AFRICAN CONFORMITY  
ASSESSMENT  
PROGRAMME  CACO  
ACAP 1 -2  
Second  Edition 20 22  
  
                  
   
Conformity assessment — Part 2: Special requirements for the 
certification schemes and standards design  
                                        
 
  
ACAP 1 -2:2022  
 
 
 
 
  
  
Reference No.  
ACAP 1  
- 
2:202 2 
22 
( 
E 
) 
  
ICS  
03.200/97.220.10  
  
© ARSO 20 22 
  
   
 Table of contents  
  
1 Scope ....................................................................................................................... ...................... 1  
2 Normative references .................................................................................... ................................. 1  
2.1 ................................................................................................ 1  
3 Terms and definitions ................................................................................................. .................... 1  
4 The ARSO Certification schemes .............................................................................................. ..... 1  
5 Basic requirements for standards in ACAP Certification Schemes ................................... ............. 5  
5.1 General .................................................................................................... .............................. 5   
5.2 Scope ........................................................................................... ............ .............................. 5   
5.3 Objectives ................................................................................................ .............................. 5   
5.4 Specified requirements .............................................. .............................. .............................. 5   
5.5 References for specified requirements .................................................... .............................. 5   
5.6 Conformance c riteria ............................................................................... .............................. 6   
5.7 Ambiguous use of terms .......................................................................... .............................. 6   
5.8 Sampling .................................................................................................. .............................. 6   
5.9 Subcont ractors and outsourcing .............................................................. .............................. 7   
Annex A (informative)  Scheme A: Primary production (crops, livestock, aqua culture, apiculture) ........ 8  
Annex B (informative)  Scheme  B: Processing and handling / packing of food and fresh produce ...... 18  
Annex C (informative)  Scheme C: Traceability of AGAP certified produc ts in the food supply chain .. 23   
Annex D (informative)  Scheme D: Sustainability certification programme ..... .......................................27   
Annex E (informative)  Scheme E: Sustainable harvesting of wild botanical species for African  
traditional medicine ................................................................................................. .............................. 4 7   
 
 
 
   
ii  © ARSO 20 22 — All rights reserved  
ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 —       
Foreword  
  
The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) is an African Intergovernmental organization 
made of Member States of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the 
African Union (AU). One of the fundamental mandates of ARSO is the e stablishment of a conformity 
assessment system to promote the quality of African goods and services as a means of facilitating intra -
African trade as well as accessing global markets.   
  
The ARSO Conformity Assessment Programme (ACAP) is supported by a co herent set of documents 
which are developed under the auspices of the ARSO Conformity Assessment Committee (ARSO 
CACO) which comprises experts from Member States. Member States participate in the committee on 
a voluntary basis and the documents developed f ollow the principles and procedures for the 
development of African Standards outlined in the African Standards Harmonization Model (ASHAM) 
with the exception of the stages and voting thresholds. Being conformity assessment instruments, 
ACAP documents are s ubject to dynamic adaptations which must timeously respond to changes in the 
conformity assessment fields.  
  
ACAP documents will be revised on a flexible basis to fit in with changes in global conformity assessment 
systems.  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
© African Organisation for Standardisation 20 22 — All rights reserved1  
  
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P. O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
  
Tel. +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org   
Web: www.arso -oran.org   
    
ACAP 1 -2:2022  
  
 
1 © 2022 ARSO — All rights of exploitation reserved worldwide for African Member States’ NSBs.  
 All rights reserved  iii  
 Copyright notice   
  
This ARSO document is copyright -protected by ARSO. While the reproduction of this document 
by participants in the ARSO standards development process is permitted without prior permission 
from ARSO, neither this document nor any extract from it may be repro duced, stored or 
transmitted in any form for any other purpose without prior written permission from ARSO.  
  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document for the purpose of selling it should be 
addressed as shown below or to ARSO’s member body in the country of the requester:  
  
  
© African Organisation for Standardisation 20 22 — All rights reserved  
  
ARSO  Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P.O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
  
Tel: +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
  
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org   
Web: www.arso -oran.org   
  
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement. 
Violators may be prosecuted.  
  
  
  
  iv  © ARSO 20 22 — All rights reserved   
© ARSO 2022 —      ACAP 1 -2:2022  
Introduction  
  
This document describes additional certification rules for any party seeking certification within the framework 
of the African Conformity Assessment Programme (ACAP).  
  
These specific requirements shall be used in combination with requirements in ACAP 1 -1: that define the 
certification rules that apply for all ARSO Certification Schemes.  
  
The term “shall” is used throughout this document to indicate those provisions whi ch are mandatory for the 
different certification schemes.  
  
  
  
  
  All rights reserved  v  
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   1  
AFRICAN CONFORMITY  ACAP 1 -2:2022  
  
Conformity assessment — Part 2: Special requirements for the 
design and implementation of ACAP certification schemes   
  
  
1  Scope  
  
This document specifies special requirements for the design and implementation of ACAP certification 
schemes.  It gives  
2  Normative references  
  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any am endments) applies.  
  
 
ISO/IEC 17000, Conformity assessment — Vocabulary and general principles   
 
ACAP 1 -1:, Regulations — Part 1: General requirements for the certification systems   
  
ACAP 1 -3, Regulations — Part 3: Requirements for approval of certificat ion bodies   
  
ACAP 1 -4, Regulations — Part 4: Requirements for approval of testing and calibration laboratories   
  
ACAP 2, Sustainable agriculture — Assessment and certification   
  
ACAP 3, Sustainable capture fisheries — Assessment and certification   
  
ACAP 4, Cosmetology and wellness certification framework   
  
ACAP 5 -1, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 1: General requirements   
  
ACAP 5 -2, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 2: Good collection p ractices 
(GCP) for medicinal plant produce   
  
ACAP 5 -3, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 3: Good agricultural practices 
(GAP) for medicinal plant produce   
  
ACAP 5 -4, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 4: Good ma nufacturing practices 
(GMP) for herbal medicines   
  
ACAP 5 -5, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 5: Minimum requirements for 
registration of traditional medicines   
  
3  Terms and definitions  
  
For the purpose of this document the terms and definitions in ISO/IEC 17000 apply.  
  
4  The ACAP Certification schemes  
  
The general structure of ACAP Certification Schemes as described in ACAP 1 -1, is summarized in 
Figure 1 and their details are given i n Annex A to Annex L.   ACAP 1 -2:2022   
2  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   
The principle s of impartiality, confidentiality and requirements for publicly available documents shall 
apply to all types of schemes under ACAP.  
 ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   3        
African Conformity Assessment Programme (ACAP): Certification Schemes  
      
Scheme name  Subject area  Scheme scope/Sub -scheme    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Sample standards applicable  
ACAP Certification  
Scheme A: Primary 
production (crops, 
livestock,  
aquaculture,  
apiculture)  
  Agricultural Crops  
ACAP Certification Scheme 
A1: Single Farmers  ARS 461  
ARS 886  
ARS 1100  
ARS 1101  
ARS 1102  
ARS 1103  
ARS 1104  
ARS 1105  
ARS 1106  
ARS 1107  
ARS 1108  
ARS 1109  
ARS 1401  
ARS 1403  
ARS 1419  Livestock and dairy  
Aquaculture  
Apiculture  
    
Agricultural crops  
ACAP Certification Scheme 
A2: Groups of Farmers  Livestock and dairy  
Aquaculture  
Apiculture  
      
 
ACAP Certification  
Scheme B: Food 
processing  Processing and handling/ packing of food and fresh 
produce  
   
ACAP Certification  
Scheme C: Chain of 
custody  Traceability of ARSO certified products in the food 
supply chain  
  
ARSO approved certification 
standards for food handling 
and processing  
 
 
ARSO approved certification 
standard for chain of custody  
 
      
ACAP Certification 
Scheme D:  
Sustainability and 
eco-labelling  ACAP Certification Scheme D1: Single legal entity  
  ARS/AES 1  
ARS/AES 3  
ARS/AES 5  
ARS/AES 6  ACAP Certification Scheme D2: Groups or multisite 
operation  
      
ACAP Certification  
Scheme E: African  
Traditional Medicine  Scheme E1: Good agricultural practices for medicinal 
plants    
  
  ARS 952, Guidelines on good 
agricultural and  
collection practices (GACP) for 
medicinal plants   Scheme E2: Sustainable wild harvesting of medicinal 
plants  
Scheme E3: Good manufacturing practices for herbal 
medicines  ARS 951, GMP for herbal 
medicines   
  
ACAP Scheme F:  
Sustainable capture 
fisheries  Sustainable wild 
catch of fish and 
other sea water/ 
fresh water species  ARS/AES 2, Fisheries — Sustainability and eco -labelling —  
Requirements  
  
        
  
  
    
ACAP Certification  
Scheme G: Good 
financial grant 
practice  Four-tier certification system for grantees of various 
capabilities  ARS 1651, Good financial 
grant practice — Requirements   
        
ACAP Certification 
Scheme H:  
Cosmetology and 
wellness  (1) Scheme H1: Barbering; (2) Scheme H2: Haircare;  
(3) Scheme H3: Skin care; (4) Scheme H4: Nail care; 
(5) Scheme H5: Massage therapy; (6) Scheme H6: 
Reflexology; (7) Scheme H7: Aromatherapy; (8) 
Scheme H8: Spa therapies; (9) Sch eme H9: Hair 
removal techniques; (10) Scheme H10: Body art and 
body piercing  ACAP 4, Cosmetology and 
wellness certification  
framework  
        ACAP 1 -2:2022   
4  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  ACAP Certification 
Scheme J:  
Sustainable mining  Sustainable mining certification is based on a set of  
African standards which specify objectives and 
leading performance requirements for economically, 
environmentally and socially responsible practices    
  Mining — Sustainability and  
Ecolabelling — Requir ements 
ARS 1340, Natural stone for 
building — Sustainability 
assessment and certification 
ARS 1343, Sustainable sand 
mining — Requirements   
ACAP Certification 
Scheme K:  
Made in Africa  Made in Africa certification is based on a set of  
African standards which specify objectives and 
leading performance requirements for products or 
services made in Africa to benefit from preferential 
trade arrangements    Made in Africa – Criteria for 
qualification and guidance for 
Implementation - ARS MiA 
:2021  
 
  
ACAP Certification 
Scheme L:  
Ecological Organic 
Agriculture  Ecological Organic Agriculture certification is based 
on a set of  
African standards which apply  to any party seeking 
certification of the requirements for ecological organic  
agriculture prod ucts that includes Live stock, 
Aquaculture, Agro -processing, Agro  Forestry and 
forestry products, Leather and leather products , 
Textile pro ducts   ARSO Ecological Organic 
Agriculture standards  
 
  
              
  
Figure 1 — African Conformity Assessment Programme (ACAP) Certification Schemes  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   5  5 Requirements  
  
5.1 General requirements  
 
Where applicable, production processes and management systems that have influence on the quality,  
health, safety and legality of the certified products are also included.   
 
 
5.2  Scope  
  
A clear Specification and description of the object of the conformity assessment (ex: products name, 
variety, status of final product, etc.) shall be included in the Standar d  
 
  
5.3  Objectives  
  
A description of the objectives of the standard, including elements to explain the added value given to 
the product by achieving compliance to the Standard’s requirements  
 
 
5.4  Specifi c requirements  
  
(a) Specifi c requirements relating to the characteristics of the object of conformity assessment  
shall be stated .  
  
(b) Specifi c requirements shall be written in such a way that they are clear, direct and precise and 
result in accurate and uniform interpretation, so that  parties making use of the document are 
able to derive from the contents of the document a common understanding of its meaning and 
intent.  
  
(c) Objects of conformity assessment shall focus only on the criteria or performance characteristics 
of the object.  
  
(d) Test methods for determining that the criteria or characteristics have been met shall be clearly 
specified and identified for their original source and review. Possible benchmarked methods 
shall also be indicated, where available. They should be expressed  in such a way that any 
interested party may carry out the testing.   
  
(e) It shall be left to the users (e .g. Manufacturers/Producers , CBs, Testing Laborator ies) to decide 
what activity will be utilized to comply with the specific requirements . 
  
(f) Specifi c requirements shall be written in terms of results or outcomes, together with metric Units 
to be used, limiting values and tolerances, where  applicable , and the methods of determination, 
such as test methods or inspection, in order to verify the specifi c characteristics.   
  
(g) Specifi c requirements shall be written in such a way that they facilitate the development of 
technology. In general, this is accomplished by:  
  
 specifying requirements in terms of performance, rather than design or descriptive 
characteristics;  
  
 specifying requirements related to the object, and not to the production process for the object.  
  
5.5  References for specified requirements  
  
(a) If a set of specified requirements incorporates requirements stated in another normative 
document, (legislati on, code of practices, sector guidelines, etc.), the incorporation shall be by ACAP 1 -2:2022   
6  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  specific reference and clearly indicate the referenced version, usually by the date (year) of 
publication.   
  
(b) If the version of the referenced document is not specified, the co nventional understanding is 
that the latest version of the document applies, including all amendments and revisions. The 
use of the term “latest issue” in conjunction with an undated reference shall be avoided.  
  
(c) If the referenced document is not dated, i t is possible that the format and content of the 
referenced requirements could change over time. The consequences of changes to the 
referenced requirements should be considered.  
  
5.6   Conformance criteria  
  
(a) Each requirement expressed in the ACAP certification scheme shall be auditable and criteria 
for the evaluation of  conformance shall be clearly identified . 
(b) Specified requirements may contain more than one category, type, class or grade  where 
applicable  
  
(c) if necessary, where multiple types, classes, grades, etc. are permitted, the document shall 
specify how these are to be identified to the user.  
  
(d) All measurement values shall be expressed in SI units (International System of Units).  
  
(e) Specified requiremen ts shall be stated unambiguously using wording that is objective, logical, 
valid and specific.   
  
5.7  Ambiguous use of terms  
  
(a) terms such as “adequate”, “adversely affected”, “sufficiently strong” and “extreme conditions” 
are subjective and should be av oided;  
  
(b) qualitative nouns and adjectives that could be taken as absolute, e.g. “waterproof”, 
“unbreakable”, “flat”, and “safe”, should not be used unless defined by specific limits or 
indicators;  
  
(c) qualitative nouns and adjectives that describe a measurable property, e.g. “high”, “strong”,  
“transparent” and “accurate”, should not be used unless defined by specific limits or indicators;   
  
(d) the term “unless otherwise specified” should not be used, ex cept when the “other specification s” 
is clearly identified in the requirements.  
  
