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+ANNEX IV Criteria for certification schemes |
ANNEX IV Criteria for certification schemes
ANNEX IV Criteria for certification schemes 1. A recognised certification scheme shall meet the following criteria:
(a)
it is open under transparent, fair and non-discriminatory terms to all economic operators willing and able to comply with the scheme’s requirements and subject to multi-stakeholder governance;
(b)
verification and monitoring of compliance is objective, based on international, Union or national standards, requirements and procedures and carried out independently from the relevant economic operator;
(c)
it includes sufficient requirements and procedures to ensure the competence and independence of the verifiers responsible;
(d)
it includes requirements to ensure an audit-report established at the site level. 2. The requirements for certification shall include at least:
(a)
requirements ensuring environmentally sustainable practices, including requirements ensuring environmental management and impact mitigation in the following environmental risk categories:
(i)
air, including air pollution such as greenhouse gas emissions;
(ii)
water, including seabed and marine environment, and water pollution, water use, water quantities, taking into account flooding or droughts, and access to water;
(iii)
soil, including soil pollution, soil erosion, land use and land degradation;
(iv)
biodiversity, including damage to habitats, wildlife, flora and ecosystems, including ecosystem services;
(v)
hazardous substances;
(vi)
noise and vibration;
(vii)
plant safety;
(viii)
energy use;
(ix)
waste and residues;
(b)
requirements for ensuring socially responsible practices, including respect for human rights and labour rights including the community life of indigenous peoples;
(c)
requirements for ensuring business integrity and transparency including requirements to apply sound management of financial, environmental and social matters and anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies. 1. Overview
1.1 References1.2 Identified Requirements1.3 Related Standards2. Identified Requirements
3. Related Standards
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