastic, glass and metal packaging is confirmed by companies such as HTP-cylcos, Interseroh and Clover. The EU is working on establishing a circular economy, so it makes sense to use as much recyclate, used material or cullet as possible in packaging. The use of recyclate, for example in the fiber sector, also ensures that the raw materials come from domestic collections rather than sources from other continents.
*Section 21 Ecological structure of the participation fees

(1) When calculating the participation fees, systems shall be obliged to create incentives for the production of packaging subject to system participation in order to

1. to promote the use of materials and combinations of materials that can be recycled to the highest possible percentage, taking into account the practice of sorting and recovery, and
2. promote the use of recyclates and renewable raw materials. […]” (Packaging Act of 05.07.2017)

[2] Biocidal products that have already been authorized are not subject to these packaging criteria. As soon as a product is newly registered as a biocide for the authorization procedure and is to comply with the NCP criteria, the packaging criteria also apply to this product.

In principle, care should be taken when using packaging materials and packaging materials to ensure that the packaging task can be fulfilled with the lowest possible overall impact (economic, social, ecological).

The impact must always be determined across the entire value chain (raw material production, processing, logistics, use, end of life, reprocessing and new raw material use).

Packaging is used in the following order of priority:

1. Priority Avoid: As little as possible. The key question is: Is the packaging indispensable?
2. Priority Reduce: The packaging that is required should use as little material as possible. The key question is: Can the packaging material be reduced, e.g. through refill options?
3. Reuse priority: Prefer reusable to disposable packaging. This means that before single-use packaging made from recyclate is designed, it must be clarified whether a reusable system of any kind would be possible. The key question is: Is there a reusable system for the planned packaging?
4. Recyclability priority: Recyclability of packaging and packaging materials, which is required by the EU and in Germany. This is not about the theoretical recyclability of materials, but about the recyclability of a complete packaging material (including closure and labels) in the existing recyclable material streams. The key question is: Is the packaging actually recyclable at present? Can the consumer simply allocate it to the appropriate recyclable material streams? [1]
5. Priority emptiability: Residual emptiability of the packaging. To avoid disrupting the sorting and recycling process, the packaging must be easy to empty. The key question is: can the packaging be emptied?

The materials listed in the appendix, which are marked green, may be used.

All materials marked in orange and red are contaminants for the recycling process.

The materials marked in orange are tolerated, but are currently not recommended by the standard setter.

The materials marked in red must not be used.

As the technical possibilities of the recycling industry are subject to immense change, the criteria and the list of materials are reviewed by the standard setter every two years to ensure that they are up to date and adapted if necessary.

In addition, the following minimum requirements apply to the materials:

Ban on PFAS.

The packaging used is free of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. If PFAS are found in the current packaging, the company will present an action plan to replace the packaging with PFAS-free packaging by 2027.

Paper packaging:
Fully recycled paper materials are preferable to virgin paper.

The recycled content in paper packaging corresponds to at least 50%. (Exceptions are granted in the food sector for specific legal requirements for packaging).

Raw paper materials come from either FSC or PEFC sources.

The paper must not be bleached with chlorine or chlorine derivatives. Only TCF is permitted.

In particular, wet strength agents, grease sealants and PFC-based finishes are not permitted. Coatings and laminations should generally not be used on paper materials.

Wood-based packaging:

The wood comes from FSC or PEFC sources. The packaging must be designed in such a way that different materials can be separated.

Plastic packaging:

No multilayer structures, except PE/PP-EVOH. If multilayer structures made of PE-EVOH and/or PP-EVOH are used, the company shall submit a plan of action for adapting the packaging to recyclable material by 2027. This does not apply to food products.

Requirements for the proportion of recyclate in plastic packaging in relation to the product type:

*The possibility of using PE and/or PP with recycled content for foodstuffs will be adapted to market conditions by the standard setter. Currently (as of the end of 2023), no food conformity can be achieved with rPE and rPP.

** Unless an in-house recycling plant has been set up and the return rate is not 90% and the material to be purchased is contaminated with synthetic fragrances or genotoxic substances. In this case, the company submits an action plan on how it can gradually reduce the use of petrochemical-based virgin material by 2027.

***Does not apply to parts of the packaging that come into contact with the product if food conformity is required. Intelligent packaging solutions, e.g. with several layers that can be separated by consumers, are expressly desired.

No different plastics on the front and back. Recyclable printing inks (minimum standard^[2]EuPIA-compliant printing inks). If labels or sleeves made of foreign materials are used, they must be smaller than 50% of the packaging surface (see minimum standard for impurities NIR).

No PETG sleeves or components for PET bottles.

No cellulose-based labels permanently attached to polyolefin packaging except for overlaminating standard labels or to save repackaging.

No silicone components.

Adhesives:

Only REACH-compliant adhesives may be used.

Glass packaging:

No permanently adhesive (not water-soluble/hydrophobic) large-surface plastic labels.

[1] This means that the packaging/packaging materials should be marked in such a way that the consumer can assign them to the correct material stream. It must also be possible to automatically identify and sort packaging materials (NIR technology for sorting recyclable materials). In addition, it must be possible to process them in the existing material streams and convert them back into raw materials/packaging materials at an economical rate.