5.8  Sampling  
  
5.8.1S pecified test methods and related sampling requirements may be selected for use in conformity 
assessment activities.   
  
5.8.2 The methodology to be a pplied for sampling and testing is specified among the requirements of 
the different Certification Schemes. As a minimum the following criteria shall be included:  
  
(a) sample size 
  
(b) time / date and location of sampling  
  
(c) sampling criteria  
  
(d) Traceability of samples  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   7    
(e) Transportation, handling and storage of samples.  
  
(f) Sampling   report  
  
(g) Parameters to be tested by the laboratory.  
  
(h) Test Methods  
  
5.8.3 Criteria  for test methods  
 
Criteria for test methods is to gain consistent and reproducible results, sampling methods should be 
based, whenever possible, on statistical methods, provided in International Standards.  
  
(a) As far as practicable, testing methods should describe clearly how the test is to be performed:   
  
(i) the choice and preparation of samples  
  
(ii) the testing equipment to be use d  
  
(iii) the data to be recorded,  
  
(iv) the acceptance criteria,  
  
(v) the limits to be used for accepting or rejecting the result,  
  
(vi) (where relevant) what is acceptable in terms of uncertainty of measurement, accuracy, 
reproducibility and repeatability.  
  
(b) Test methods shall focus on the specified requirements of the object  of conformity assessment 
and should avoid stating requirements not directly related to the object's performance.  
  
(c) Test methods shall be selected bearing in mind their effectiveness, econom ic and practical 
application.  
  
(d) Non-destructive test methods sho uld be chosen whenever they provide the same level of 
confidence as destructive test methods.  
  
(e) The ACAP standard shall specify the sequence of tests when the sequence can influence the 
results  
  
(f) Where possible, alternative test methods or test equipment shall be included in the normative 
document. The equivalence or any advantage or disadvantage wh en compared with the 
primary test method should be explained.   
  
(g) If equivalent tests are provided, it shall be specified which one will be used in case of dispute.  
  
5.9  Subcontractors and outsourcing  
  
When introducing requirements of the object of co nformity assessment that is new for ACAP testing 
system, it is good practice to investigate whether Subcontractors and Processes in Outsourcing are 
involved  
  
All ACAP standards shall consider the possible involvement of sub -contractors and outsourcing in  their 
processes.  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
8  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  Specific Requirements for management and control of sub -contractors and outsourced processes must 
be included in the ACAP Standard to control that the related testing methods are feasible, in terms of 
availability of equipment to  recognized labs, cost/benefit ratio and accuracy of the results.  
     
 
 
 
Annex A  
( Normative )  
  
Scheme A: Primary production (crops, livestock, aquaculture, apiculture)  
  
  
A.1  Registration data  
  
In addition to the requirements in ACAP 1 -1, some specific information are required for Certification 
Schemes A1 and A2  
  
A.1.1  Detail s of certified production  
  
A.1.1.1 Crops  
  
(a) Name of crops (species)  
  
(b) Area of production (ha)  
  
(c) Expected quantity of certified production (tons)  
  
(d) Number and identification of production sites (map of sites and sites location information)  
  
(e) On-farm postharvest activities and address of postharvest unit.  
 
(f) Transportation a nd storage  conditions  
(g) Year of production  
(h) Any other regulatory requirements  
  
A.1.1.2 Livestock and related products  
  
(a) Name of product (i.e. species and breed )  
  
(b) Kind of production (for example  milk, meat, eggs, etc.)    
  
(c) Number of individual species   
  
(d) Expected quantity of certified production ( i.e. tons, litres. pieces…etc. )  
  
(e) Number and identification of production sites (map of sites and sites location information)  
  
(f) On-farm slaughtering or processing unit information  
 
(g) Production date  
(h) Transportation and storage conditions  
  
A.1.1.3 Aquaculture  
  
(a) Name of species   ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   9    
(b) Kind of production (ex: ova, seedlings, grown fish)  
  
(c) Estimated number of individuals  
  
(d) Expected quantity of certified production (tons, in case of grown fish)  
  
(e) Number and  identification of production sites (map of sites and sites location information)   
  
(f) On-farm slaughtering or processing unit information  
  
A.1.1.4 Apiculture  
  
(a) Name of species   
  
(b) Kind of production   
  
(c) Estimated number of individuals  
  
(d) Expected quantity of certified production (kg)  
  
(f)  Number and identification of production sites (map of sites and sites location information)  
  
A.1.1.5 Additional information for groups of farmers  
  
(a) Name of crops/s pecies grown by each farmer of the group, according to scope (A.1.1.1 to 
A.1.1.4)  
  
(b) Area/ number of individuals  
  
(c) Expected quantity of certified production (  
  
(d) Number and identification of production sites (map of sites and sites location information)  
  
A.2  ACAP Certification Scheme A scopes of certification  
  
A.2.1  Products  
  
Products included in the Scheme A come from primary production and, according to t he nature of the 
farming activity can have different origin:  
  
(a) Vegetable crops productions (ex: fruit, vegetables, herbs, roots, plants for medical use, flowers, 
etc.)  
  
(b) Livestock production coming from different animal species (ex: meat, milk, wool, egg s)  
  
(c) Aquaculture production coming from different aquaculture species (ex: fish for consumption, 
brood stock for reproduction, ova and seedlings for reproduction, ova for consumption, etc.)  
  
(d) Apiculture products (ex: honey, wax, royal jelly, etc.). The N ature and number of products 
certifiable in the ACAP system depend of the availability of specific standards for certification, 
designed and approved by ACAP. The certification scope may have different focus for different 
products, according to the scope a nd focus of the Standard of reference.  
  
A.2.2  Processes  
  
A.2.2.1 Production cycle  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
10  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (a) As a general concept, the ACAP certification scheme A requires that all the life/production cycle 
of the products (vegetal or animal) is carried out on -farm following the certification rules.   
  
(b) Exceptions can be clarified in the specific Standards for ce rtification, also according to the 
phase of certification (initial, surveillance or re -certification) and to the duration of life/ 
production cycle of the plant of animal.   
  
(c) All production processes carried out during the cycle of certification shall be carried out in 
agreement with the ACAP applicable certification rules, for the selected Standard.   
  
A.2.2.2 Harvesting Process  
  
(a) If harvest, slaughtering, collection of animal products is carried out by the same Producer, the 
harvesting process shall be  included in the scope of certification  
  
(b) If harvest, slaughtering, collection of animal products is carried out under the responsibility of 
the buyer of the product (the producer does not own the product), the harvesting process shall 
be excluded from th e scope of certification  
  
(c) In case of exclusion of harvest, in order to be able to use the ARSO Mark along the supply 
chain, the buyer of the product shall be ARSO ACAP Certified according to one of the ACAP 
certification schemes applicable for the product.   
  
Example: the buyer is  a food manufacturer that buys apples to make apple juice. In this case he/she 
shall be certified according to the ACAP Certification Scheme B.  
  
A.2.2.3 Post -harvest produce handling  
  
(a) Produce handling includes any type of post -harvest handling of products that is still under the 
legal responsibility of the same producer. (ex: storage, chemical treatment, trimming, washing, 
bleeding, degutting, slicing or any other handling where the pro duct may have physical contact 
with other materials or substances but does but change its main aspect and nature.   
  
(b) Food processing is not considered a post -harvest activity and it is covered under Certification 
Scheme B.  
  
(c) Produce handling, including d escription of processes done, shall be declared during registration 
and indicated on the certificate.  
  
(d) Produce handling shall always be included as long as the product belongs to the producer 
during handling (by the producer or subcontractor), if the ARS O Mark in order to receive a 
licence for the ARSO Mark.  
  
A.2.2.4 Sub -contractors and Process outsourcing  
  
(a) Outsourcing of certified processes is under the responsibility of the certified producers. It is allowed 
and regulated in different ways for d ifferent ACAP Standards  
  
(c)  Details on sub -contractors and outsourcing management will be specified in the different 
standards.   ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   11    
  
A.3  ACAP Certification Scheme A specific Normative Documents  
  
The Normative documents presented in this chapter (and any additional document or integration that 
will be identified as "Normative for certification scheme A") are specific for certification scheme A and 
relevant to all Parties involved in the ACAP certif ication process.   
  
The specific documents are represented by:  
  
(a) ACAP Standards, technical normative documents to be certified within Scheme A  
  
(b) ACAP check list for general Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)  
  
(c) ACAP check lists for GAP, specific for each sub -scope of scheme A (Crops, Livestock, 
Aquaculture, Apiculture)  
  
(d) ACAP check lists that extrapolate the requirements in the ACAP Standards  
  
(e) ACAP QMS check list for group or farmers in scheme A2  
  
A.4  Quali ty management system for Scheme A2  
  
The QMS designed for the ARSO ACAP certification schemes contains elements specific for the scope 
of the ACAP certification.   
  
The requirements, as well as the criteria for conformance for the QMS are described in th e ACAP QMS 
checklist for group or farmers   
  
A.5   Evaluation Process  
  
In addition to ACAP 1 -1, the following rules apply for the certification of the ARSO Certification schemes 
A1 and A2.  
  
A.5.1  Self- evaluation  and Internal Audit and verification   
  
A.5.1.1 Self - evaluation   
  
It is required for ARSO certification Scheme A1.  
        
Certification Scheme A2: ACAP QMS checklist  
      
Certification 
Scheme A  ACAP check list for 
general Good 
Agricultural  
Practices (GAP)  ACAP check list for GAP in  
Agricultural Crops,  
Including Medicinal plants  
  
  Specific check lists for  
ACAP Standards on 
Agricultural Crops  
ACAP check list for GAP in 
Livestock farming  Specific check lists for  
ACAP Standards on 
Animal Products  
ACAP check list for GAP in 
Aquaculture  Specific check lists for  
ACAP Standards on  
Aquaculture Products  
ACAP check list for GAP in 
Apiculture  Specific check lists for  
ACAP Standards on 
Apiculture Products  
        ACAP 1 -2:2022   
12  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  During self - evalu ation , all deviations and not applicable requirements must be recorded and corrective 
actions implemented.  
  
No specific requirements are in place for the qualification of the  evaluator .  
  
A.5.1.2 Internal audit and verification.  
  
It is required for ARSO ce rtification Scheme A2.  
  
There are 2 different requirements of qualification for self -verification of the QMS and verification of the 
activity on farm, according to the specific African Standard.  
  
(a) Internal Auditor.  The internal auditor is qualified for both verification of QMS of a group of 
Producers and for the technical verification of the farm on -site.  
  
The following requirements shall be complied for qualification of the Internal Auditor:  
  
(i) Post-High school education including courses pertinent with the major scope of 
certification (crops, livestock, aquaculture, apiculture)  
  
(ii) Documented official training on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 9001 auditing standard of minimum 16 hours.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated competence in the use of chemical treatments on the products (ex:  
pesticides on crops, drugs and medications on livestock, fish and bees). This 
competence can be from education, courses or demonstrated practical experi ence of 
minimum 2 years.  
  
(iv) Demonstrated competence in nutrition sector (ex: fertilizers in crops, feed on livestock 
and fish). This competence can be from education, courses or demonstrated practical 
experience of minimum 2 years.  
  
(v) Documented qualified Course in food hygiene and good agricultural practices.  
  
(b) Internal verifier: Can carry out only the internal technical on -site verification of production sites 
according to the requirements related to production. Can work in team with the internal Auditor  
for verification of the producers of a group.  
  
(i) High school education including courses pertinent with the major scope of certification 
(crops, livestock, aquaculture, apiculture)  
  
(ii) Demonstrated competence in the use of chemical treatments on the produc ts (ex:  
pesticides on crops, drugs and medications on livestock, fish and bees). This 
competence can be from education, courses or demonstrated practical experience of 
minimum 2 years.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated competence in nutrition sector (ex: fertilizers in crops feed on livestock 
and fish). This competence can be from education, courses or demonstrated practical 
experience of minimum 2 years.  
  
(iv) Documented qualified course in food hygiene and go od agricultural practices.  
  
(v) 1 verification as observer and 1 verification as verifier witnessed by a qualified Auditor  
  
A.5.2  Independent external verification  
  
A.5.2.1 Certification Body  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   13  For the certification of the ACAP Certification Scheme A, the certification Body must be approved for 
the scope A1 or for single Producers certification or the all scope A for single and groups of producers. 
Approved CBs are listed on the ARSO website  
  
A.5.2.2 Laboratory  
  
For testing and analytical verificati on of conformance for the ACAP Certification Scheme A, the  
Laboratory shall be approved for the specific tests and methodologies required by the specific standards 
(technical specification) to be certified. Approved Laboratories, with the detail of the ap proved tests and 
methods are listed on the ARSO website.  
  
A.5.2.3 Qualification of  evaluators  
  
Also for external verifications, two different kind of  evaluators are identified:  
  
A.5.2.3.1 Verifier for scope A  
  
(a)  Task   
  
(i) Can only carry out the technical on -site verification of production sites according to the 
requirements related to production  
  
(ii) Can work in team with the Auditor for verification of the producers of a group.  
  
(b)  Qualification : The following requirements shall be complied for qualification of the Verifier:  
  
(i) Post high school education including courses pertinent with the major scope of 
certification (crops, livestock, aquaculture, apiculture)  
  
(ii) Documented official training on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 9001 auditing standard of minimum 16 hours.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated competence in the use of chemical treatments on the products (ex:  
pesticides on crops, drugs and medic ations on livestock, fish and bees). This 
competence can be from education, courses or demonstrated practical experience of 
minimum 2 years.  
  
(iv) Demonstrated competence in nutrition sector (ex: fertilizers in crops, feed on livestock 
and fish). This compete nce can be from education, courses or demonstrated practical 
experience of minimum 2 years.  
  
(v) Documented qualified Course in food hygiene and good agricultural practices of 
minimum  16hrs duration.  
  
