AFRICAN CONFORMITY  
ASSESSMENT  
PROGRAMME  CACO  
ACAP 1 -1  
Second Edition 20 22  
  
                  
   
Regulations — Part 1: General requirements for the ACAP certification 
systems  
                                        
 
  
ACAP 1 -1:2022  
  
 
 
 
 
  
Reference No.  
ACAP 1  
- 
1:2022  
( 
E 
) 
  
ICS  
03.200/97.220.10  
  
© ARSO 2022  
 
   
 Table of contents  
  
1 Scope ....................................................................................................................... ...................... 1  
2 Normative documents ..................................................................................... ............................... 1  
2.1 Standards.................................................................................................................... ........... 1  
2.2 ACAP Normative Documents ........................................................ ........................................ 1  
3 Terms and definitions ....................................................................................................... .............. 2  
4 Objectives of the ARSO Conformity Assessment Program ................ ........................................... 2  
4.1 The objectives for the ACAP..................................................................................................  2  
4.2 Actions taken by ARSO to achieve the objectives ................................ ................................ 2  
5 Document control ............................................................................................. .............................. 3   
6 Structure of African Conformity Assessment Programme ....................... ...................................... . 3  
6.1 ARSO -CACO  ...................................................................................................................... .. .3  
6.2 ARSO Central Secretariat ..................................................... ................................................. 3  
6.3 Standards Management Committee (S MC) ............................................ ...............................  4  
6.4 Operational management ................................................................ ........ .............................. 5   
6.5 Certification bodies and laboratories committees .................................... .............................. 5   
7 Approval of certification standards ........................................................... ...................................... 5  
7.1 General ..................................................................................................................... ............. 5  
7.2 The African Standards approval process ................................. ............................................. 5  
7.3  Basic principles applicable for the design of a certification scheme …………………………. 5  
8 ACAP certification schemes ............................................................................. ..................... ......... 8   
8.1 Product certification schemes, product certification systems and stan dards ......................... 8   
8.2 Scheme A: Primary production (crops, livestock, aquaculture) ............... ..............................10   
8.3 Scheme B: Processing of food ....................................................................... ..................... 11   
8.4 Scheme C: Chain of custody ............................................................................................... 1 2  
8.5 Scheme D: Sustainability and eco -labelling ............................................................ ............ 12   
8.6 Scheme E: African traditional medici ne .................................................. ............................. 14   
8.7 Scheme F: Sustainable capture fisheries ............................................................................  14  
8.8 Scheme G: Good financial grant practice certific ation ........................... ............................. 14   
8.9 Scheme H: Cosmetology and wellness .................................................. ............................. 16   
8.10 Scheme J: Sustainable mining certification ........................... ................. ............................. 17  
8.11 Scheme K: Made in Africa Criteria…………………………………………………………… ..…19 
8.12 Scheme L: Ecological Organic Agriculture…………………………………………...…………. 20   
9 Registration for certification in the ACAP ................................ ........................ .............................. 21   
9.1 Preliminary entry requirements ............................................................... .............................. 21   
9.2 Registration data .................................................. ................................... .............................. 21   
10 Conformity assessment bodies qualification ................................................... ............................... 22   
11 Assessment process ..................................... ................................................. ................................ 22  
11.1 Verification activities ............................................................................... ............................... 23   
12 Qualification of the Verificatio n Teams and Laboratory ……………………………………………… .. 24 
12.1 Verification team …………………………………………………………………………………….. 24  
12.2 Laboratory……………………………………………………………………………………………. 25   
13 Sampling and testing of products (where applicable) …………………………………………………. . 25 
13.1 Sampling and Testing……………………………………………………………………………….. 25  
13.2 Testing………………………………………………………………………………………………… 25 
14 Certification process ............................................................................................... ..........................26   
14.1 Application for AC AP certification ........................................................................................ ....26   
14.2 Preliminary evaluation of application and approval by the certification body ...................... .....26  
14.3 Contract between Producer and CB ... ................................................................................. .....26  
14.4 Document review and on -site verification ............................................................................ ... 27   
14.5 Verification results and evaluation of co mpliance................................. ...................................27  
14.6 Follow up verification ............................................................................ .................................. 29 
14.7 Release of a final report ............... ........................................................... ........................ ...... 29   
14.8 Technical review by the CB’s Certification Committee ......................... ............................. 29  
14.9 Maintenance of the ARSO Certificate and ARSO Mark L icense .......... ............................. 29  
14.10  Renewal of the ARSO Mark license ................................................. .................................30   
15 Sanctioning ........................................................................... ........................... ...............................30  
15.1 Warning……………………………………………………………………………………………… .30  
© ARSO 2022 —      15.2 Suspension……………………………………………………………………………………………30  
15.3 Withdrawal and Cancellation……………………………………………………………………….. 30 
16 Complaints and appeal management.............................................................. .................................31   
17 Attestation of conformity: Certificate, ARSO Mark .......................................... .................................31   
18 Maintenance and im provement of a scheme .................................................. .................................31   
18.1 Review of ACAP Certification System .................................................. ...................................31   
18.2 Intermediate, minor re view of ACAP Certification System ..................... .................................32   
 Annex A ( informative) Procedure  for conflict resolution .......................................... ............................. 32   
Annex B ( informative) Use  of AR SO Mark and EMA Label .................................... ................................37   
  
    
ii  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  
ACAP 1 -1:2022  
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 establishment of a conformity 
assessment system to promote the qual ity 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 coherent 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 follow the principles and procedures for the 
development of Africa n 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 subject to dynamic adaptations which must timeously respond to cha nges 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  
 
1 © 2022ARSO — All rights of exploitation reserved worldwide for African Member States’ NSBs.  
 All rights reserved  iii  
   
Tel. +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org   
Web: www.arso -oran.org   
    
ACAP 1 -1:2022  
  
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 re produced, 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 prosecu ted.  
  
