The RSPCA Certified Chain of Custody Standard applies to anyone in the supply chain of a business that has an RSPCA Certified Licensing Agreement.
This includes any entity that handles a product labelled, marketed as or making claims to contain RSPCA Certified products such Licensees, Producers, abattoirs, processing facilities, storage and distribution centres. Businesses that produce, process and in any other way handle RSPCA Certified products, must meet the requirements of the RSPCA Certified Chain of Custody Program.
Licensees are responsible for maintaining integrity of their supply chain
Licensees are responsible for maintaining integrity of their supply chain, which ensures all businesses involved in the handling of RSPCA Certified products are fulfilling the requirements of the Chain of Custody program.
Assessments are conducted annually by the RSPCA Certification Body to evaluate the segregation and traceability processes and conformance with the RSPCA Certified Chain of Custody Standard. RSPCA Certified ingredients are required to be clearly identifiable and never substituted with non-RSPCA Certified products.
Application Process
At each stage, the RSPCA Certification Body will liaise with participants to discuss and assist with their progression through the process.
Step 1 - Notification
Applicant / Producer / Licensee notifies RSPCA Certified or the RSPCA Certification Body of a new party in the supply chain.
Step 2 - Certification Body Correspondence
The RSPCA Certification Body will contact existing participants in the supply chain annually, or new participants promptly following receipt of their notification to join the supply chain.
Step 3 - Supply of Assessment Forms
The RSPCA Certification Body will supply forms and information for their completion:
- The Chain of Custody Standard
- A Business and Product registry form
- A self-assessment form
Step 4 - Submission of Materials
Applicants or existing participants must complete all forms, supply all required information (or verify information previously collected in the case of existing participants), and submit supporting documents as necessary.
Step 5 - Certification Body Evaluation of Conformance
The RSPCA Certification Body will review submitted materials and liaise as necessary to clarify and verify information submitted; this may include the request for the submission of further documents.
Step 6 - Confirmation of Participation
If conformance is determined, the RSPCA Certification Body will provide formal notice to the applicant / existing participant.
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