(vi) 1 verification as observer and 2 verification as verif ier witnessed by a qualified Auditor 
or Verifier  
  
A.5.2.3.2 Auditor for scope A  
  
(a)  Task   
  
(i)  To carry out Audits of the QMS and on -farm post -harvest activity (ex: packing of crops, 
slaughtering of first processing of animals and fish, handling of Api culture products)   
  
(ii)  To carry out the technical on -site verification of production sites according to the 
requirements related to production  
  
(iii) In an audit team, covers the task of team leader and/or lead auditor.  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
14  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved    
(b)  Qualification : The following requirements shall be complie d for qualification of the Auditor:  
  
(i) Post-High school degree including courses pertinent with the major scope of 
certification (crops, livestock, aquaculture, apiculture)  
  
(ii) Documented official training on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 9001 auditing standard of minimum 36 hours.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated competence in the use of chemical treatments on the products (ex:  
pesticides on crops, drugs and medications on livestock, fish and bees). This 
competence can be from education, cour ses or demonstrated practical experience of 
minimum 2 years.  
  
(iv) Demonstrated competence in nutrition sector (ex: fertilizers in crops, feed on livestock 
and fish). This competence can be from education, courses or demonstrated practical 
experience of minim um 2 years.  
  
(v) Documented qualified Course on HACCP of minimum 2 days duration   
  
(vi) Documented qualified Course in food hygiene and good agricultural practices of 
minimum 2 days duration.  
  
(vii) For QMS audits, the technical competence on production can be complementary 
covered by a sector expert, working in together with the auditor.  
  
(viii) 1 verification as observer and 2 verification as auditor on a complete audit (QMS plus 
Production), witnessed by a qualified Auditor  
  
A.5.2.4 Initial certification  
  
The initial certification in carried out once, at the first ARSO Certification for the spec ific Scheme of 
certification. The change of certification Body does not require a new initial certification. The initial 
Certification is composed by 2 phases:  
  
A.5.2.4.1 Documental review  
  
This phase is applicable only for Certification scheme A2 and regards the desk audits of the QMS 
documentation  
  
A.5.2.4.2 Initial audits  
  
It represents the audits carried out by the CB for final certification. It is carried out on -site. In case of 
scheme A2, this audits shall follow the documental review. It can be consecutive or carried out with a 
maximum timeframe of 3 months from the documental review. In case of exceedance of the timeframe, 
the review must be repeated.   
  
A.5.2.5 Periodical Surveillance Audits   
  
According to the duration of 3 years of the ce rtification cycle, there are 2 surveillance audits in one 
certification cycle.  
  
A.5.2.6 Re -certification Audits   
  
 The re -certification audit is carried out before expiry of the certificate. It shall be done with ample time 
to carry out any post audit activities such as closure of NCs and making the certification decision before 
expiry of the certificate    
   ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   15    
A.5.2. 7 Verification timing: Initial certification audits  
  
The verification shall be planned when the production cycle is completed and evidences can be 
collected from both visual and documental audits:  
  
(a)  Crops  
  
Cultivation cycle is completed and harve st is in place  on the day of the audit.   
  
In case of group of farmers, at least 25% of the sample must be harvesting on the day of the audits.  
  
Harvest can be evaluated on at least one crop representative of the following groups: fruit perennials, 
open field vegetables, green -house vegetables, multiple harvest crops.  
  
If post -harvest activity is included in the scope of certification, it must be taking place on the day of the 
audit .  
  
(b)  Livestock and fish  
  
Life/ production cycle is completed.  
  
The final steps of production are completed (ex: slaughtering, milking, eggs picking, etc.)   
  
In case of group of farmers, at least 25% of the sample must have completed one cycle the day of the 
verification  
  
Complete cycle can be  evaluated  on at leas t one specie representative of a similar group of species.  
  
(c)  Apiculture  
  
Life/ production cycle is completed.  
  
The final steps of production are completed and shall be  evaluated  
  
In case of group of farmers, at least 25% of the sample must have  completed one cycle the day of the 
verification  
  
  
A.5.2.8 Sampling of farmers and production sites  
  
In case of certification scheme A2, group of producers, a sample of the producers registered in the 
producers group will be verified. The sample is taken with regard to the following principles.  
  
A.5.2.8.1 Initial audits  
  
(a) The Square root of the total n umber of farmers, approximated by the higher value, shall be 
sampled and  evaluated for first certification   
  
(b) The sample shall be representative of all the products included in the scope of certification and 
the number of samples for each product must be  equally balanced.  
  
(c) All the products must be present on -site and at least half of the products must be in harvest 
(end of production cycle) at the moment of the verification.   
  
(d) In case of small groups of producers, at least one sample for each product in the scope of 
certification must be verified, even if the final sample is larger than the SQR of the group.  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
16  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (e) The same Producer can be sampled for more than one product   
  
A.5.2.8.2 Surveillance Audits  
  
(a) The Square root of the total number of farmers multiplied by 0.6, approximated by the higher 
value, shall be sampled and  evaluated for surveillance verification  
  
(b) At least one of the products included in the scope of certification shall be in harvest or at end 
of cycle. If more products are on -site, the number of samples for each product must be equally 
balanced.   
  
(c) The products not in harvest or not present at the moment of the surveillance audit must be 
verified for compliance by evaluating evidences and records from the previous certified cycle.  
  
(d) The same Producer can be sampled for more than one product.  
  
A.5.2.8.3 Re -certification/ transfer of CB Audits  
  
(a) The Square root of the total number of farmers, approximated by the higher value, shall be 
sampled and  evaluated for first certification and re -certification  
  
(b) The sample shall be representative of all the products present on the day of the audits and 
included in the scope of certification. The number of samples for each product must be equally 
balanced.  
  
(c) At least 1 of the products present on -site must be in harvest (end of production cycle) at the 
moment of the audits.   
  
(d) In case of small groups of pr oducers, at least one sample for each product on -site must be 
verified, even if the final sample is larger than the SQR of the group.  
  
(e) The same Producer can be sampled for more than one product.  
  
A.6  Sampling and testing of products (where applicable)  
  
The laboratory can be selected by both the CB and the Producer, among the ARSO  directory of 
recognized laborator ies, according to criteria such as kind of testing required, location, etc.  
 A.6.1  Sampling and testing  
  
(a) The analytical tests to be carried out on the products to be certified or any testing required to 
confirm compliance, are specific for the different ACAP Standards and they related to product  
specific requirements.  
  
(b) Samplin g and testing methodology are specifically indicated of the ARSO Standard in relation 
to the purposes of the sampling and the testing  
  
(c) Sampling may be carried out on -farm, before the product is put on the market, or taken from 
the market, according to sp ecific Standards requirements.  
  
(d) The list of the parameters and also contaminant to be searched by the laboratory shall be 
prepared taking into consideration the Specific requests from the Standard of certification.  
  
(e) Some additional criteria shall be co nsidered, where appropriate:  
  
(i) Chemicals known to be used on the products during the production period (ex:  
pesticides, antibiotics. Medicine). Records of the treatment shall be kept (ex: spray 
records; veterinary logs, etc.)  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   17    
(ii) Chemicals not directly used on the products but with a potential of cross contamination 
with the product (ex: spray drift, heavy metals from heavy traffic, pollution coming from 
industry,   
  
(iii) Industrial or different neighbouring farming that may have an in fluence on the safety of 
products   
  
A.7  Verification results and evaluation of conformance  
  
The classification of findings raised during the verification and related management is explained in  
ACAP 1 -1  
  
With regard to scheme A, the following criteri a are applied for the final evaluation of  conformance :  
  
A.7.1  Major Non -Conform ity  
  
(a) For Initial (First certification) verification , all major NCs shall be closed with effective corrective 
actions before the certification decision can be made   
  
 
  
(b) For Surveillance  verifications, all major NCs shall be closed within 3 months of the last day of 
the audit.   
  
For recertification verifications, a ll Major NC s shall be closed with effective corrective actions 
before the release of the certificate  
  
A.7.2   Minor Non -conform ity  
  
(a) Initial (First certification) verification.  
  
It is allowed for the 20% of the Minor NC raised during Initial audit to be closed within the next 
surveillance audit, upon presentation and approval of a corrective action plan.  
  
The remaining 80% of the Minor NC raised shall be closed within the given time  frame for the 
relevant certification scheme    
  
(b) Surveillance and Re -certification verifications  
  
It is allowed for the 10% of the Minor NC raised during Initial audit to be clo sed within the next 
surveillance audit, upon presentation and approval of a corrective action plan.  
  
(c) The remaining 90% of the Minor NC raised shall be closed within the given time  frame for the 
relevant certification scheme  
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ACAP 1 -2:2022   
18  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  Annex B  
( Normative   
  
Scheme B: Processing and handling / packing of food and fresh produce  
  
  
B.1  Registration data  
  
In addition to the requirements in ACAP 1 -1, some specific information are required for Certification 
Scheme B.  
  
B.1.1  Detail of certified production:  
  
B.1.1.1 Production Site  
  
(a) Name of production site  
  
(b) Address of production site  
  
(c) Area of product ion (m2)  
  
(d) Expected quantity of certified production (tons)  
  
(e) Number of employees  
  
(f) Detailed description of products  
  
(g) Detailed description of production processes  
  
B.2  ACAP Certification Scheme B scopes of certification  
  
B.2.1  Products  
  
(a) Selected and packed fresh fruit and vegetables  
  
(b) Selected and packed fresh animal products  
  
(c) Processed food from different origin a nd composition.  
  
In order to meet the requirements of the ACAP supply chain, the ACAP products in Scheme B shall be 
made with raw materials certified according to an ACAP certification scheme, with exception of scheme 
C, chain of custody, that is focused only on assuring t he traceability of the certified products along the 
supply chain.  
  
If it is not possible to use all raw materials coming from ACAP certification, at least one of the main 
ingredients shall be certified. The certified ingredients shall be clearly identifi ed and indicated in the 
label of the product, in the list of the ingredients and claims shall be made about the Percentage of 
ACAP certified ingredient present in the product.   
  
The use of the ACAP mark shall be authorized on case -by-case bases upon deci sion of the ARSO 
Secretariat.  
  
B.2.2  Processes  
  
B.2.2.1 Production cycle  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   19  (a) As a general concept, the ACAP certification scheme A requires that all the production cycle of 
the products is carried out on -site following the ACAP certification rules.   
  
(b) In case of processes or part of processes are carried out by external sub -contra ctors, the 
Produce r shall carry out a supplier on -site evaluation , using the ACAP certification scheme B 
check list for the requirements that are applicable to the processes subcontracted.  
  
(c) In case the sub -contractor is already certified for ACAP scheme B, the evaluation is not required 
but copy of a valid certificate shall be available.  
  
(d) In case of doubts, the CB has the right to carry out verification at the sub -contractor site, upon 
previous agreement and planning of the activity.  
  
B.2.2.2 Sub -cont ractors and Process outsourcing  
  
(a) Outsourcing of certified processes is under the responsibility of the certified producers. It is allowed 
and regulated in different ways for different ARS/AES Standards  
  
(d)  Details on sub -contractors and outsourci ng management will be specified in the different 
standards.   
  
B.3  ACAP Certification Scheme B specific Normative Documents  
  
The Normative documents presented in this chapter (and any additional document or integration that 
will be identified as "Norma tive for certification scheme B") are specific for certification scheme B and 
relevant to all Parties involved in the ACAP certification process.   
  
The specific documents are represented by:  
  
(a) ACAP Standards, technical normative documents to be certified within Scheme B  
  
(b) ACAP check list for Food Safety Management System  
  
(c) ACAP check lists for PRPs  
  
(d) ACAP check lists elaborating the requirements in the African Standards included in Scheme B  
  
      
Certification Scheme B - ACAP FSMS checklist  
      
Certification 
Scheme B  ACAP check list 
for food  
processing PRPs  Fresh/ perishable fruit 
and vegetables 
products  
  
  Specific check lists for  
ACAP Standards on 
fresh F&V products  
Fresh /perishable 
animal products  Specific check lists for  
ACAP Standards on 
fresh perishable Animal 
Products  
Ambient stable food 
products  Specific check lists for  
ACAP Standards on 
ambient stable  
Products  
Ready to eat simple 
and mix products  Specific check lists for  
ACAP Standards on 
ready to eat Products  
              ACAP 1 -2:2022   
20  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved    
B.4  Food safety management system for Scheme B  
  
The FSMS designed for the ACAP certification schemes contains elements specific for the scope of 
management of food safety.  
  
The requirements, as well as the criteria for  conformance , for the FSMS are describ ed in the ACAP 
FSM S check list for food processing.   
  
B.5  Evaluation Process  
  
In addition to ACAP 1 -1, the following rules apply for the certification of the ACAP Certification Scheme 
B.  
  
B.5.1  Self-evaluation and Internal Audit and verification   
  
B.5.1.1 Internal audit and verification.  
  
It is required for ARSO certification  Scheme B  
  
Internal Auditor.  The internal auditor is qualified for both verification of FSMS and for the technical 
verification of the food production on -site.  
  
The following requirements shall be complied for qualification of the Internal Auditor:  
  
(i) Post-high school degree including courses pertinent with the major scope of 
certification  
  
(ii) Documented official training on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 9001 auditing standard of minimum 16 hours.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated competence in food industry production. This competence can be from 
education, courses or demonstrated practical experience of minimum 2 years.  
  
(iv) Documented qualified course in HACCP, food hygiene and good manufacturing 
practices.  
  
B.5.2  Independent external verification  
  
B.5.2.1 Certification Body   
  
For the certification of the ACAP Certification Scheme B, the certification body shall be approved for the 
Scope B. Approved CBs are listed on the ARSO website  
  
B.5.2.2 Laboratory  
  
For testing and analytical verification of conformance for the ACAP Certification Scheme B, the  
Laboratory shall be approved for the specific tests and methodologies required by the specific standards 
(technical specification) to be certified. Approved Labora tories, with the detail of the approved tests and 
methods are listed on the ARSO website.  
  
B.5.2.3 Qualification of evaluators  
  
Also for external verifications, two different kind of evaluators are identified:  
  
Auditor for scope B  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   21  (a) Task : Can carry out Audits of the FSMS and technical on -site verification of production sites 
according to the requirements related to production  
  
(b) Qualification : The following requirements shall be  conformed to  for qualification of the verifier:  
  
(i) Post-high school degree including courses pertinent with the major scope of 
certification   
  
(ii) Documented official training on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 9001 auditing standard of minimum 36 hours.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated competence in the  Food Industry: demonstrated practical experience of 
minimum 2 years.  
  
(iv) Demonstrated competence in FSMS management. This competence can be from 
education, courses or demonstrated practical experience of minimum 2 years.  
  
(v) Documented qualified Course on H ACCP of minimum 2 days duration   
  
(vi) Documented qualified Course in food hygiene and good agricultural practices of 
minimum 2 days duration.  
  