  
  
     
© ARSO 2022 —      iv  © ARSO 20 22 — All rights reserved  
ACAP 1 -1:2022  
Introduction  
  
ARSO has developed the African Conformity Assessment Programme (ACAP), to provide confidence 
to all interested third parties that a product , process  or service  fulfils certain specified requirements; to 
improve the quality and/or safety of goods produced within the ARSO member states by means of 
dedicated certification schemes and implementing certification of specific recognised Standards, to 
facilit ate trade between African countries and export out of Africa.  
  
The value of certification is the degree of confidence and trust that is established by an impartial and 
competent demonstration of fulfilment of specified requirements by a third party. Cert ification of 
products, processes or services is a means of providing assurance that they comply with specified 
requirements in standards and other normative documents.  
  
With the term “Quality” is intended a combination of characteristics that will concur to bring added value 
to the products identified with the ARSO Mark and African Eco -Labelling Mark — ECOMARK Africa 
(EMA Label), compared to other similar products that ar e already available on the Market.  
  
Throughout the ACAP documentation the terms "Shall" is used to indicate those provisions which, according 
to the ACAP, are mandatory.   
  
The following additional verbal forms are used: “should” indicates recommendatio n; “may” indicates 
permission; “can” indicates possibility or capability.  
  
  
  
  
 All rights reserved  v  
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   1  
AFRICAN CONFORMITY  ACAP 1 -1:2022  
  
Regulations — Part 1: General Requirements for the ACAP 
certification systems  
  
  
1  Scope  
  
This document describes the general structure of the African Conformity Assessment Programme 
(ACAP), its governance, functions and organization. It also describe s the general rules to be followed 
by any party seeking to enter in the ACAP.   
  
Details on ACAP, common provisions applicable for all certification schemes included in the ACAP and 
rules for implementation, verification, certification and maintenance of the ACAP are included. More 
specific rules for certification schemes implementation, design of African Standards and management 
of ACAP are specified in the normative documents available for ACAP.  
  
2  Normative documents  
  
The following referenced docum ents 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 amendments) applies.  
  
2.1  Standards  
  
i ASHAM  SHP-01, African Standards Harmonization Model Standards  
 
ii ISO/IEC 17000, Conformity assessment — Vocabulary and general principles   
 
iii ISO/IEC 17007, Conformity assessment — Guidance for drafting normative documents 
suitable for use for conformity assessment   
 
iv ISO /IEC 17021 -1, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit 
and certification of management systems — Part 1: Requirement    
 
v ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration 
laboratories   
 
vi ISO/IEC 17 030, Conformity assessment — General requirements for third -party marks 
of conformity   
 
vii ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, 
processes and services   
 
viii ISO/IEC 17067, Conformity assessment — Fundamentals of prod uct certification and 
guidelines for product certification schemes   
  
2.2  ACAP Normative Documents  
  
i ACAP 1 -1, Regulations — Part 1: General requirements for the ACAP certification 
systems   
 
ii ACAP 1 -2, Regulations — Part 2: Special requirements for the certification systems   
 ACAP 1 -1:2022   
2  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  iii ACAP 1 -3, Regulations — Part 3: Requirements for approval of certification bodies   
 
iv ACAP 1 -4, Regulations — Part 4: Requirements for approval of testing and calibration 
laboratories   
 
v ACAP 2, Sustainable agricul ture — Assessment and certification   
 
vi ACAP 3, Sustainable capture fisheries — Assessment and certification   
 
vii ACAP 4, Cosmetology and wellness certification framework   
 
viii ACAP 5 -1, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 1: General 
requirements   
 
ix ACAP 5 -2, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 2: Good collection 
practices (GCP) for medicinal plant produce   
 
x ACAP 5 -3, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 3: Good agricultural 
practices (GAP) for medicinal plant produce   
 
xi ACAP 5 -4, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 4: Good 
manufacturing practices (GMP) for herbal medicines   
 
xii ACAP 5 -5, Certification scheme for medicinal plant produce — Part 5: Minimum 
requirements for registrat ion of traditional medicines   
  
3  Terms and definitions  
  
For the purpose of this document the terms and definitions in ASHAM SHP-01, ISO 9000 and ISO/IEC 
17000 apply.  
  
4  Objectives of the ARSO Conformity Assessment Program  
  
4.1  The objectives for the ACAP  
  
(a) To provide for an African Certification System for goods and services produced in accordance 
with African Standards (ARS) issued by ARSO  
  
(b) To improve the quality, safety and legality of goods and services in Africa ;  
  
(c) To fa cilitate trade amongst African countries and with the outside world;  
  
(d) To establish a third party Conformity A ssessment program to increase transparency and 
credibility of the stakeholders on ARSO Certified products ;  
  
(e) To provide a forum for collaboratio n in certification activities in the African region with a view to 
affording mutual benefits to the participating members of ARSO .  
  
