Terms and Conditions

These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern access to and use of the Artisanal Foundation website (the “Site”) and participation in the Certified Artisanal™ certification program (the “Program”).

By accessing this Site or submitting an application for certification, you agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as all applicable policies, standards, and agreements incorporated herein by reference.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use this Site or participate in the Program.

The Certified Artisanal™ certification mark (the “Certification Mark”) signifies that a specific product has been evaluated and determined to meet defined standards relating to:

• Small Batch Production
• Heritage or Traditional Methods
• Crafted Oversight

Certification is granted solely at the product (SKU) level and applies only to the specific product(s) approved.

Certification does not constitute:

• An endorsement of a company or brand
• A guarantee of safety, quality, or regulatory compliance
• A representation regarding non-certified products

All determinations are made at the sole discretion of Artisanal Foundation in accordance with the Certified Artisanal Standards.

You agree to use this Site only for lawful purposes and in a manner consistent with these Terms.

You may not:

• Submit false, misleading, or incomplete information
• Attempt to interfere with or disrupt the Site or Program
• Misrepresent your eligibility or certification status
• Use the Site to promote products that are not certified under the Program

Artisanal Foundation reserves the right to restrict or terminate access to the Site at its discretion.

Submission of an application does not guarantee certification.

Applicants must:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Submit all required documentation
• Respond to requests for clarification within specified timeframes
• Comply with all Program Standards and requirements

Artisanal Foundation may:

• Request additional documentation
• Conduct virtual or on-site audits
• Approve or deny certification at its sole discretion

Failure to comply with Program requirements may result in rejection, suspension, or revocation of certification.

Use of the Certified Artisanal™ Certification Mark is strictly limited.

The Mark may be used only:

• By approved licensees
• On certified products that have been assigned a valid Certification ID
• In accordance with the Certified Artisanal Brand & Mark Usage Guide

The Mark must:

• Accurately reflect the specific certification pillar(s) achieved
• Not be altered, distorted, or modified in any way
• Not be used in a manner that implies company-wide certification

Prohibited uses include:

• Use on non-certified products
• Misrepresentation of certification scope
• Use in a misleading, deceptive, or promotional manner that exceeds certification

Unauthorized or improper use constitutes misuse and may result in:

• Immediate suspension or revocation of certification
• Termination of license rights
• Legal action where applicable

All content on this Site, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, and the Certification Mark, is the property of Artisanal Foundation or its licensors.

No rights are granted except as expressly provided.

You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or modify any content without prior written consent
• Use the Certification Mark without authorization
• Create derivative works based on Program materials

All goodwill associated with the Certification Mark inures solely to Artisanal Foundation.

Certification fees are disclosed separately and must be paid in full at the time of application.

A portion of the fee may be designated as non-refundable.

Failure to pay applicable fees may result in:

• Denial of application
• Suspension or termination of certification
• Loss of rights to use the Certification Mark

Artisanal Foundation will treat submitted materials as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

Information may be shared with:

• Certification staff
• Auditors or review committees
• Regulatory or legal authorities, where required

Approved products may be listed in a public registry including:

• Product name
• Category
• Certification ID
• Certification status

No proprietary business information will be disclosed without consent.

Artisanal Foundation reserves the right to:

• Conduct audits and inspections
• Request documentation or product samples
• Monitor use of the Certification Mark in the marketplace

Non-compliance may result in:

• Corrective action requirements
• Suspension or revocation of certification
• Termination of license rights

Immediate action may be taken in cases of willful misuse or misrepresentation.

The Program and Certification Mark are provided on an “as is” basis.

Artisanal Foundation makes no warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to:

• Merchantability
• Fitness for a particular purpose
• Regulatory compliance
• Product safety or performance

Certification reflects only that a product met Program Standards at the time of evaluation.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Artisanal Foundation shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from:

• Use of the Site
• Participation in the Program
• Certification decisions
• Use or misuse of the Certification Mark

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Artisanal Foundation, its affiliates, and representatives from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from:

• Your use of the Certification Mark
• Your products or business operations
• Any breach of these Terms or Program requirements

Artisanal Foundation reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to the Site or Program at any time for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Misuse of the Certification Mark
• Failure to comply with Program Standards

Upon termination:

• All rights to use the Certification Mark cease immediately
• You must remove the Mark from all materials and products

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware and applicable U.S. federal law.

Any disputes shall be resolved in accordance with applicable agreements governing certification, including arbitration provisions where applicable.

Artisanal Foundation reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time.

Continued use of the Site or participation in the Program constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

For questions regarding these Terms or the Certified Artisanal™ Program, please contact:

Artisanal Foundation

info@artisanalfoundation.com

These Terms, together with the Certified Artisanal Standards, Application for Certification, and Certification License Agreement, constitute the full understanding between the parties regarding use of the Site and participation in the Program.