(vii) 1 verification as observer and 2 verification as auditor on a complete audit, witnessed 
by a qualified Auditor  
  
B.5.2.4 Initial certification  
  
The initial certification in carried out once, at the first ARSO Certification for the specific Scheme of 
certification. The change of certification Body does not require a new initial certification. The initial 
Certification is composed of 2 phases  namely :  
  
(a)  Documental review  
  
This phase regards the desk verification of the FSMS documentation  
  
(b)  Initial Verification  
  
It represents the verification carried out by the CB for final certification. It is carried out on -site. This 
verification shall follow the documental review. It can be consecutive or carried out with a maximum 
timeframe of 3 months fr om the documental review. In case of exceedance of the timeframe, the review 
must be repeated.   
  
B.5.2.5 Periodical Surveillance Verification  
  
According to the duration of 3 years of the certification cycle, there are 2 surveillance verifications in 
one certification cycle.  
  
B.5.2.6 Re -certification Verification  
  
The re -certification verification is carried out at the end of the third cycle of certification.   
  
B.5.2.7 Verification timing: Initial certification verification  
  
The verification shall be planned when the production process is in place at the moment of the 
verification and evidences can be collected from both visual and documental verification.  
  
B.5.2.8 Sampling of sites  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
22  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  In case of a food factory with a multisite operation, each site will receive a complete verification and no 
sampling of sites i s allowed.   
  
B.6  Sampling and testing of products (where applicable)  
  
The laboratory can be selected by both the CB and the Producer  among the ARSO recognized 
laboratory in accord ance with the  criteria , such as , kind of testing required, location, etc .  
  
B.6.1  Sampling and testing  
  
(a) The analytical tests to be carried out on the products to be certified or any testing required to 
confirm  conformance , are specific for the different ACAP Standards and they related to product  
specific requirements.  
  
(b) Sampling and testing methodology are specifically indicated of the ARSO Standard in relation 
to the purposes of the sampling and the testing  
  
(c) Sampling may be carried out on -site, during verification or from the point of sales, a ccording to 
rules of the different ACAP Standards.   
  
(d) The list of the parameters and also contaminant to be searched by the laboratory shall be 
prepared taking into consideration the Specific requests from the Standard of certification.  
  
(e) Some additional  criteria shall be considered, where appropriate:  
  
 Additional legal parameters mandatory for the product in the country of production or export 
and not included in the ACAP standard.   
  
B.7  Verification Results and evaluation of Conformance  
  
The classification of findings rose during the verification and related management is explained in ACAP 
1-1.  
  
With regard to scheme B, the following criteria are applied for the final evaluation of conformance .  
  
B.7.1  Major Non -Conform ity  
  
(a) Initial (First certification) verification: All Major NC must be closed with effective corrective 
actions before the release of the certificate  
  
(b) Surveillance and Re -certification verifications: All Major NC must be closed with effective 
corrective action s before the release of the certificate  
  
B.7.2  Minor Non -conform ity  
  
(a) Initial (First certification) verification: All the Minor NC rose during Initial audit to be closed within 
the given time, before release of the certificate  
  
(b) Surveillance and Re -certification verifications: It is allowed for the 10% of the Minor NC raised 
during Initial audit to be closed within the next surveillance audit, upon presentation and 
approval of a corrective action plan.  
  
(c) The remaining 90% of the Minor NC raised shall be closed within the given time   
  
  
  
    ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   23  Annex C  
(Normative )  
  
Scheme C: Traceability of AGAP certified products in the food supply chain  
  
  
C.1  Registration data  
  
In addition to the requirements in ACAP 1 -1, some specific information are required for Certification 
Scheme C  
  
C.1.1  Detail of certified production  
  
C.1.1.1 Production site  
  
(a) Name of production site  
  
(b) Address of production site  
  
(c) Expected quantity of certified production (tons)  
  
(d) Detailed description of ACAP products object of traceability   
  
(e) Description of smallest traceable unit  
  
C.2  ACAP Certification Scheme C scopes of certification  
  
This AC AP certification scheme is applicable in all the steps in the supply chain where product is 
handled, stored, transported, packed, labelled that cannot be included in primary production, produce 
handling and food manufacturing but where a loss of identity o r loss of traceability of the certified product 
is possible.   
  
In order to meet the requirements of the ACAP supply chain, the materials certified according to an 
ACAP certification scheme shall be clearly identified and segregate and must be traceable f rom raw 
material to final products, including intermediate products and re -work. The scope is to assure the 
identification and traceability of the certified products along the supply chain.  
  
If it is not possible to use all raw materials coming from ACAP  certification, at least one of the main 
ingredients shall be identified for traceability.   
  
The ingredients shall be cl early identified and indicated o n the label of the certified product .   
  
C.2.1  Processes  
  
C.2.1.1 Traceability and segregation  
  
(a) As a general concept, the ACAP certification scheme C requires that all the production cycle of 
the products is carried out and documented in a way that all ACAP certified products are 
traceable from incoming of raw materials to final products.   
  
(b) The ACAP certified materials and products must be clearly identified and segregated from not 
certified products. Visual identification and documented traceability is guaranteed during all 
production cycle.  
  
(c) In case of pro cesses or part of processes are carried out by external sub -contractors, the 
subcontractor must be ACAP scheme C chain of custody, certified for the same product.   
C.3  ACAP Certification Scheme C specific Normative Documents  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
24  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  The Normative documents pr esented in this chapter (and any additional document or integration that 
will be identified as "Normative for certification scheme C") are specific for certification scheme C and 
relevant to all Parties involved in the ACAP certification process.  The spec ific documents are 
represented by:  
  
(a) ACAP Chain of Custody Standard, technical normative document to be certified within Scheme 
C.   
  
(b) ACAP check lists that extrapolate the requirements in the ACAP scheme C Chain of Custody 
Standard  
  
      
ACAP  
Certification  
Scheme C  
(Chain of  
Custody)  Traceability of ARSO certified products in 
the Food Supply Chain    ARSO approved 
certification  
Standard for Chain 
of Custody  
      
  
C.4  Food hygiene practices  
  
The Chain of custody standard includes requirements on food hygiene good practices, to be verified 
together with the traceability system.  
  
C.5  Assessment process  
  
In addition to ACAP 1 -1, the following rules apply for the certification of the ARSO Cer tification Scheme 
C.  
  
C.5.1  Self-assessment and Internal Audit and verification  
  
C.5.1.1 Internal audit and verification  
  
It is required for ACAP Certification Scheme C  
  
Internal Auditor.  The internal auditor is qualified for both verification of PRPs and for the verification of 
traceability system.  
  
The following requirements shall be complied for qualification of the Internal Auditor:  
  
(i) Documented qualified Course in HACCP, food hygie ne and good manufacturing practices.  
  
(ii) Demonstrated competence in GMP related to the specific industry including traceability system.  
This competence can be from education, courses or demonstrated practical working experience 
of minimum 2 years.  
  
C.5.2   Independent external verification  
  
C.5.2.1 Certification Body  
  
For the certification of the ACAP Certification Scheme C, the certification body must be approved for 
the scope C. Approved CBs are listed on the ARSO website  
  
C.5.2.2 Laboratory  
  
For testing and analytical verification of compliance for the ACAP Certification Scheme B, the  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   25  Laboratory shall be approved for the specific tests and methodologies required by the specific standards 
(technical specification) to be certified. Approved Lab oratories, with the detail of the approved tests and 
methods are listed on the ARSO website.  
  
C.5.2.3 Qualification of evaluators  
  
Also for external verifications, two different kind of evaluators are identified:  
  
Auditor for Scope C  
  
(a) Task: Can carr y out Audits of the traceability system and on -site verification of production sites 
according to the requirements related to food hygiene and GMP related to the specific activity 
of the company.  
  
(b) Qualification:  The following requirements shall be compli ed for qualification of the Verifier:  
  
(i) Post-High school degree.  
  
(ii) Documented official training on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 9001 auditing standard of minimum 36 hours.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated competence in the Agricultural or Food Industry: demonstrated practical 
experience of minimum 2 years.  
  
(iv) Documented qualified Course on HACCP of minimum 2 days duration   
  
(v) Documented qualified Course in food hygiene and good agricultural practices of 
minimum 2 days duration.  
  
(vi) 1 verification as observer and 2 verification as auditor on a complete audit, witnessed 
by a qualified Auditor  
  
C.5.2.4 Initial Certification  
  
The initial certification in carried out once, at the first ARSO Certification for the specific Scheme of 
certification. The change of certification Body does not require a new initial ce rtification.   
  
C.5.2.5 Initial Verification  
  
It represents the verification carried out by the CB for certification. It is carried out on -site.   
  
C.5.2.6 Periodical Surveillance Verification  
  
According to the duration of 3 years of the certification cycle, there are 2 surveillance verifications in 
one certification cycle.  
  
C.5.2.7 Re -certification Verification  
  
The re -certification verification is carried out at the end of the third cycle of certification.   
  
C.5.2.8 Verification timing  
  
The verification shall be planned when the production process is in place at the moment of the 
verification and evidences ca n be collected from both visual and documental verification.  
  
C.5.2.9 Sampling of sites  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
26  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  In case of a food factory with a multisite operation, each site will receive a complete verification and no 
sampling of sites is allowed.   
C.6  Verification Resul ts and evaluation of  Conformance  
  
The classification of findings rose during the verification and related management is explained in ACAP 
1-1  
  
With regard to Scheme C, the following criteria are applied for the final evaluation of  conformance .  
  
C.6.1   Major Non -Conform  ity(NC)  
  
(a) Initial (First certification) verification: All Major NC s shall be closed with effective corrective 
actions before certification is granted  
  
(b) Surveillance and re -certification verifications: All Major NC shall be closed with effective 
corrective actions before certification is granted   
  
C.6.2  Minor Non -conform ity  
  
(a) Initial (First certification) verification: All the Minor NC raised during the Initial audit shall be 
closed within the given time, before certification is granted  
  
(b) Surveillance and Re -certification verifications: It is allowed for the 10% of the Minor NC raised 
during these audits to be closed within the next surveillance audit, upon presentation and 
approval of a corrective action plan.  
  
(c) The remaining 90% of the M inor NC raised shall be closed within the given time   
  
     ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   27  Annex D  
(Normative )  
  
Scheme D: Sustainability certification programme  
  
  
The Standard included in Scheme D provide requirements for the sustainable production, processing 
and trading of products. The standard applies to all production, processing and trading within the 
operator’s sphere of influence.  
  
These standards are flex ible enough to be useful for operators of various sizes, processes, systems, 
products and countries of operation. In adhering to this standard, the operator shall deal only with those 
elements that are relevant to the operator’s activities. If certain spec ific sustainability aspects are 
considered not relevant to the process, the operator shall justify how its operations do not contribute to 
the impact of the aspects concerned.  
  
Local circumstances shall be considered when assessing the environmental, soc ial or economic 
situation.  
  
D.1  ACAP AES Certification Scheme D -Specific Normative Documents  
  
The Normative documents presented in this chapter (and any additional document or integration that 
will be identified as "Normative for certification scheme D") are specific for certification scheme D and 
relevant to all Parties involved in the ACAP AES certification process.   
  
African Standards suitable for ACAP AES certification include the following:  
  
ARS/AES 1, Agriculture — Sustainability and eco -labelling — Requirements   
  
ARS/AES 2, Fisheries — Sustainability and eco -labelling — Requirements   
  
ARS/AES 3, Forestry — Sustainability and eco -labelling — Requirements   
  
ARS/AES 4, Tourism — Sustainability and eco -labelling — Requirements   
  
ARS/AES 5, Aquaculture — African Catfish — Sustainability and eco -labelling — Requirements   
  
ARS/AES 6, Aquaculture — Tilapia — Sustainability and eco -labelling — Requirements   
  
ARS 952, African Traditional Medicine — Guidelines on good agricultural and collection practices 
(GACP) for medicinal plants   
  
ARS 1100, Production and handling of food crops — Good agricultural practices   
  
ARS 1101, Production and handling of maize (corn) grains — Good agricultural practices   
  
ARS 1102, Produc tion and handling of rice — Good agricultural practices   
  
ARS 1103, Production and handling of cassava — Good agricultural practices   
  
ARS 1104, Dairy production farms — Good agricultural practices   
  
ARS 1105, Poultry production farms — Good agricultura l practices   
  
ARS 1106, Tilapia production aquaculture farms — Good aquacultural practices   
  
ARS 1107, Freshwater aquatic animal production farms — Good aquaculture practices   ACAP 1 -2:2022   
28  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved    
ARS 1108, Beef cattle production farms — Good agricultural practices   
  
ARS 1109, Production and handling of fruits and vegetables — Good agricultural practices   
  
D.2  Registration data  
  
In addition to the requirements in ACAP 1 -1, some specific information is required for Certification 
Schemes D1 and D2.  
  
D.2.1  Detail of certified production  
  
This information gives more detail on the product(s) to be certified. This information must be updated if 
there are any changes detected during the external inspections.   
  
D.2.1.1 Crops  
  
(a) Name of crops (species)  
  
(b) Area of production (ha)  
  
(c) Expected quantity of certified production (tons)  
  
(d) Number and identification of production sites (map of sites and sites location information)  
  
(e) On-farm postharvest activities and address of postharvest unit.  
  
D.2.1.1.1 Additional information for farmers registered in groups of farmers  
  
The same information is required for each farmer included in the group  
  
D.2.1.2 Livestock/ Aquaculture  
  
(a) Name of species and breed  
  
(b) Kind of production (example: livestock:  milk, meat, eggs, etc. ex. Aquaculture: adult fish, ova, 
seedlings, etc.)  
  