4.2  Actions taken by ARSO to achieve the objectives  
  
(a) Development of a documented system that includes principles, rules , guides and directives for 
the operation of the African Conformity Assessment Programme;  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   3  (b) Definition of common criteria for the design of African Standards and for the implementation 
and management of the related certification schemes ;  
  
(c) Assurance of application of uniform working methods and procedures in certification, and 
techniques used in certification by implementation of verification processes;  
  
(d) Support in establishing and strengthening national capabilities for certification in African 
countries by providing training and technical support, including promotional and other support 
services.  
  
5  Document control  
  
(a) Information on the  latest versio ns of all ACAP normative documents can be accessed through 
the ARSO website  (www.arso -oran.org) .  
  
(b) Original documents are in English and French. Once published, the ARSO documents become 
mandatory for the implementation of the ACAP.   
  
(c) Updates can be mad e independently in the different documents, but a version change affects 
all normative documents.  
  
(d) Communication on updates is sent to all ARSO approved Assessment Bodies. It is the 
responsibility of the Certification Bodies to keep their clients informed on relevant updates.  
  
(e) A summary of changes is indicated in the documents in case of changes done within the same 
version of the ARSO documentation.   
  
6  Structure of African Conformity Assessment Programme  
  
The general structure of the ACAP is summarized in Figure 1  
  
6.1  ARSO CACO   
  
This will be the supervisory  arm of the ARSO,  which provides strategic advice on the development and 
operations of ACAP within the context of the African Standards Harmonization Model (ASHAM).   
  
6.2  ARSO Central Secretariat  
  
Among the broad responsibilities of the ARSO Central Secretariat in rela tion to the ACAP, the following 
is included:   
  
(a) Provide governance for the design, implementation and maintenance of ACAP, including the 
Programme’s Database ;   
  
(b) Provide input into the deliberations of the Standards Management Committee  (SMC ) in 
establishing priority areas for standardization programs ;  
  
(c) Maintain procedures and assist THCs  in their standards development programs ;   
  
(d) Provide support in the management of standards harmonization projects;   
  
(e) Receive from the responsible T HC, Subcommittees (SC) and Working Groups (WG) the results 
of systematic reviews of already approved African Standards, and notifying the T HC of the 
results ;   
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
4  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (f) Arrange for public review of African Standards prior to the approval by the SMC and  ARSO 
Council ;   
  
(g) Facilitate the liaison of Regional Standardization, Metrology and Conformity Assessment 
activities ;   
  
(h) Publicize and promote the African Conformity Assessment Programme ;  
  
(i) Manage appeals and complaints within the ACAP.   
  
6.3  Standards Management  Committee (SMC )  
  
The Committee is established by the ARSO Council for the purpose of approving harmonized African 
Standards and standards -related documents.   
  
The SMC is responsible for the overall management of the technical work and in particular for:  
  
(a) Establishment of technical sub -committees;  
  
(b) Appointment of chairs of technical sub -committees;  
  
(c) Allocation of priorities, approval of titles, scopes and programmes of work of technical 
subcommittees ;  
  
(d) Ratification of the establishment and dissolution of subcommitt ees;  
  
(e) Coordination of the technical work, monitoring the progress of the technical work, review the 
need for, and planning of, work in new fields of technology .  
   
  
Figure 1 — The African Conformity Assessment Programme Structure   ARSO CACO ARSO 
Secretariat
CACO WG 1 
ON POLICY....
Certification 
Body 1
Laboratory 1
Producers/Farmers/Service Providers/Retailers in the sectors of Agriculture, 
Fisheries,Forestry, Tourism, ATMCertification 
Body 2
Laboratory 2Certification 
Body 3
Laboratory 3Certification 
Body n
Laboratory nStandards 
Management 
CommittteeACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   5  6.4  Operational management  
  
The ACAP implementation and maintenance is under the direct responsibility of the ARSO Central 
Secretariat.  
  
The ARSO Secretariat may decide to sub -contract some operational activities to qualified service 
providers, working und er the direct governance and control of the ARSO Secretariat team.  
  
6.5  Certification bodies and laboratories committees  
  
Certification bodies and testing laboratories are responsible for performing the conformity assessment 
services. The two committees  (SMC  and THC)  have an advisory function.  
  
In case of design or review of one certification standard, the outputs from the THCs are sent to the 
advisory committees, where the standards are reviewed with regard to compliance to African Standard 
design and applicability of the related certification scheme. The Laboratory representatives will provide 
comments about the aspects related to testing of products and analytical methods required by the 
Standards.   
  
Comments are considered by ARSO Techni cal Harmonization Committees for possible amendments 
and reviews.  
  
7  Approval of certification standards  
  
7.1  General  
  
To harmonize the level of transparency and assurance linked to the products certified within the ACAP, 
standards used for certification must fulfil specified requirements and must achieve, within the same 
category and certification scheme, the same level o f recognition by the interested stakeholders.  
  
7.2  The African Standards approval process  
  
African Standards shall be harmonized through the process outlined in the African Standards 
Harmonization Model and the relevant procedural manual.  
  
7.3  Basi c principles applicable for the design of a certification scheme  
  
Conformity assessment is a series of functions that satisfy a need or demand for demonstration that 
specified requirements are fulfilled. Such demonstration can add substance or credibilit y to claims that 
specified requirements are fulfilled, giving t he user greater confidence in such claims.   
  