[2] https://www.verpackungsregister.org/fileadmin/files/Mindeststandard/Mindeststandard_VerpackG_2021.pdf

The company that places NCP-certified products on the market has established a quality management system (QM system) for traceability and quality controls in accordance with HACCP and cosmetics GMP (ISO 22716). The QM system must be expanded to include environmental protection and sustainability measures in the course of continuous improvement. Orientation towards the Certified Sustainable Economics (CSE) standard is helpful here.

The products may be labeled as “NCP Nature Care Product” and as ecological (synonym “eco”) products and bear the NCP mark. Biocidal products are to be treated as a special feature here. Regulation (EC) 528/2012 (Biocidal Products Regulation) applies. An NCP-certified product can be advertised as an “organic product” if at least 95% of the ingredients of agricultural origin are of organic quality.

An NCP-certified product may be labeled as a vegan natural product if it consists only of ingredients that are not made from, by or with the help of animal substances. Any animal additives such as gelatine filters or animal carriers are not permitted.

All ingredients (starting materials of the ingredients, e.g. olive oil) are indicated on the packaging at least by full declaration in everyday language. The list of compliant INCIs and the positive list provide suggestions for the everyday names of various substances.

In the case of the presence of ingredients with organic quality in the certified product and the desire to make this clear on the label, the following conditions must be met:

1. Claims relating to the organic quality of the ingredients used are only permitted if they are labeled in such a way that they can be clearly and precisely assigned in the mandatory index of ingredients. The statement “organic quality” refers to the organic source material in accordance with the standard. For example, the reference to organic quality with “*” can be used as a precise indication. The regulation applies both to the wording “bio” and to the synonymously used term “organic”.

2. The proportion of organic ingredients must be stated as a percentage of the proportion of all ingredients in the end product. The percentages are given in whole numbers, with fractions rounded up.

A permissible indication of the percentage of organic ingredients and the percentage in organic quality is exemplary:
“70% organic ingredients in the product, 100% of which are organic”

For reasons of space, this information can be given on the website instead of on the packaging.

3. the following must be taken into account when calculating the percentage shares:

• Undiluted ingredients in organic quality are recorded in their full proportion by weight, e.g. plant parts, pressed oils, pressed juices, microorganisms in their solutions and essential oils.
• The water content is not calculated for raw materials that have been re-diluted from concentrates.
• Plant extracts in organic quality can be recorded in their full weight proportion if the extraction agent is no longer contained in the end product (e.g._CO2 extraction) or the remaining extraction agent is of organic quality. The following formula is used:

X= P/(P+E) x 100

X = organic content in the extract; P = mass of plant material used; E = mass of extraction agent used

4. the weight of concentrates is not determined before concentration. The water that is added back to the concentrate is also not taken into account.

In order to obtain a clear identification of the raw material, every change must be reported to the certification body. This concerns the supplier, the composition of the raw material and, if applicable, its manufacturing process.

The standard setter also recommends a supplier inquiry with regard to sustainability and human rights. The standard setter will provide templates for this on request.

The certification and inspection bodies approved by the GfaW standards work in accordance with ISO 17065 and have many years of experience in certifying natural products. GfaW concludes contracts with the certification bodies for the performance of certifications in accordance with the GfaW standards. These contracts regulate the inspection and certification procedure, the qualifications of the assessors and auditors, the frequency and intensity of the assessment, sampling protocols for the assessment, sources for the evidence to be assessed, minimum content of assessment reports and deadlines for the submission of completed reports following the assessments. GfaW is responsible for monitoring compliance with the contractual agreements.

Certification process

There is a two-stage process for certifying the products:

1. Stage: Testing of the products including proof of quality requirements in accordance with the standard
2. Stage: Implementation of initial audit GMP basic requirements, packaging and labels
3. Stage: Annual monitoring audits

The certificate issued entitles the holder to use the respective mark, which is awarded by the GfaW Gesellschaft für angewandte Wirtschaftsethik.

Further monitoring of conformity takes place through on-site audits depending on the risk classification.

Deviations and sanctions

If a product does not comply with the standard in stages 1 and 2, it does not receive a certificate. Stage 3 does not take place until all ingredients are compliant. The applicant then has time to change their recipe or replace the non-compliant raw materials.

If deviations from the standard are identified at level 3, reactions and sanctions are imposed, including withdrawal of the certificate and prohibition of use of the label.

Application procedure

To register the products, the company receives a registration file from the certification body or access to digital registration software. Companies registering products for the first time enter company data that is relevant for certification.

Listing of components for product registration

Among other things, a list of all ingredients contained in the product with the INCI contained is required in the product declaration. This is not(!) only the INCI declaration of the product. All the raw materials contained (if mixtures such as pre-preserved plant extracts are used, extraction agents and pre-preservation must also be listed).

The type and materials of the packaging must also be specified.

The certification body shall be informed immediately and without being asked of any changes relating to conformity with the GfaW standards.

Exchange with the certification body

For quality assurance of the GfaW standards, the certification body prepares a report on non-conformities once a year. This report is subject to confidentiality and serves the GfaW as a basis for topics in working group meetings, determining the need for consultation and evaluating the impact framework.

Certified products are published on the standard setter’s website with the following information:

• Brand
• Product name
• Certification level (NCP or NCP-vegan)
• Certification date and expiry date
• Links to online or stationary shopping opportunities
• Optional: Information on the application
• Optional: Information on sustainability