(c) Number of individuals (estimated where appropriate)  
  
(d) Expected quantity of certified production (tons)  
  
(e) Number and identification of production sites (map of sites and sites l ocation information)  
  
(f) On-farm slaughtering or processing unit information  
  
D.2.1.2.1 Additional information for aqua farmers registered in groups of farmers  
  
The same information is required for each aqua farmer included in the group  
  
D.2.1.3 Capture fishery (wild catch)  
  
(a) Name of fishery  
  
(b) Name of target species   
  
(c) Fishery type  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   29  (d) Bycatch type  
  
(e) Location and extent of fishery  
  
(f) methods used for the fishery operations  
  
D.2.1.4 Forestry  
  
(a) Name of production/ activity carried out in the forest  
  
(b) extension of the area  
  
(c) Identification of production sites  
  
(d) Additional information as specified in the application form  
  
D.2.1.5 Tourism  
  
(a) Kind of activity/ service  
  
(b) Details of location  
  
(c) Additional information as specified in the application form  
  
D.2.1.6 Other industries  
  
(a) Name of products/services produces  
  
(b) Production processes  
  
(c) Identification of production sites  
  
D.3  ACAP AEM Certification Scheme D scope s of certification  
  
      
  
ACAP  
Certification  
Scheme D  
(Africa Eco  
Mark - EMA)  All industries  
Special 
requirements for 
sustainable 
production  ACAP  
Certification Scheme  
D1  
single legal entity  
  ARSO approved 
certification  
Standards for 
Sustainable  
Production  ACAP  
Certification Scheme 
D2  
Groups administrator 
or multisite operation  
              
  
D.3.1  Products  
  
Products included in the scheme D may come from primary production of other food related activity and, 
according to the nature of the activity can have different kind pf productions:  
  
(a) Vegetable Crops productions (ex: fruit, vegetables, herbs, roots, plan ts for medical use, flowers, 
etc.)  
  
(b) Livestock production coming from different animal species (ex: meat, milk, wool, eggs)  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
30  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (c) Aquaculture production coming from different aquaculture species (ex: fish for consumption, 
brood stock for reproduction, ova an d seedlings for reproduction, ova for consumption, etc.)  
  
(d) Fishery (wild catch).  
  
(e) Food and food related products and services  
  
(f) Forest products   
  
(g) Tourism  
  
The nature and number of products certifiable in the ACAP AES scheme depend of the availability of 
specific standards for certification, designed and approved by ARSO CACO. The certification scope 
may have different focus for different products, according to the scope and focus of the Standard of 
reference.  
  
D.3.2  Processes  
  
D.3.2.1 Production cycle  
  
(a) As a general concept, the ACAP AES certification Scheme D requires that all the life/production 
cycle of the products is carried out on -site following t he certification rules.   
  
(b) Exceptions can be clarified in the specific Standards for certification, also according to the 
phase of certification (initial, surveillance or re -certification) and to the duration of life/ 
production cycle of the plant of anim al.   
  
(c) All production processes carried out during the cycle of certification shall be carried out in 
agreement with the ACAP Eco -Mark applicable certification rules, for the selected Standard.   
  
(d) For fishery, the entire fishing cycle shall be carried ou t according to ACAP 3.  
  
(e) For Food and Food related products and services, all products in the scope of certification must 
be carried out under the responsibility of the producer.   
  
D.3.2.2 Harvesting process  
  
(a) If harvest, slaughtering, collection of vegetal or animal products (including forestry products) is 
carried out by the same Producer, the harvesting process shall be included in the scope of 
certification  
  
(b) If harvest, slaughtering, collection of vegetal and animal products is carried out under the 
responsibility of the buyer of the product (the producer does not own the product), the 
harvesting process shall be excluded from the scope of certification  
  
(c) In case of exclusion of harvest, in order to be abl e to use the ACAP AES along the supply chain, 
the buyer of the product shall be ACAP Certified according to one of the ACAP AES certification 
schemes applicable for the product.   
  
Example: the buyer is a food manufacturer that buys apples to make apple j uice. In this case, he/she 
shall be certified according to the ACAP AES Certification Scheme D.  
  
D.3.2.3 Post -harvest produce handling  
  
(a) Produce handling includes any type of post -harvest handling of products that is still under the 
legal responsibility  of the same producer. (ex: storage, chemical treatment, trimming, washing, 
bleeding, degutting, slicing or any other handling where the product may have physical contact 
with other materials or substances but does but change its main aspect and nature.   ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   31    
(b) Produce handling, including description of processes done, shall be declared during registration 
and indicated on the certificate.  
  
(c) Produce handling shall always be included as long as the product belongs to the producer 
during handling (by the produce r or subcontractor), if the ARSO Mark in order to receive a 
licence for the ARSO Mark.  
  
D.3.2.4 Processes related to tourism services  
  
(a) All activities/ services that are under the legal responsibility of the same legal entity for a 
specified site or mul tisite operation  
  
(b) All activities carried out by the same legal entity for the same site or multisite shall be declared 
during registration and indicated on the certificate.  
  
(c) All activities/ services carried out on the same site or multisite shall always be included in the  
scope of certification (by the legal entity or subcontractor), in order to receive a licence for the 
EMA label.  
  
D.3.2.5 Sub -contractors and process outsourcing  
  
(a) Outsourcing of certified processes/ services is under the responsibility of the certified  legal 
entity. It is allowed and regulated in different ways for different ARS/AES.  
  
(b) Details on sub -contractors and outsourcing management will be specified in the different 
standards.   
  
D.4  Conditions for certification  
  
D.4.1  General conditions  
  
(a) Audits are based on an evaluation of conformity with the ARS/AES Standard applicable for the 
scope.   
  
(b) For the purpose of these rules, two organization types are recognized: single legal entities and 
group administrators.   
  
(c) Organizations that cultivate or process products/ carry out operations considered illegal by 
applicable law in the country where they are grown or processed/ operated or by international 
agreements and conventions shall not be eligible for certification.  
  
(d) Conditions specific for different ARS/AES Standards are specified in each Standard’s 
regulatory documentation.   
  
D.4.2  Single Legal Entity (Operation)  
  
In this model, one certificate is granted to one single Legal Entity (ex: farmer, producer proces sor, 
operator).  
  
The whole area and activities within the operation’s limits and under the responsibility of the legal entity 
are covered by the audit scope. This includes, but is not limited to:   
  
(a) Areas destined for agricultural and livestock production, aquaculture, forestry, processing and 
tourism operation, with focus on products/ services intended to be sold with certification claims.   
  
(b) High Conservation Value (HCV) areas, forests and other na tural ecosystems, as well as fallow 
land.  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
32  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved    
(c) Areas involving human activity and other infrastructure within its limits that include but are not 
restricted to administrative infrastructure, collection points, processing and packing units and 
storage facilit ies.   
  
(d) Leased areas inside the operation.   
  
(e) Personnel, including all contracted and subcontracted workers, supervisory and administrative 
staff, and management and owner representatives.   
  
(f) People who live temporarily or permanently on the operation’s site.  
  
(g) All documentation relating to social, agronomic and environmental management and 
considered relevant to determining  conformance with the Standard.   
  
(h) Documentation related to trading of the certified and non -certified product handled by the farm.  
  
Infrastructure owned or leased outside the  Operation’s limits but which is directly related to activities 
included in the audit scope. This may include, but is not limited to administrative infrastructure, collection 
points, processing and packing units and storage facilities.   
  
Impacts on the s urrounding communities that may be directly affected by the farm’s activities.  
  
D.4.3  Group administrators  
  
In this model, one certificate is granted to an organization, called the ‘Group Administrator’, who acts 
on behalf of a group of Producers (Far mers, processors, tour operators) and is responsible for their  
conformance with the applicable ARS/AES Standard. The Group Administrator is responsible for 
implementing an Internal Management System (IMS), including but not limited to coordinating the 
commercialization of product, training and technical assistance for staff and group members, as well as 
internal  audits and the corresponding follow -up actions.   
  
Group administrators fit three basic models:   
  
(i) multi -site, where a single legal entity owns or holds more than one discrete farm/ 
production operation or site with separate production management system, but under 
one IMS of the group administrator;   
  
(ii) groups that have a democratic structure, such as c ooperatives, associations and 
federations;   
  
(iii) private entities, such as plantations with associated product suppliers, exporters or a 
consultant’s office.   
  
The audit scope of a group administrator includes the following:   
  
(a) Infrastructure owned or adm inistered by the group administrator, related to the production 
activity in the scope. This includes but is not limited to roads, housing, administration, collection, 
storage, processing and packing infrastructure, as well as their surroundings.   
  
(b) Group Members subject to the group’s audit scope.   
  
(c) All personnel hired or subcontracted by the group administrator.   
  
(d) All documentation relating to the IMS: Documentation related to trading of the certified and 
noncertified product handled by the group admi nistrator.  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   33  D.4.4  Rules for group administrators  
  
(a) The minimum number of member farms of a group administrator is two member farms/ 
operations.   
  
(b) The group administrator is responsible for trading and commercializing the products covered in 
the scope of the certificate, unless it decides to delegate the responsibility to third parties.   
  
(c) If a member of the group wishes to sell certified product in dividually, it shall have a written 
agreement with the group administrator. Records of each individual transaction, indicating the 
volume of certified product sold individually by members shall be made available.   
  
(d) The group administrator is responsible for ensuring that all member farms comply with the 
respective requirements of the relevant ARS/AES Standard.   
  
D.5  Quality management system for Scheme D2  
  
The QMS designed for the ACAP AES certification schemes contain elements specific for the scope  of 
the ACAP AES certification.   
  
(a) The requirements, as well as the criteria for compliance, for the QMS are desc ribed in the ACAP 
AES QMS check list for group administrators.   
  
D.6  Evaluation process  
  
D.6.1  ACAP AES Certification  
  
Organizations wishing to achieve certification or certified organizations that are due a re -certification 
audit shall apply to an accredited CB.   
  
At initial certification and every three years from then, the organization shall be subject to a 
certification audit. The CB will issue a certificate to the audited organization once the requirements of 
this standard are  conformed to .  
  
In addition to ACAP 1 -1:2017, the following rules apply for the certification of the ARSO Certifica tion 
schemes D1 and D2.  
  
D.6.2  Self-assessment and Internal Audit and verification   
  
D.6.2.1 Self -assessment  
  
It is required for ACAP certification schemes D1. It is based on the requirements o f the specific 
standard’s check lists.  
  
During self -evaluation , all deviations and not applicable requirements must be recorded and corrective 
actions implemented.  
  
No specific requirements are in place for the qualification of the  evaluator .  
  
D.6.2.2 Internal audit and verification.  
  
It is required for ARSO certification Scheme D2.   
  
There are 2 different requirements of qualification for self -verification of the QMS and verification of the 
activity on site, according to the specific ACAP S tandard.  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
34  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (a) Internal Auditor:  The internal auditor is qualified for both verification of QMS of a group of 
Producers and for the technical verification of the farm on -site. The following requirements shall 
be met for qualification of the Internal Auditor:  
  
(i) Post-High school diploma, including courses pertinent with the major scope of  
certification (crops, livestock, aquaculture, food science, or equivalent)  
  
(ii) Documented official training on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 900 1 auditing standard of minimum 16 hours.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated competence in the productions in scope of certification and sustainability 
according to principles included in ARS/AES Standard implemented by study or 
practical experience.  
  
(b) Internal verifier. Can carry out only the internal on -site verification of production sites 
according to the requirements related to production. Can work in team with the internal Auditor 
for verification of the producers of a group.  
  
(i) High school diploma including courses per tinent with the major scope of certification 
(ex: crops, livestock, aquaculture, food science or equivalent)  
  
(ii) Demonstrated competence in the productions in scope of certification and sustainability 
according to principles included in ARS/AES Standard implemented by study or 
practical experience.  
  
(iii) 1 verification as observer and 1 verification as verifier witnesse d by a qualified Auditor  
  
D.6.3  Independent external verification  
  
D.6.3.1 Certification Body  
  
For the certification of the ACAP Certification Scheme D, the certification Body must be approved for 
the scope D1 for single Producers certification or t he all scope D for single and groups of producers. 
Approved CBs are listed on the ARSO website  
  
D.6.3.2 Laboratory  
  
For testing and analytical verification of compliance for the ACAP Certification Scheme D, the 
Laboratory shall be approved for the specific tests and methodologies required by the specific standards 
to be certified. Approved Laboratories, with the detail of the approved tests and methods are listed  on 
the ARSO website.  
  
D.6.3.3 Qualification of evaluators  
  
Also for external verifications, two different kind of  evaluators are identified:  
  
D.6.3.3.1 Verifier for Scope D  
  
(a)  Task  
  
(i) Can carry out only the technical on -site verification of production sites according to the 
requirements related to production  
  
(ii) Can work in team with the Auditor for verification of the producers of a group.  
  
(b)  Qualification : The following requiremen ts shall be met for qualification of the Verifier:  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   35  (i) High school degree including courses pertinent with the major scope of certification 
(crops, livestock, aquaculture, food science, environmental science or equivalent 
degree)  
  
(ii) Documented official trai ning on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 9001 auditing standard of minimum 16 hours.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated technical competence in the production in scope of the audit. This 
competence can be from education, courses or demonstrated pr actical experience of 
minimum 2 years working in the Industry  
  
(iv) Demonstrated competence in social and environmental management according to 
principles included in the different ARS/AES Standards. This competence can be from 
education, courses or demonstra ted practical working experience of minimum 2 years   
  
(v) Documented qualified Course in food hygiene and good agricultural of food hygiene 
practices, according to scope, of minimum 2 days duration.  
  
(vi) 1 verification as observer and 2 verification as verifier witnessed by a qualified Auditor 
or Verifier  
  
D.6.3. 3.2 Auditor for scope D  
  
(c)  Task   
  
(i) Can carry out Audits of the QMS and on -farm post -harvest activity (ex: packing of crops, 
slaughtering of first processing of animals and fish, food processing)   
  
(ii) Can carry out the technical on -site verification of production sites according to the 
requirements related to production  
  
(iii) In team, covers the task of team leader and/or lead auditor.  
  
(d)  Qualification : The following requirements shall be met for qualification of the Auditor:  
  
(i) Post-High school degree including courses pertinent with the major scope of  
certification (crops, livestock, aquaculture, food, environment, other.)  
  
(ii) Documented official training on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 9001 auditing standard of minimum 36 hours.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated technical competence in the  production in scope of the audit. This 
competence can be from education, courses or demonstrated practical experience of 
minimum 2 years working in the Industry  
  
(iv) Demonstrated competence in social and environmental management according to 
principles incl uded in the different ARS/AES Standards. This competence can be from 
education, courses or demonstrated practical working experience of minimum 2 years   
  
(v) Documented qualified Course in food hygiene and good agricultural practices of 
minimum 2 days durati on.  
  
(vi) For QMS audits, the technical competence on production can be complementary 
covered by a sector expert, working in together with the auditor.  
  