ACAP Certification Schemes, including the African Standards are used as the specified requirements, 
since they represent a broad consensus of what  is wanted in a given situation (see Clause 7.1). As a 
result, conformity assessment is often viewed as a standards related activity.  
  
For the purposes of harmonization of content and structure within the African Standards, basic principles 
to be followe d as guidance for the design of a certification scheme are applied (modified for specific 
scope from source ISO/IEC 17007:2009):  
  
7.3.1 Principle 1: separation of specified requirements for the object of conformity assessment 
from specified requirements related to conformity assessment activities  
  
(a) A normative document, that contain s specified requirements for a product conformity 
assessment ( e.g: Product certification Standard including detail on quality, safety, legality of 
products), should not contain provisions related to conformity assessment activities ( e.g: rules 
for certification, certification process, etc.), with exception  to sampling and testing methods 
related to the specified characteristics.  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
6  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved    
In respect of this principle, specific requirements for conformity assessment activities have been 
established and separately described in the present document, with categorizati on in :  
  
(i) General Certification Schemes Requirements: all requirements related to conformity 
assessment activities and common to all ACAP Schemes are described in a common 
section of the present document ;  
  
(ii) Certification Schemes requirements: all requirements related to conformity assessment 
activities and specific to single ACAP Schemes are described in Scheme specific 
section of the present document.   
  
(b) Conformity assessment provisions to be included and c ommon for any certification scheme are:  
  
(i) Conformity assessment systems or schemes to be applied for certification ;  
  
(ii) Registration for certification in the ACAP ;   
  
(iii) Assessment bodies qualification (Certification Body and Laboratory) ; 
  
(iv) Assessment proces s;  
  
(v) Certification process ;  
  
(vi) Notification and appeal ;  
  
(vii) Sanctioning ;   
  
(viii) Complaint management ; 
 
(ix) Attestation of conformity ; 
 
(c) All specified requirements for the object of conformity assessment (compliance criteria for 
certification) are described in the specific African Standards, approved to be certified within the 
ACAP.  
  
7.3.2  Principle 2: Neutrality towards parties performi ng conformity assessment activities  
  
Normative documents for objects of conformity assessment should be written so that conformity of the 
objects to the specifications can be assessed by any interested party. Interested parties can be:  
  
(a)  a manufacturer or supplier of the object (first p arty); 
(b)  a user or purchaser of the object (second party);   
(c)  an independent body (third party).  
  
7.3.3  Principle 3: Functional approach to conformity assessment  
  
For the conformity assessment activities, the “functional approach to conformity assessment”, is 
considered with the following functions:  
  
(a) Selection:  It involves identification of all the information and input needed to allow planning 
and execution of the subsequent “determination” function. For the ARSO Certification 
Schemes, select ion activities may vary widely in number and complexity.  
  
Special attention is required for the “object of conformity assessment”. When the object 
presents a large number of identical items or involves numerous locations, some sampling 
criteria, or selection of specimens to be used for determination activities ca n be defined in the 
relevant ACAP certification scheme.  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   7    
Selection can also include choice of the most appropriate procedures (for example, testing 
methods or inspection methods) to be used for determination activities. Also additional 
information may be  needed in order to perform determination activities properly so that the 
demonstration that specified requirements are fulfilled will be effective.   
  
(b) Determination: Determination activities are undertaken to develop complete information 
regarding fulfilment of the specified requirements by the object of conformity assessment or its 
sample. In the ACAP Schemes, according to different schemes and standards, the followin g 
types of determination activities are defined:  
  
(i) Inspection  
(ii) Audit  
(iii) Sampling  
(iv) Testing  
  
(c) Review and attestation: Review constitutes the final stage of checking before taking the 
important decision as to whether or not the object of conformity assessment  has been reliably 
demonstrated to fulfil the specified requirements. Checking and certification decision is done 
by a qualified person with defined responsibility.   
  
For the ACAP, the attestation that fulfilment of specified requirements has been demons trated 
is represented by a certificate of compliance against the specific ARSO certification scheme 
and Standard and by the possibility use the ARSO Mark on the certified products.  
  
(d) Surveillance:  The activities undertaken in surveillance are planned in o rder to satisfy the need 
to maintain the validity of the existing certificates. The activities during surveillance may change 
from one certification scheme to another. A complete repeat of the initial assessment is not 
necessary for every surveillance. Thu s, the activities during surveillance may be reduced, or 
different from, the activities undertaken in the initial assessment. All ARSO certification 
schemes include as a minimum, annual surveillance activities.  
  
7.3.4  Principle 4: comparability of confo rmity assessment results  
  
The requirements for the objects of conformity assessment and the requirements for the conformity 
assessment activities should be specified in a clear and unambiguous manner, with sufficient detail to 
ensure that conformity assessment results will be compa rable and reproducible.   
  
An important outcome of standardization and of conformity assessment activities is confidence in the 
fulfilment of the objectives for specified requirements and the realization of the intended benefits (e.g. 
reduction of food sa fety risks).  
  
If different parties (i.e. people, bodies and/or organizations) are applying the specified requirements to 
the object of conformity assessment, the results obtained should all be comparable, with respect to 
fulfilment of the requirements sp ecified. If conformity with the specified requirements is assessed by 
different parties, the results of the conformity assessment shall be comparable.  
  
