How Certification Works
The certification process is structured, sequential, and evidence-based. Each assessment is conducted with rigour, consistency, and enforceability.
What This Page Establishes
- Describes the stages of the certification assessment process.
- Explains how applications are evaluated against defined standards.
- Sets expectations for documentation requirements and timelines.
- Clarifies that submission does not guarantee certification.
Application Submission
The producer completes the compliance intake form, providing company details, product range information, production method documentation, and batch structure records. Applications are assessed individually. Separate product ranges require separate submissions.
Incomplete submissions will not proceed to assessment.
Document Audit
Supporting documentation is audited for completeness, accuracy, and relevance. This includes evidence of batch structure, process heritage, and material human intervention in production. All records must be contemporaneous and verifiable.
Insufficient or unverifiable documentation may result in rejection without further review.
Standards Assessment
The application is assessed against the applicable pillars of the Certified Artisanal standard: Small Batch, Heritage, and Crafted. Certification may be granted based on conformity with one, two, or all three pillars. Assessment is evidence-based with no predetermined outcome.
Claims without supporting documentation do not satisfy the standard.
Follow-Up and Clarification
Where additional evidence or clarification is required, the Foundation may request further documentation from the applicant. Applicants must respond within 30 business days.
Failure to respond within the specified timeframe may result in application closure.
Certification Decision
A certification decision is issued. Qualifying product ranges are approved for use of the Certified Artisanal mark. Non-qualifying applications receive formal notification with the specific grounds for denial.
Certification is not guaranteed. The Foundation reserves the right to decline any application that does not meet the standard.
Mark Issuance and Ongoing Compliance
Approved product ranges receive the Certified Artisanal mark under formal licence terms. Mark usage is subject to ongoing compliance requirements, periodic audit, and random verification.
The mark remains the property of Artisanal Foundation. Its use is controlled and may be revoked for non-compliance or misuse.