(vii) 1 verification as observer and 2 verification as auditor on a complete audit (QMS plus 
Production), witn essed by a qualified Auditor  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
36  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  D.6.3.4 Initial certification  
  
The initial certification in carried out once, at the first ARSO Certification for the specific Scheme of 
certification. The change of certification Body does not require a new initial certif ication. The initial 
Certification is composed of 2 phases:  
  
D.6.3.4.1 Documental review  
  
This phase is applicable only for Initial Certification for scheme D2 and regards the desk verification of 
the QMS documentation  
  
D.6.3.4.2 Initial certification audit  
  
(i) It represents the verification carried out by the CB for final certification. In ca se of Initial 
Certification Audit for scheme D2, this audit shall follow the documental review. It can 
be consecutive or carried out with a maximum timeframe of 3 months from the 
documental review. In case of exceedance of the timeframe, the review must be  
repeated.   
  
(ii) A certification audit is carried out when the organization applies for certification for the 
first time, to establish the level of conformity of the organization with all applicable 
criteria.   
  
(iii) It shall always take place on site, during a period of activity when workers, crop plants 
and/or cattle are present and processes are in place.   
  
(iv) On the application, the organization may voluntarily request to be audited against the 
criteria of a higher performance level.  
  
D.6.3.5 Periodical Surv eillance Audit  
  
According to the duration of 3 years of the certification cycle, there are 2 surveillance verifications in 
one certification cycle.  
  
(a) The objectives of the surveillance audits are:   
  
(i) To ensure the certified organization complies with all applicable critical criteria;   
  
(ii) To determine whether the organization has implemented the improvement actions for 
continu al improvement criteria.   
  
(b) Surveillance audits can be planned within 6 month s from the date of certification audit (4 months 
before and 2 months after).   
  
(c) According to CB risk assessment and decision, single Operators and group administrators, 
surveillance audits may be planned or short -noticed at any time. The CB may inform the  
certified organization about unannounced or short -noticed surveillance audits with no more than 
two working days in advance, with the exception of group administrators of smallholder 
members, for which up to five working days in advance apply.   
  
(d) During surveillance audits to group administrators, the sample of member farms will be selected 
during the opening meeting. In case of groups located in distant areas or different Regions, the 
selected area or Region can be communicated within 5 working days from  the audit.   
  
(e) Organizations considered as ‘high performers’ will be allowed to undertake maximum one desk 
surveillance audit per 3 years’ cycle, instead of one on -site surveillance audit.  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   37  D.6.3.6 Re -certification Verification  
  
The re -certification v erification is carried out at the end of the third cycle of certification and follows the 
same rules as Initial certification audit.  
  
D.6.3.7 Verification (Follow Up) audit  
  
Before the final audit report is issued and only in the case of nonconformities an audited organization 
may demonstrate compliance with open nonconformities up to 30 days after the closing meeting of any 
audit. In case of Initial Certification Audit, corre ctive actions can be completed up to 90 days. The CB 
may charge for additional costs of this process.  
  
The objectives of a verification audit are:   
  
(a) To control whether open nonconformities that prevented a positive certification decision are 
addressed,  closed, and verified for efficacy, to allow the certificate to be issued or maintained   
  
(b) To determine whether the organization has reached the minimum performance level and the 
certificate may be issued or maintained.   
  
(c) If during a verification audit,  an audited organization does not comply, the certificate is not 
issued or suspended. This audited organization may not be subject to additional verification  
audits for the next six months and a complete new audit of the same level of the failed audit 
(surveillance or re -certification) is needed to re -activate the certificate.  
  
(d) Organizations with nonconformities on any of the zero -tolerance criteria are not eligible for a 
verification audit. The certificate is not issued, suspended or is cancelled. This audited 
organization may not be subject to additional verification audits for the next twelve months. A 
new complete Certification process must be started (document review and Initial audit)  
  
(e) A verification audit may take place remotely, when it is possi ble to evaluate the improvement 
actions through documents or remote interviews with farm management or group administrator 
representatives.  
  
D.6.3.8 Special audit  
  
Special audits are carried out in response to a complaint, reported incident, or substan tial information 
regarding the performance of a certified organization relating to one or more critical criteria of a ACAP 
AEM Standard.  
  
A special  audit may be carried out at any time, when the CB determines there is sufficient evidence of 
a potential nonconformity. The certified organization may be subject to a desk audit only if it is possible 
to demonstrate conformity through documents.  
  
Special audits are unannounced. However, the certified organization may be given advanced warning 
(no more than two working days), when doing so can avoid significant logistical obstacles and the issue 
at hand cannot be influenced by an advanced warning.   
  
The CB bears the cost of investigation audits. However, should the complaint, reported incident, or 
substantial information be confirmed, the cost of these audits may be charged to the certified 
organization.   
  
D.6.3.9 Scope expansion audit  
  
The object ive of a scope expansion audit is to assess  conformance with certification rules for new 
areas, activities or member farms that a certified organization wishes to add to its scope before a 
recertification or surveillance audit.   
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
38  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  All applicable criteria  of the ARS/AES standard relevant for the certification are evaluated for the new 
areas or for a sample of new member farms (in the case of group administrators), as well as for new 
crops or cattle species.  
  
D.6.4  Verification timing  
  
D.6.4.1 Timing f or initial certification verification  
  
The verification shall be planned when the production cycle is completed and evidences can be 
collected from both visual and documental verification. All the products must be present on -site and at 
least one product  representing a “family” of similar products must be in harvest (end of production cycle, 
process in place.) at the moment of verification.   
  
(a)  Crops  
  
(i) Cultivation cycle is completed and harvest is in place the day of verification.   
  
(ii) In case of group of farmers, at least 25% of the sample must be harvesting on the day 
of the verification.  
  
(iii) Harvest can be evaluated on at least one crop representative of the following groups:  
fruit perennials, open field vegetables, green -house vegeta bles, multiple harvest crops.  
  
(iv) If post -harvest activity is included in the scope of certification, it must be in place the 
day of verification.  
  
(b)  Livestock and aquaculture  
  
(i) Life/ production cycle is completed.  
  
(ii) The final steps of production are  completed (ex: slaughtering, milking, eggs picking, 
etc.)   
  
(iii) In case of group of farmers, at least 25% of the sample must have completed one cycle 
the day of the verification  
  
(iv) Complete cycle can be  evaluated on at least one specie representative of a similar 
group of species.  
  
(c)  Fishery  
  
Wild catch and post -harvest activity (if applicable) must be in place the day of audit  
  
(d)  Food production  
  
At least one production cycle representative of product families and technology must be 
operating the day of the audit.   
  
D.6.4.2 Timing for Periodical Surveillance Audits  
  
In the case Agriculture scopes, if single farms operators or group administrato rs are cultivating seasonal 
crops, at least one surveillance audit shall take place during the harvest season.   
  
For all other scopes, at least one production/service process must be in place the day of the audit  
  
Where needed, more details may be foun d in the intro of the specific ARS/AES Standards.  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   39  D.6.5  Sampling of farmers and/or production sites  
  
In case of certification scheme D2, group of producers, a sample of the producers/ production sites 
registered in a producers group/ multisite operation will be verified.   
  
The D2 scheme is not applicable to Food Processing. In case of multisite food com panies, all production 
sites must be audited to be included in the certificate.  
  
The sample is taken with regard to the following principles.  
  
D.6.5.1 Sampling for Initial Verification:  
  
(a) The square root (SQR) of the total number of farmers/ productio n sites, approximated by the 
higher value, shall be sampled and  evaluated for first certification   
  
(b) The sample shall be representative of all the products “families”/ processes included in the 
scope of certification and the number of samples for each pr oduct/ process must be equally 
balanced.  
  
(c) In case of small groups of producers/ production sites, at least one sample for each product/ 
process in the scope of certification must be verified, even if the final sample is larger than the 
SQR of the group.  
  
(d) The same producer/ production site can be sampled for more than one product/ process.   
  
D.6.5.2 Sampling for surveillance verification  
  
(a) The Square root of the total number of farmers/ production sites multiplied by 0.6, approximated 
by the higher value, shall be sampled and  evaluated for surveillance verification  
  
(b) At least one of the products/ processes included in the scope of certific ation shall be in harvest 
(end of cycle, process in place). If more products are on -site, the number of samples for each 
product must be equally balanced.   
  
(c) The products/ processes not in harvest or not present at the moment of the surveillance audit 
must be verified for conformance by evaluating evidences and records from the previous 
certified cycle.  
  
(d) The same Producer/ production site can be sampled for more than one product/ process.  
  
D.6.5.3 Re -certification/ transfer of CB Verification:  
  
(a) The Square root of the total number of farmers/ production sites, approximated by the higher 
value, shall be sampled and evaluated for re -certification or transfer from a different Certification 
Body.  
  
(b) The sample shall be representative of all the products/ processes present the day of the 
verification and included in the scope of certification. The number of s amples for each product 
must be equally balanced.  
  
(c) At least 1 of the products present on -site must be in harvest (end of cycle, process in place) at 
the moment of the verification.   
  
(d) In case of small groups of producers/ production sites, at least one sample for each product/ 
process on -site must be verified, even if the final sample is larger than the SQR of the group.  
  
(e) The same Producer/ production site can be sampled for more than one product/ process.  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
40  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  D.7  Sampling and testing of products (where applicable)  
  
The laboratory can be selected by both the CB and the Producer, among the ARSO  recognized 
laboratory list, according to criteria such as kind of testing required, location, etc.  
  
D.7.1  Sampling and  testing  
  
(a) The analytical tests to be carried out on the products to be certified or any testing required to 
confirm  conformance , are specific for the different ARS/AES Standards and are related to 
product -specific requirements.  
  
(b) Sampling and testing me thodology are specifically indicated in the ARS/AES Standard in 
relation to the purposes of the sampling and the testing  
  
(c) Sampling may be carried out on -site, before the product is put on the market, or taken from the 
market, according to specific Standa rds requirements.  
  
(d) The list of the parameters and contaminants to be searched by the laboratory shall be prepared 
taking into consideration the Specific requests from the Standard of certification.  
  
D.8  Verification results and evaluation of complianc e  
  
D.8.1  Continu al  improvement criteria  
  
ARS/AES Standards contain continu al improvement that requires certified legal entities (ex: farmers, 
processors, tourism operators) to gradually increase their  conformance over four performance levels.   
  
The specific binding level requirements ( Tiers ) will not change under any condition, including 
suspension or cancellation of a certificate, modification of scope or the change of a CB.  
  
D.8.2  The Maturity Model of ACAP AES certification scheme  
  
The Performance Tiers provide a framework for produc ers (Producers, processors, tourism operators, 
etc.) to improve their  conformance levels in line with the continual improvement principles. These tiers 
provide opportunities for producers to invest gradually as well as for small -scale producers to engage 
in the certification process at affordable rates.  
  
D.8.3  Management plan  
  
The management plan, in this respect called the Producer Sustainability Plan (PSP)  is an 
organizational tool for determining baseline performance levels, identifying a roadmap f or continual 
improvement, and for achieving and documenting improvements in the environmental, social, and 
economic performance of the operation. The contents of the management plan:  
  
(a) Organized according to environmental, social, and economic factors.   
  
(b) Describes the operation's land, resources, and current practices, including baseline information 
on the status of Indicators relevant for the ARS/AES Standard to be applied.   
  
(c) Identifies critical criteria and indicators the producer must monitor to maintain or improve 
performance.   
  
(d) Records goals for meeting criteria and improving performance.   
  
(e) Documents strategies implemented, results observed, and outcomes achieved.   
  
(f) Identifies any unexpected outcomes or problems, as well as plans for mitigating or improving 
outcomes for the next cycle.  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   41    
D.8.4  Classification of findings  
  
Regarding scheme D, the criteria are applied for the final evaluation of conformance are the fo llowing:  
  
(a) Critical Non -Conform ity. This is a non -conform ity raised against a Required  
Indicator of a Critical Criteria.  
  
(b) The classification of other findings raised during the verification and related management is 
explained in ACAP 1 -1  
  
D.8.5  Critical criteria  
  
Critical criteria cover the highest -priority and highest -risk on environmental, social and labour issues. 
Single Producers and group administrators are required to conform with all applicable critical criteria at 
all time s as a condition to grant or maintain certification .   
  
Zero -tolerance critical criteria. Failing to comply with any of the Required Indicators related to 
the following zero -tolerance criteria results in the denial or the immediate cancellation of the 
certificate:   
  
(a) No destruction of High Conservation Value areas  
  
(b) No forced labour   
  
(c) No mistreatme nt of workers  
  
(d) No sexual harassment   
  
(e) No discrimination   
  
(f) No worst forms of child labour  
  
Critical criteria are identified with “C” in the different ARS/AES Standards.  
  
D.8.6  Level of performance indicators  
  
There are three categories of Indicators to be addressed and complied to achieve and maintain 
certification against one or more ARS/AES Standards:  
  
(a) Required Indicators.  These indicators are critical for  conformance and achievement of the 
certificate and  include indicators that are linked to Critical criteria .  Conformance to 100% of 
these indicators is required to complete (o r maintain) the certification cycle. Required indicators 
change according to the different ARS/AES Standards and their number incre ases with 
increasing of the certification Tiers, from Bronze to Platinum. Required Indicators are identified 
with “R” in the different ARS/AES Standards.  
  
(i) Non-Conform ities raised against a Required indicator linked to a Critical Criteria must 
be scored a s Critical non -conform ities and cannot be closed with a Follow Up audit and 
results in the denial or the immediate cancellation of the certificate. It will not be possible 
to receive a new audit before six months. New audit must be carried out by the same   
  
(ii) Non-Conform ities raised  against a Required indicator linked to other criteria must be 
scored as Major non -conform ity and must be all closed with effective corrective action 
and Follow Up audit within 28 days (90 days for initial certification). Failure to complete 
effective corr ective actions within the given timeframe will results in the denial or the 
suspension of the certificate until satisfactory corrective actions are completed.   
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
42  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (b) General Indicators. These indicators are considered fundamental for compliance and 
achievemen t of the certificate. Conformance to minimum 80% of these indicators, applicable 
for the scope, is required to complete (o maintain) the certification cycle. General indicators 
change according to the different ARS/AES Standards and their number increases with 
increasing of the certification Tiers, from Bronze to Platinum. General Indicators are identified 
with “G” in the different ARS/AES Standards  
  
Non- conformities  raised against a General Indicator may be scored as Major or Minor 
nonconformity, or Obs ervation, according to categorization given in ARS/AES 1.   
  