7.3.5  Principle 5: Good practice in conformity assessment  
  
Developers of normative documents for co nformity assessment activities should consider International 
Standards and Guides  as a source of good practice in conformity assessment.  
  
ISO and IEC have developed a series of International Standards and Guides to promote the 
international comparability  and credibility of conformity assessment activities, known as the conformity 
assessment toolbox.The criteria contained in these documents are extracted from international 
guidelines on what constitutes good practice in conformity assessment and modified f or the specific 
scopes of ACAP.   ACAP 1 -1:2022   
8  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved    
The purpose of this document is to harmonize the contents of the ARSO certification schemes and 
ARSO Standards in order to introduce the same level of trust and implementation of good practices for 
all ACAP  documents .   
  
8  ACAP certification schemes  
  
8.1  Product certification schemes, product certification systems and standards  
  
In order to meet the objective of ACAP, the transparency, robustness and consistency of the 
Certification Process and related schemes of certification is a critical factor to be taken into 
consideration.   
  
A product certification scheme is composed of a set of rules, procedures and management for carrying 
out certification, related to specified products, to which the same specified requirements, specific rules 
and procedures apply.  
  
A product certification scheme may use defined rules, procedures and ma nagement  process , which 
could be unique to the scheme or could be defined in a product certification system applicable to a 
number of schemes. It is always necessary to have a product certification scheme, but only necessary 
to separately define a product certification system if the same rules, procedures and management 
process are to be used for more than one scheme. This is the case of the African Conformity 
Assessment Programme, where more certification schemes are included and more African Standards 
are linked to the same certification scheme.   
  
Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between product certification system, product certification schemes 
and African Standards.  
  
Scheme  ACAP 
Category  Description  Conformity Requirements  Sample 
Standards 
Appl icable  
A A1.1 Primary Production 
Crops –Single 
farmers  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Scheme A 1 .1 based on 
ACAP 1 -2 
ARSO Mark Requirements.  ARS 461   
ARS 886  
ARS 1100  
ARS 1101  
ARS 1102  
ARS 1103  
ARS 1104  
ARS 1105  
ARS 1106  
ARS 1107  
ARS 1108  
ARS 1109  A1.2 Primary Production 
Livestock -Single 
farmers  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Sch eme A 1.2 based on 
ACAP 1 -2 
ARSO Mark Requirements.  
A1.3 Primary Production 
Aquaculture -Single 
farmers  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Sch eme A 1.3 based on 
ACAP 1-2 
ARSO Mark Requirements.  
A2.1 Primary Production 
Crops –Group of  
farmers  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Sch eme A 2.1 based on 
ACAP 1 -2 
ARSO Mark Requirements.  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   9  Scheme  ACAP 
Category  Description  Conformity Requirements  Sample 
Standards 
Appl icable  
A2.2 Primary Production 
Livestock – Group 
of farmers  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Scheme A 2.2 based on 
ACAP 1-2 
ARSO Mark Requirements.  ARS 1401   
ARS 1403   
ARS 1419  
A2.3 Primary Production 
Aquaculture - Group 
of farmers  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Sch eme A 2.3 based on 
ACAP 1 -2 
ARSO Mark Requirements.  
B B Processing of Food  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP  Scheme B based on ACAP 
1-2 (Includes ACAP FSMS/HACCP 
implementation)  
ARSO Mark Requirements.   
C C Chain of Custody  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP  Scheme C based on ACAP 
1-2 
ARSO Mark Requirements.   
D D.1 Sustainability and 
Eco—Labelling - 
Single legal entities  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Scheme D.1 based on 
ACAP 1 -2 
Various ARSO sustainability and 
eco-labelling requirements  
Various ARS production standards  
Requirements for use of EMA  ARS/AES 1   
ARS/AES 3   
ARS/AES 5   
ARS/AES 6  
D.2 Sustainability and 
Eco-- Labelling -  
Groups or multi -site 
operations  ACAP S cheme D.1 based on 
ACAP 1 -2 
Various ARSO sustainability and 
eco-labelling requirements  
Various ARS production standards  
Requirements for use of EMA   
E E African Traditional 
Medicine  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Scheme E (ACAP 5 -1, 5-2, 
5-3, 5-4, 5-5) 
ARS 952, ARS 953 & ARS 954  
Requirements for use of EMA   
F F Sustainable 
Capture -Fisheries  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Scheme F (Based on ACAP 
3 & ARS/AES 02)  
Requirements for use of EMA  ARS/AES 2 , 
Fisheries — 
Sustainability 
and eco -
labelling —  
Requirements  
 ACAP 1 -1:2022   
10  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  Scheme  ACAP 
Category  Description  Conformity Requirements  Sample 
Standards 
Appl icable  
G G Good Financial 
Grant Practice.  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Scheme G  
ARS 1651 Requirements  
ARSO Mark Requirements.   
H H Cosmetology and 
Wellness  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Scheme H (H1 – H10) 
detailed in ACAP   4  
ARSO Mark Requirements.   
J J Sustainable Mining  ISO/IEC 17065  
ACAP Scheme J (which includes 
ARS 1340 & ARS 1343)  
Requirements for use of EMA  Mining — 
Sustainability 
and  
Ecolabelling — 
Requirements 
ARS 1340, 
Natural stone for 
building — 
Sustainability 
assessment and 
certification ARS 
1343, 
Sustainable 
sand mining — 
Requirements   
K K Made in Africa 
(MiA)  Made in Africa guidelines —criteria 
for qualification plus relevant 
African standard   
L L Ecological Organic 
Agriculture  CAC Guidelines for the production, 
processing, labelling and marketing 
of organically produced foods 
CAC/GL 32 -1999   
  
Figure 2 — African Conformity Assessment Programme (ACAP) Certification Schemes  
  
8.2  Scheme A: Primary production (crops, livestock  and aquaculture )  
  
The scope of this certification scheme is to provide criteria for the design of Product Certification 
Standards to be used for verification of compliance and certification in the primary production sector. 
The Standards included in this certification scheme have a strong focus on the product characteristics 
and the good agricultural practices  involved for production. The se standards can include :   
  
(a) Crops production including medicinal plants — example: fruit s and vegetables for fresh or 
industrial use; industrial crops such as grains, pulses, coffee, tea, cocoa, Aloe Vera , Artemisia, 
etc. Whe re applicable, also on -farm postharvest activities are included.  
  
(b) Livestock farming — example: cattle, pigs, poultry, milk production, eggs production, etc. Where 
applicable, slaughtering and on -farm product handling activities are included .  
  
(c) Fish farm ing — example: finfish, crustaceans, molluscs from aquaculture sources. Where 
applicable, slaughtering and on -farm product handling activities are included .  
  
(d) Bee farming: good practices in apiculture .  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   11    
8.2.1  Scheme A1: Primary production for single fa rmers  
  
This certification scheme is applicable to Single Farmers willing to certify their products according to the 
African standards included in Scheme A.   
  
The main certification criteria are related to quality, safety and legality of the products to  be verified by:  
  
(i) Verification of production processes ,   
  
(ii) Verification of implementation of good agricultural and hygiene practices ,   
  
(iii) Testing of products .   
  
The present certification scheme is applicable to the African Standards included in Scheme A.  
  
ACAP 1 -2 provides detailed criteria to be applied for design and general rules for assessment and 
certification.  
  
8.2.2  Scheme A2: Primary production for group s of farmers  
  
This certification scheme is applicable to groups of small farmers willing to certify t heir products 
according to the African standards included in Scheme A and managed by a centralized QMS, where 
the QMS owner is also the owner of the certificate.   
  
The main certification criteria are related to quality, safety and legality of the product s to be verified as 
applicable by:  
  
(i) Verification of QMS implementation ,  
  
(ii) Verification of production process ,   
  
(iii) Verification of implementation of good agricultural and hygiene practices ,   
  
(iv) Testing of products .  
  
The implementation of a QMS at group level allows sampling while giving confidence on the general 
level of compliance of the entire group.   
  
The present certification scheme is applicable to the African Standards included in Scheme A and 
integrates the g eneral rules for Scheme A1 with regard s to the management of certification for groups 
of farmers and implementation of the QMS.  
  
ACAP  1-2 provides detailed criteria to be applied for design and general rules for assessment and 
certification.  
  
8.3  Sche me B: Processing of food  
  
This certification scheme is applicable to food processing companies and fresh primary products 
handling units ( e.g. Fruit and vegetables pack houses, milk collection plants, fresh meat preparation 
and storage, etc.), willing to  certify their products according to related established criteria of quality , 
safety and legality.   
  
The standards included in this scheme of certification have a strong focus on the quality, safety and 
legality of the products by mean s of implementation  of a Food Safety Management System (FSMS).   
  
Where appropriate, sampling and testing activities to check measurable parameters are used for 
compliance.   ACAP 1 -1:2022   
12  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved    
The main certification criteria are related to quality, safety and legality of the products to be verified as 
applicable by:  
  
(i) verification of FSMS implementation ,  
  
(ii) verification of production process,   
  
(iii) verification of implementation of HACCP plan,   
  
(iv) verification of pre -requisite programs ,  
  
testing of products .  
ACAP 1 -2 provides detailed criteria to be applied for design and general rules for assessment and 
certification.  
  
8.4  Scheme C: Chain of c ustody  
  
This certification scheme applies to any party seeking certification for ARSO chain of custody standard.  
  
The ARSO chain of custody standard is designed to assure the identity and quality of the ARSO certified 
products along the supply chain, b y implementing segregation and traceability.   
  
It is linked to the African Standard applied for certification of the traced product.  
  
It is applicable to all companies in the supply chain ( e.g.: processing, packaging, logistics, brokers, etc.) 
willing to identify their products with the ARSO Mark.  
  
In order to be able to transfer the ARSO certification claim along the supply chain, all steps where the 
certified product is processed, packed, labelled, stored and distributed need to be ARSO certified.   
  
The verification of compliance for this scheme involves the assessment of the traceability and 
segregation system implemented by the company. Periodical sampling and testing of the product 
(onsite or from the point of sales) to check that the products fulfil the  specified  requirements  in the 
original A RSO standard.   
  
The main certification criteria are related to traceability and identity confirmation of the products to be 
verified by:  
  
(i) traceability ,  
  
(ii) segregation ,  
  
(iii) labelling ,   
  
(iv) testing of products (when appropriate) . 
  
ACAP 1 -2 provides detailed criteria to be applied for design and general rules for assessment and 
certification.  
  