(i) Minor Non -Conform ities must be closed with effective corrective action and Follow Up 
audit within 28 days (90 days for Initial certification) up to the minimum requirement of 
80% of compliance f or the specific tier of certification. For the remaining 20% a 
corrective action plan shall be proposed and approved by the Auditor within the same 
timeframe, corrective actions assessed during the next following audit. If at the end of 
the following audit  some Minor non -conform ities are not closed with corrective actions, 
these will be added to the new Minor non -conform ities raised during the audit.   
  
(ii) Observations do not have influence on the final certification but must be taken into 
consideration and i mplemented for continual improvement  
  
(c) Optional Indicators. These indicators are considered for continual improvement. 
Conformance to minimum 20% of these indicators, applicable for the scope, is required to 
complete (o maintain) the certification cycle. Optional indicators change according to the 
different ARS/AES Standards and their number increases with increasing of the certification 
Tiers, from Bronze to Platinum. Optional Indicators are identified with “O” in the different 
ARS/AES Standards.  
  
Non- conformities  raised against an Optional Indicator may be scored as Minor non -conformity, 
or Observation, according to categorization given in ARS/AES 1.   
  
(i) Minor Non -Conform ities shall be all closed with effective corrective action and Follow 
Up audit within 28 days (90 days for Initial certification) up to the minimum requirement 
of 20% of  conformance for the specific tier of certification. For the remaining 80% a 
corrective action pl an shall be proposed and approved by the Auditor within the same 
timeframe, corrective actions must be completed before the next re -certification audit. 
If at the end of a following audit some Minor non -conform ities are not closed with 
corrective actions, these will be added to the new Minor non -conform ities raised during 
the audit.   
  
(ii) Observations do not have influence on the final certification but must be taken into 
consideration and implemented for continual improvement  
  
Indicator  Compliance 
to Tier  Critical NC  Major NC  Minor NC  Observation  
Required  
from Critical  
Criteria  100% the day 
of audit  Yes  
No corrective actions 
allowed  
Certificate cancelled  
Time for new audit >6 
months  NO  NO  Yes  
Only for 
continual 
improvement  
Required  
from other  
Criteria  100% with 
follow up  NO  Yes  
Corrective actions  
allowed within 28 
days  
FU audit required  NO  Yes  
Only for 
continual 
improvement  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   43  General  
From all 
criteria  80% with 
follow up  NO  NO  Yes  
Corrective 
actions up to  
minimum 80% 
allowed within  
28 days. FU 
audit required.  
  
Remaining 20% 
action plan 28  
days FU next 
audit  Yes  
Only for 
continual 
improvement  
Optional  
From all 
criteria  20% with 
follow up  NO  NO  Yes  
Corrective 
actions up to  
minimum 20% 
allowed within  
28 days. FU 
audit required.  
  
Remaining 80% 
action plan 28  
days FU next 
audit  Yes  
Only for 
continual 
improvement  
  
D.8.7  Levels of performance (Tiers)  
  
For the achievement of certification, there are four levels of performance, which are elaborated 
hereafter.  
  
D.8.7.1 Bronze Tier  
  
Minimum Entry Level : The Producer (Producer, processor, tourism operator, etc.…) commits to engage 
in the process and deve lops a Producer Sustainability Plan (PSP)  that identifies sustainability goals and 
strategies for achieving them.  
  
In addition, 100% of Required indicators, at least 80% of General indicators and at least 20% of the 
Optional indicators required for the B ronze tier, must be complied with.   
  
This certification is valid for a period of up to three years, subject to confirmation through annual 
surveillance verification. Re -certification at the entry level is possible for a maximum of 2 cycles (6 
years) afte r which the entity must progress to a higher tier.   
  
D.8.7.2 Silver Tier  
  
The Producer (Producer, processor, tourism operators, etc.) demonstrates considerable progress in 
sustainability performance.   
  
Indicators required for the Silver tier are addi tional to the one required for bronze tier. 100% of Required 
indicators, at least 80% of General and at least 20% of the Optional indicators for Silver Tier must be 
complied with.   
  
Silver tier achievement can be claimed if performance is re -verified through annual surveillance, and 
recertified every three years for a maximum of 2 cycles (6 years) after which the entity must progress 
to a higher tier.  
  
D.8.7.3 Gold Tier  
  
The Produ cer (Producer, processor, tourism operators, etc.…) demonstrates very substantial 
sustainability performance.   
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
44  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  Indicators required for Gold Tier are additional to the one required for Silver Tier. 100% of Required 
indicators, and at least 80% of General  Indicators for Gold Tier and at least 20% of the optional 
indicators must be complied with.   
  
Gold tier achievement can be claimed indefinitely if performance is re -verified through annual 
surveillance, and recertified every three years.  
  
D.8.7.4 Platinum Tier  
  
The Producer (Producer, processor, tourism operators, etc.) demonstrates an outstand ing level of 
sustainability performance.   
  
Indicators required for Platinum Tier are additional to the one required for Gold Tier.   
  
100% Required indicators and at least 80% of General indicators required for the platinum tier and at 
least 20% of the optional indicators must complied with.   
  
Platinum tier achievement can be claimed indefinitely as long as performance is re -verified through 
annual surveillance, and recertified every three years.   
  
Tier  Required Indicators  General Indicators  Optio nal indicators  
Bronze  100%  80%  20%  
Silver  100%  80%  20%  
Gold  100%  80%  20%  
Platinum  100%  80%  20%  
  
D.8.8  Additional performance criteria and rules  
  
(a) Possible new non -conformities against new criteria detected during surveillance audits or 
verification audits will be added to the original balance of Minor non -conformances still open 
from the previous audit/s.   
  
(b) In the case of group administrators with smallholder members, performance criteria is applied 
to each single sample.   
  
(c) A maximum of 20% of the audited sample of smallholders may fail on reaching 80% of General 
Indicators and 20% of Optional Indicators at  Follow under the condition that these remaining 
Minor nonconformities are corrected no more than 12 months after the preceding audit.   
  
D.9  The ACAP AES certificate  
  
D.9.1  Validity of the certificate  
  
The certificate has a 36 months’ validity, starting with the date of issue.   
  
The expiry date of the certificate is fixed, but the validity of the certificate may be extended in the 
following cases, without modification to the original certificate issue date:   
  
(a) Up to a maximum of six months in the event of a force majeure condition.   
  
(b) Up to a maximum of three months, with a justified technical motivation (example: seasonal 
productions or processes)  
  
D.9.2  Maintaining the certificate  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   45  To maintain its certified status, the certified organization shall conform to the certification requirements 
and successfully go through  two surveillance audits and a recertification audit prior to the expiry of the 
certificate .   
  
The first surveillance audit shall take place within 12 months of the certification decision date and the 
subsequent surveillance shall be done once annually. The recertification audit shall be done before 
expiry of the certificate with ample time to undertake the post audit activities (eg clearance of NCs, 
recertification decision, issuance of new certificate) before expiry of the current one. Where a certificate 
expires before recertification decision has been made, the Certification Body can allow the organization 
to go through recertific ation process if the  recertification audit is done within one month after the expiring 
date of the ce rtificate. In such a case, an extension to the validity of the certificate up to 3 months can 
be granted.  The organization shall attain recertification sta tus within the 3 months , failure of which they 
shall be required apply as a new client.  
  
A certified organization may be subject to special audits  at any time.  Special audits shall be audits don e 
to expand scope of certification or short notice audits( d one to investigate complaints , respond to 
changes or follow up on suspended clients)   
  
D.9.3  Modifying the scope of the certificate   
  
(a) The certified organization may request to change the certificate scope at any time to increase 
or reduce the productive area, or increase or reduce the number or composition of member 
farms.   
  
(b) Certified organizations requesting to include new crop activi ties or new livestock species within 
the scope of a certificate shall be subject to a scope expansion audit.   
  
(c) A certified organization may increase its production area or its number of member farms by up 
to 10%, or add up to 10% of new member farms, wit hout being subject to a scope extension 
audit, certification audit or surveillance audit. If the increase in area or number of member farms 
exceeds 10%, or if the group has more than 10% of new member farms, then the certified 
organization shall be subject  to a scope extension audit.   
  
(d) The certified organization may decide to increase its scope through a certification audit or 
surveillance audit. If this is the case, additional time is added to the audit, if required.   
  
(e) Modifications to the scope of the  certificate will not change the expir y date of the certificate or 
the organization’s baseline year.   
  
D.10  Compensation for announced minor destruction of natural ecosystems  
  
When destruction of natural ecosystems - but never for High Conservation Va lue areas - up to 1% of 
the total certified land area is planned by a certified farm manager or group administrator, it will not be 
a cause for certificate cancellation provided that the responsible CB was informed beforehand and 
authorized this minor dest ruction under the following conditions:   
  
(a) Destruction of natural ecosystems will take place only for the reason of installing new farm 
infrastructure or repairing previously existing farm infrastructure (roads, irrigation infrastructure, 
including pumpin g facilities, channels, ponds, reservoirs, dams, and impoundments), 
permanently installed machinery, and facilities for washing, processing, or packing) or for 
smallholder farms for the purpose of planting food crops;   
  
(b) Applicable law is complied with.  
  
D.10.1 Reinstatement of the certificate   
  
To reinstate a certificate that was cancelled, the organization shall submit an application for a new 
certification.   
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
46  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  D.10.2 Compensation for unannounced minor destruction of natural ecosystems  
  
Minor destr uction of natural ecosystems - but never for High Conservation Value areas - that have 
inadvertently been conducted by a certified organization or member farm of a certified group 
administrator or certified group administrator is permitted only under the f ollowing conditions:   
  
(a) The destruction event is the first one during the organization’s certification history;   
  
(b) The converted area is located outside of High Conservation Value areas, protected areas, or 
land that is illegal to convert;   
  
(c) A plan wit h objectives, quantitative targets and parameters, time -bound management actions, 
resources and responsible personnel for the required restoration is prepared by an ecological 
restoration specialist and submitted for approval within three months of the dat e of destruction, 
including the following requirements:   
  
(i) The destruction is mitigated through restoration in the or close to the converted area or 
by setting -aside for conservation at least a 1:1 ratio of ecologically comparable areas;   
  
(ii) The converted  natural ecosystem area is taken out of agricultural production and 
designated with the aim to restore the area to its former natural condition;   
  
(iii) On larger farms, destruction of natural ecosystems of up to 2% of the farm area or 50 
hectares (whichever is less) is only permitted if such destruction is compensated by at 
least a 1:1 ratio of ecologically comparable areas, as specified in a time -bound p lan 
prepared by a qualified professional;   
  
(iv) Destruction of up to 10% of the farm area or 1 hectare (whichever is less) is permitted 
without the need for compensation. In the case of smallholder groups, these thresholds 
apply at the level of each member f arm.  
  
D.10.3 Child labour remediation  
  
Farms shall provide evidence of remedial actions for child labourers and his or her family following their 
removal from farm employment:   
  
(a) Timely access to medical services;   
  
(b) Timely access to psychological and rehabilitative services, as indicated by the child’s condition;  
  
(c) Facilitation of the child’s entrance and integration into local school until the legally permitted 
school -leaving age; and   
  
Hiring of the child’s immediate or extended family member, if available. If no such family member is 
available for hiring, the farm management or group administrator pays the child’s family a wage support 
no less than the removed child’s wages until the child reaches the legal school -leaving age or age 15, 
whichever is higher.  
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   47  Annex E  
( Normative )  
  
Scheme E: Sustainable harvesting of wild botanical species for African  
traditional medicine  
  
  
This standard covers certification of produce of medicinal plants both from Good Agricultural Practices 
(GAP) and Good Collection Practices (GC P) in the wild. Producers/collectors can achieve certification 
under any one of the two options described in this document.   
  
The cultivation of medicinal plants is included in the ACAP certification scheme A and both A1 and A2 
schemes are applicable.   
  
The purpose of this standard is to ensure an objective assessment and certification of the medicinal 
plant collected in the wild and promote uniformity in its operation for the collector seeking certification.  
  
(1) ARS 950, African Traditional Medicine — Terms and terminology   
  
(2) ARS 951, African Traditional Medicine — Good manufacturing practices (GMP) for herbal 
medicines   
  
(3) ARS 952, African Traditional Medicine — Guidelines on good agricultural and collection 
practices (GACP) for medicinal pla nts  
  
(4) ARS 953, African Traditional Medicine — Certification schemes for medicinal plant produce   
  
(5) ARS 954, Minimum requirements for registration of traditional medicines   
  
(6) ARS 955, African Traditional Medicine — Technical guidelines for safety, efficacy and quality 
of raw materials and herbal medicines   
  
(7) ARS 956 -1, African Traditional Medicine — Medicinal plant standards —Aloe vera  L. Burm.f.  
  
(8) ARS 956 -2, African Traditional Medicine — Medicinal plant standards — Ambrosia maritima  
L.  
  
(9) ARS 956 -3, African Traditional Medicine —- Medicinal plant standards — Urtica dioica  L.  
  
(10) ARS 956 -4, African Traditional Medicine — Medicinal plant standards — Calotropis procera  
(Ait) R. Br.  
  
E.1  Registration data  
  
In addition to the requirements in ACAP 1 -1, some specific information is required for Certification 
Scheme E.  
  
E.1.1  Detail of certified production  
  
E.1.1.1 Wild crops  
  
(a) Name of wild species to be collected  
  
(b) Expected quantity collected (tons)  
  
(c) Identification of area for collection (map of area)  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
48  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (d) Postharvest activities and address of postharvest unit.  
  
(e) Number and identification of production sites (map of sites and sites location information)   
  
(f) Legal authorization for collection of wild spec ies  
  
E.1.1.2 Additional information for groups of collectors  
  
(a) Name of wild species collected by each collector  
  
(b) Area of collection of each collector (map of area)  
  
(c) Expected quantity collected by each collector  
  
E.2  ACAP Certification Scheme E scopes of certification  
  
E.2.1  Wild species  
  
Products included in the Scheme E come from wild botanical species and are collected from the wild.   
  
(a) Wild harvest of the identified species in a specified quantity and from a specified area must be 
carried out according to Legislation and evidence must be provided as a first step of the 
certification process.  
  
(b) A clear identification of the species and tools for visual iden tification shall be prepared and 
evidence of approval by a qualified entity or expert must be available  
  
(c) Evidence of qualification of the collectors must be available, as well as a program for training.   
  
E.2.2  Processes  
  
E.2.2.1 Production cycle  
  
(a) As a general concept, the ACAP certification scheme E requires a different preparation, based 
on very sensitive sustainability rules based on conservation of wild species and use of correct 
harvesting techniques variable within different Species.   
  