  
8.5  Scheme D: Sustainability and eco -labelling  
  
This certification scheme applies for any party seeking certification of the requirements for th e 
sustainable production, processing and trading of agricultural products, including wild harvesting and 
wild catch, food, beverages and non -food products. The standard applies to all production, processing 
and trading within the ACAP field of application.   
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   13  The standard is based on the main principles of sustainability and can be certified alone or, when 
available, in combination with the ARSO product certification standard applicable for the production in 
the scope. The principles included in the Sustainabil ity Standards are listed below.   
  
According to the kind of production activity carried out by the Company, some principles may not be 
applicable.  
  
African Standards suitable for sustainability and eco -labelling include:  
  
(1) ARS/AES 1, Agriculture — Sustainability and eco -labelling — Requirements   
  
(2) ARS/AES 2, Fisheries — Sustainability and eco -labelling — Requirements   
  
(3) ARS/AES 3, Forestry — Sustainability and eco -labelling — Requirements   
  
(4) ARS/AES 5, Aquaculture — African Catfish — Sustainability and eco-labelling — Requirements   
  
(5) ARS/AES 6, Aquaculture — Tilapia — Sustainability and eco -labelling — Requirements   
  
(6) ARS 952, African Traditional Medicine — Guidelines on good agricultural and collection 
practices (GACP) for medicinal plants   
  
(7) ARS 1100,  Production and handling of food crops — Good agricultural practices   
  
(8) ARS 1101, Production and handling of maize (corn) grains — Good agricultural practices   
  
(9) ARS 1102, Production and handling of rice — Good agricultural practices   
  
(10) ARS 1103, Production and handling of cassava — Good agricultural practices   
  
(11) ARS 1104, Dairy production farms — Good agricultural practices   
  
(12) ARS 1105, Poultry production farms — Good agricultural practices   
  
(13) ARS 1106, Tilapia production aquaculture far ms — Good aquaculture practices   
  
(14) ARS 1107, Freshwater aquatic animal production farms — Good aquaculture practices   
  
(15) ARS 1108, Beef cattle production farms — Good agricultural practices   
  
(16) ARS 1109, Production and handling of fruits and vegetables — Good agricultural practices   
  
8.5.1  Scheme D1: Single site farms/companies  
  
This certification scheme is applicable to Single Site Farms/Companies, willing to certify their products 
according to the ARSO standards included in Scheme D.   
  
The main certif ication criteria are related to compliance with the sustainability criteria applied to the 
production process of products to be verified by assessment of implementation of sustainable practices.   
  
The present certification scheme is applicable to the Afr ican Standards included in Scheme D.  
  
ACAP 1 -2 provides detailed criteria to be applied for design and general rules for assessment and 
certification.  
  
8.5.2  Scheme D2: Group of farmers or multisite production operations  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
14  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  This certification scheme is applicable to group s of Farmers or multisite pr oduction operations willing to 
certify their products according to the African standards included in Scheme D and managed by a 
centralized QMS, where the QMS owner is also the owner of the certificate.   
  
The main certification criteria are related to compliance with the sustainability criteria applied to the 
production process of products to be verified by:  
  
(i) Verification of implementation of sustainable practices ,   
  
(ii) Verification of QMS implementation .  
  
The implementation of a QMS at group or multisite level, allows sampling while giving confidence on 
the general level of compliance of the all group.   
  
The present certification scheme is applicable to the African Standards included in Scheme D and 
integrates the general rules for scheme D1 with regard to the management of certification for groups of 
farmers or multisite and implementation of the QMS.  
  
ACAP 1 -2 provides detailed criteria to be applied for design and general rules for assessment and 
certification.  
  
8.6  Scheme E: African traditional medicine  
  
The scope of this certification scheme is to provide criteria for the design of Product Certification 
Standards to be used for verification of compliance and certification in the sector of the African traditional 
medicine. The Standards included in this ce rtification scheme have a strong focus on the product 
characteristics, the sustainable good practices involved for harvest of wild botanical species to be used 
for traditional medicine and the sustainable wild plant harvesting.   
  
The standards include th e requirements for sustainable harvest of wild botanical species used in African 
traditional medicine .   
  
The cultivation of crops to be used for African traditional medicine, is included in certification schemes 
A1 and A2, for crops. The special rules ap plicable for Schemes A1 and A2 are applicable.   
  
Where applicable, also on -farm postharvest activities are included.  
  
8.7  Scheme F: Sustainable capture fisheries  
  
This certification scheme is applicable to wild catch of fish and other sea water/ fre sh water species. It 
can be operate d by single fishery units o r by a fishery fleet willing to certify their products according to 
the African Standards included in African Conformity Assessment Programme.   
  
The main certification criteria are related to compliance with the sustainability criteria applied to the 
production process of products to be verified by:  
  
 Verification of implementation of sustainable fishery practices.   
  
The present certification scheme is applicable to the African Standards i ncluded in Scheme F.  
  