(b) The preliminary preparation of guidelines and instructions specific for each wild Specie 
harvested is required in order to avoid inappropriate actions that may lead to damage of the 
wild biodiversity or damage to the final users (con sumers). Guidelines must be approved by a 
qualified entity or qualified expert.   
  
(c) Demonstration of qualification of the personnel involved in collection and selection of the wild 
crops is required. A program for continual qualification improvement and up date shall be 
provided.   
  
(d) The production cycle is the growing cycle of the plant in the wild, in the different environmental 
and climate conditions.   
  
E.2.2.2 Harvesting process  
  
(a) Harvest is the core of the process to be certified. For this reason, it  cannot be excluded  
  
(b) If harvest is subcontracted, the subcontractor must follow the same rules of qualification as the 
collectors of the certified company and will be audited for certification.  
  
E.2.2.3 Post -harvest produce handling.  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   49  (a) Produce handling includes any type of post -harvest handling of products that is still under the 
legal responsibility of the same producer. (ex: storage, drying, trimming, washing or any other 
handling where the product may have physical contact with other materials or substances but 
does but change its main aspect and nature).   
  
(b) Medicinal plants processing is not considered a post -harvest activity and, where applicable, it 
is covered under Certification Scheme B.  
  
(c) Produce handling, including description  of processes done, shall be declared during registration 
and indicated on the certificate.  
  
(d) Produce handling shall always be included if the product belongs to the producer during 
handling (by the producer or subcontractor), if the ARSO Mark in order to  receive a licence for 
the ARSO Mark.  
  
E.2.2.4 Sub -contractors and process outsourcing  
  
(a) For ACAP Certification Scheme E, sub -contractors of harvest and produce handling are 
considered at the same level as part of the Company and must comply with the same Standard 
Rules.   
  
(b) Sub-contractors for harvesting shall be audited for certification.  
  
(c) Sub-contractors for produce handling shall be audited for certification. Exception is dome if the 
sub-contractor is already ACAP certified for Scheme E.  
  
(d) Any other sub -contractor will be under the responsibility and control of the certified Producer. 
On a case -by-case base, the Certification Body has the right to audit any other sub -contractor, 
within the scope of the Standard’s requirements covered by the sub -contractor.  
  
E.3  ACAP Certification Scheme E Specific Normative Documents  
  
The Normative documents presented in this chapter (and any additional document or integration that 
will be identified as "Normative for certification scheme E") are specific for certification scheme E and 
relevant to all Parties involved in the ACAP certif ication process.   
  
The specific documents are represented by:  
  
(a) ACAP Standard, technical normative document to be certified within Scheme E: Traditional 
African Medicine Standard.  
  
(b) ACAP check list for assessment for good collection practices (GCP) for  medicinal plant produce  
  
(c) ACAP QMS check list for group or collectors operating for the same legal entity  
  
      
ACAP  
Certification  
Scheme E  
(African  
Traditional  
Medicine)  Sustainable harvesting of wild Botanical  
Species for African traditional medicine  
    ARSO approved 
certification  
Standard for 
African  
Traditional  
Medicine  
  
  
E.4  Quality management system for Scheme E  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
50  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  The QMS designed for the ARSO ACAP certification schemes contains elements specific for the scope 
of the ACAP certification.   
  
(a) The requirements, as well as the criteria for compliance, for the QMS are described in the ACAP 
QMS check list for group of  collectors of wild species operating for the same certified legal 
entity.   
  
E.5  Evaluation  process  
  
The specific processes for certification of medicinal plant produce are provided in the following 
documents:  
  
ACAP 5 -1, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 1: General requirements   
  
ACAP 5 -2, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 2: Good collection practices 
(GCP) for medicinal plant produce   
  
ACAP 5 -3, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 3: Good agricultural practices 
(GAP) for medicinal plant produce   
  
ACAP 5 -4, Certification s cheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 4: Good manufacturing practices 
(GMP) for herbal medicines   
  
In addition to ACAP 1 -1, the following rules apply for the certification of the ARSO Certification scheme 
E.  
  
E.5.1  Self-evaluation  and Internal Audit  and verification   
  
E.5.1.1 Self -evaluation   
  
It is required for ARSO certification Scheme E.  
  
During self -evaluation , all deviations and not applicable requirements must be recorded and corrective 
actions implemented.  
  
No specific requirements are in place for the qualification of the evaluator .  
  
E.5.1.2 Internal audit and verification.  
  
It is required when more than one collector of wild crops is involved in the certification scope.   
  
There are 2 different requirements of qualification for self -verification of the QMS and verification of the 
collection and post -harvest activities, accor ding to the specific ARSO Standard.  
  
E.5.1.2.1 Internal Auditor.  The internal auditor is qualified for both verification of QMS of 
multicollector’s organization and for the technical verification of collection and post -harvest operation. 
The following re quirements shall be complied for qualification of the Internal Auditor:  
  
(i) Minimum a High school diploma.  
  
(ii) Documented official training on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 9001 auditing standard of minimum 16 hours.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated competence in wild medicine plants. This competence can be from 
education, courses or demonstrated prac tical experience of minimum 2 years.  
  
(iv) Documented qualified Course in food hygiene and HACCP.  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   51  E.5.1.2.2 Internal verifier. Can carry out only the internal technical verification of wild plants collection 
and post -harvest, according to the requirements included in the ACAP check list for evaluation for good 
collection practices (GCP) for medicinal plant produce . Can work in team with the internal Auditor for 
verification of the producers of a group.  
  
(i) High school diploma   
  
(ii) Demonstrated competence in wild medicine plants. This competence can be from 
education, courses or demonstrated practical experience of minimum 2 years.  
  
(iii) Documented qualified Course in food hygiene and HACCP.  
  
(iv) 1 verification as observer and 1 verification as verifier witnessed by a qualified Auditor  
  
E.5.2  Independent external verification  
  
E.5.2.1 Certification Body   
  
For the certification of the ARSO Certification Scheme E, the certification Body must b e approved for 
the scope. Approved CBs are listed in the ARSO website  
  
E.5.2.2 Laboratory  
  
For testing and analytical verification of conformance for the ARSO Certification Scheme E, the 
Laboratory shall be approved for the specific tests and methodolo gies required by the specific standards 
(technical specification) to be certified. Approved Laboratories, with the detail of the approved tests and 
methods are listed on the ARSO website.  
  
E.5.2.3 Qualification of evaluators  
  
Also for external verificat ions, two different kind of evaluators are identified:  
  
E.5.2.3.1 Verifier for Scope E  
  
(a)  Task   
  
(a) Can carry out only the technical verification of wild plants collection and post -harvest, according 
to the requirements included in the ACAP check list for evaluators for good collection practices 
(GCP) for medicinal plant produce.  
  
(b) Can work in team with  the internal Auditor for verification of the producers of a group.  
  
(c) Qualification. The following requirements shall be met for qualification of the Verifier:  
  
(i) High school diploma with agricultural, natural science or similar applicable focus, or   
  
(ii) High School diploma and post high school courses with focus agriculture, natural 
science or similar applicable focus.  
  
(iii) Documented official training on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 9001 auditing standard of minimum 16 hours.   
  
(iv) Demonstrated competence in wild medicinal plants. This competence can be from 
education, courses or demonstrated practical experience of minimum 2 years.  
  
(v) Documented qualified Course in food hygiene and HACCP of minimum 2 days’ 
duration.  
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
52  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (vi) 1 verification as observer and 2 verification as verifier witnessed by a qualified Auditor 
or Verifier  
  
E.5.2.3.2 Auditor for scope E  
  
(a) Task : Can carry out Audits of t he QMS and post -harvest activity.  
  
(b) Can carry out the technical verification of the wild plants collection, according to the 
requirements included in the ACAP check list for evaluation for good collection practices (GCP) 
for medicinal plant produce.  
  
In team, covers the task of team leader and/or lead auditor.  
  
(c) Qualification : The following requirements shall be complied for qualification of the Auditor:  
  
(i) Post-High school diploma including courses pertinent with the major scope of  
certification (agriculture, natural science, botany, other similar scopes)  
  
(ii) Documented official training on auditing techniques according to ISO 19011 with focus 
on ISO 9001 auditing standard of minimum 36 hours.  
  
(iii) Demonstrated competence in wild medici nal plants. This competence can be from 
education, courses or demonstrated practical experience of minimum 2 years.  
  
(iv) Documented qualified Course on food hygiene and HACCP of minimum 2 days duration   
  
(v) The technical competence on wild collection can be c omplementary covered by a 
sector expert, working in together with the auditor.  
  
(vi) 1 verification as observer and 2 verification as auditor on a complete audit (QMS plus 
Production), witnessed by a qualified Auditor  
  
E.5.2.4 Initial Certification  
  
The initial certification in carried in 2 steps, at the first ARSO Certification for the specific Scheme of 
certification. The change of certification Body does not require a new initial certification. The initial 
Certifica tion is composed by 2 phases:  
  
E.5.2.4.1 Documental review  
  
This phase regards the desk verification of the documentation related to internal operative manuals and 
guidelines on collection of the wild species in object. It also includes verification of  legislation 
requirements, required authorization for collection, internal QMS procedures and documentation on 
qualification of involved personnel, including sub -contractors, where applicable.  
  
E.5.2.4.2 Initial verification  
  
It represents the verification carried out by the CB for final certification. It is carried out on -site during 
practical collection, this verification shall follow the documental review. It can be consecutive or carried 
out with a maximum timeframe of 3 months from the documental review. In case of exceedance of the 
timeframe, the review must be repeated.   
  
E.5.2.5 Periodical Surveillance Verification  
  
According to the duration of 3 years of the certification cycle, the re are 2 surveillance verifications in 
one certification cycle.  
  
E.5.2.6 Re -certification Verification  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   53    
The re -certification verification is carried out at the end of the third cycle of certification.   
  
E.5.2.7 Verification timing: Initial certificat ion verification  
  
The verification shall be planned when the production cycle is completed and evidences can be 
collected from both visual and documental verification:  
  
  
Crops  
  
Harvest is in place the day of verification.   
  
In case of groups of co llectors operating for the same legal entity, at least 75% of the sampled collectors 
must be harvesting the day of the verification.  
  
Harvest can be evaluated on at least one wild species representative of the following groups: perennials, 
herbs, etc.  
  
If post -harvest activity is included in the scope of certification, it must be taking place on the day of 
verification.  
  
E.5.2.8 Sampling of collectors of wild species  
  
In case of certification scheme E, where a group of collectors is operating under  the same certified legal 
entity, a sample of the collectors registered in the group will be verified. The sample is taken with regard 
to the following principles.  
  
E.5.2.8.1 Initial verification  
  
(a) The Square root of the total number of collectors, approximated by the higher value, shall be 
sampled and evaluated for first certification   
  
(b) The sample shall be representative collection of all the groups of species included in the scope 
of certificatio n and the number of samples within species must be equally balanced.  
  
(c) At least 30% of the products must be in harvesting period at the moment of the verification.   
  
(d) The same Collector can be sampled for more than one product   
  
E.5.2.8.2 Surveillance verification  
  
(a) The Square root of the total number of collectors multiplied by 0.6, approximated by the higher 
value, shall be sampled and evaluated for surveillance verification  
  
(b) At least one of the Species included in the scope of certification shall be in harvest or at end of 
cycle. If more products are on -site, the number of samples for each group of species must be 
equally balanced.   
  
(c) The products not in harvest or not present at the time of the surveillance audit must be verified 
for conformance by evaluating evidence and records from the previous certified cycle.  
  
(d) The same Collector can be sampled for more than one product.  
  
E.5.2.8.3 Re -certification/ transfer of CB Verification  
  
(a) The Square root of the total number of Collectors, approximated by the higher value, shall be 
sampled and evaluated for re -certification  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
54  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved    
(b) The sample shall be representative of all the groups of Species present the day of the 
verification and included in t he scope of certification. The number of samples for each product 
must be equally balanced.  
  
(c) At least 1 of the species in the certification scope must be in harvest (end of production cycle) 
at the moment of the verification.   
  
(d) In case of small groups of collectors, at least one sample for each product on -site must be 
verified, even if the final sample is larger than the SQR of the group.  
  
(e) The same Producer can be sampled for more than one product.  
  
E.6  Sampling and testing of products (where appli cable)  
  
The laboratory can be selected by both the CB and the Producer, among the ARSO qualified laboratory 
list, according to criteria such as kind of testing required, location, etc.  
  
E.6.1  Sampling and testing  
  
(a) The analytical tests to be carried out on the products to be certified or any testing required to 
confirm  conformance , are specific for the different ACAP Standards and they related to product  
specific requirements.  
  
(b) Sampling and testing methodology are specifically indicated in the ACAP Standard in relation 
to the purposes of the sampling and testing  
  
(c) Sampling may be carried out at harvest time, before the product is put on the market, or taken 
from the market, on a case -by-case base.  
  
(d) The list of the parameters and also cont aminant to be searched by the laboratory shall be 
prepared taking into consideration the Specific requests from the Standard of certification.  
  
E.7  Verification results and evaluation of conformance  
  
The classification of findings raised during the ve rification and related management is explained in 
ACAP 1 -1.  
  
With regard to scheme E, the following criteria are applied for the final evaluation of  conformance .  
  
E.7.1  Major Non -Conform ity  
  
(a) Initial (First certification) verification: All Major NC s shall be closed with effective corrective 
actions before the release of the certificate  
  
(b) Surveillance and Re -certification verifications: All Major NC shall be closed with effective 
corrective actions before the release of the certificate  
  
E.7.2  Mino r non -conform ity  
  
(a) Initial (First certification) verification: It is allowed for the 20% of the Minor NC raised during 
Initial audit to be closed within the next surveillance audit, upon presentation and approval of a 
corrective action plan.  
  
The remain ing 80% of the Minor NC raised shall be closed within the given time   
  ACAP 1 -2:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   55  (b) Surveillance and Re -certification verifications: It is allowed for the 10% of the Minor NC raised 
during Initial audit to be closed within the next surveillance audit, upon presentati on and 
approval of a corrective action plan.  
  
(c) The remaining 90% of the Minor NC raised shall be closed within the given time   
  
  
    ACAP 1 -2:2022   
Annex   
(informative)  
  
© ARSO 2017 — All rights reserved   56   
 
 
 
  
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© ARSO 2017 — All rights reserved