8.8  Scheme G: Good financial grant practice certification  
  
The objective of this standard for Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) is to standardize, simplify and 
strengthen the financial governance of grant funding. For grantors, they can use the standard as a 
minimum requirement to their grantees. For grantees, they can claim compliance with this standard to 
support applications for grants from grantors. This standard is to establish a consistent approach to the 
management of grants throughout the grant life cycle, for the benefit of grantors and grantees. Operat ing 
in compliance to the standard should:  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   15    
(a) reduce the cost and administration time for both grantors and grantees;  
  
(b) reduce the multitude of audits and financial assessments that grantees have from different grantors;  
  
(c) increase the confidence of grantors to fund directly to grantees;  
  
(d) reduce the risk of corruption, bribery and fraud; and  
  
(e) enable targeted financial capacity building by grantors  
  
This standard is designed to codify and provide requirements on established good practice. It is a quality 
standard and not an accounting standard. The GFGP standard provides a common framework for how 
grantees shall financ ially manage grants. It provides details of the requirements, specifications and 
criteria to be applied, to implement good financial grant practice.  
  
Grantors and grantees are very diverse in nature, and range from:   
  
(a) very large to very small;   
  
(b) straightforward to very complex;   
  
(c) short to longer term in nature;   
  
(d) operating in safe to risky environments;   
  
(e) having different levels of risk they are willing to accept  (risk appetite) ;   
  
(f) government to private foundations and individual entities;  
  
(g) national to regional or international in nature; and  
  
(h) mature to new and emerging.  
  
The standard is designed to be inclusive of all the above by having four tiers from bronze to platinum. 
Table 1 is illustrative only and gives some indication of the types of organizations that might fit into each 
tier.  
  
The tiers are cumulative from bronze to platinum. Therefore, for an organization to achieve silver 
compliance, it will be required to comply  with all of the requirements within the bronze and silver tiers. 
For an organization to achieve gold compliance, the organization will be required to comply with all of 
the requirements within the bronze, silver and gold tiers. To achieve platinum complia nce, the 
organization will be required to comply with all of the requirements in this standard.  
  
The four tiers have been designed to encourage grantees to progressively strengthen their financial 
grant practices as their organization develops.   
  
The f our tiers also enable grantors to manage their exposure to risk as some grantors may choose to 
specify grantees comply with a certain tier, or parts of a tier, depending on the size or nature of the 
grants that they manage and are responsible for. Grantors  may, after an assessment, decide to award 
the grant, even if the grantee does not meet their requirements and may mitigate their risk by putting in 
place additional financial controls, or provide capacity strengthening funding to bring the grantee up to 
the required level.  
  
This standard addresses the principles of good financial grant practice, which are:  
(i) accountability;  
(ii) stewardship;  
(iii) compliance to standards;  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
16  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (iv) transparency;  
(v) viability;  
(vi) integrity;   
(vii) consistency and  
(viii) efficiency and effectiveness . 
  
Table 1 — Organization activity indicative of GFGP tiers  
Tier  Description – the organization is likely to:  
Bronze  
  
 only operate within a region in a Country ; 
be a sub -grantee of a gold level organization carrying out part of their grant 
activity; and/or   
 
   have few programmes and grantors.   
Silver  
   operate either regionally or over a number of regions within a country;    
 
   have more than a few programmes and/or complex programmes;  
 
   be a sub -grantee of a gold level organization carrying out part of their grant 
activity; and/or  
 
   be a local Non -Governmental Organization (NGO).   
Gold   
   be large with multiple complex programmes or with more complex programmes 
in which they are both grantees and grantors (i.e., manage sub -grants);  
 
   manage activities across international boundaries, receive funding from a variety 
of grantors and often sell services to raise more funding; and/or  
 
   be an International  Non-Governmental Organization (INGO), national NGO, 
research institution or university.   
Platinum  
   have a mission that requires longer term financial sustainability; and/or    
 
   be an INGO, NGO, established research institution, university, charity with the 
expectation of long term income (i.e., funding that covers a significant portion of 
its operational costs) that is regularly renewed by the same grantor or has its 
own income o r investments.    
  
In turn, these principles are supported by four key pillars of good financial management, which, if 
correctly applied, will provide the evidence to support compliance with good financial grant practice. 
These are:   
  
(i) Internal controls  
  
(ii) Record keeping  
  
(iii) Planning  
  
(iv) Monitoring   
  
Further detail on both the principles of good financial grant practice and four key pillars of good financial 
management can be found in ARS 1651, Good financial grant practice — Requirements .  
  
8.9  Scheme H: Cosmetology and wellness  
  
Certification Sch eme H on cosmetology and wellness is detailed in ACAP 4, Cosmetology and  
Wellness — Certification Framework . This framework document provides guidance for the certification 
of facilities which provide cosmetology and wellness services and products includi ng the following sub -
schemes:  
  
(a) Scheme H1: Barbering  
  
(b) Scheme H2: Haircare  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   17  (c) Scheme H3: Skin care  
  
(d) Scheme H4: Nail care  
  
(e) Scheme H5: Massage therapies  
  
(f) Scheme H6: Reflexology  
  
(g) Scheme H7: Aromatherapy  
  
(h) Scheme H8: Spa therapies  
  
(i) Scheme H9: Hair removal techniques  
  
(j) Scheme H10: Body art and body piercing  
  
The framework document provides the essential requirements which should be considered in certifying 
facilities for cosmetology and wellness services and products as listed.  
  
8.10  Scheme J: Sustainable mining certification  
  
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.  
Scheme J serves as the basis of a voluntary system offering independent third -party assessment and 
certification of economic, environmental and social performance measures at industrial -scale mine 
sites.   
  
The expected impacts are:  
  
(1) Promote a common v ision of sustainability in the mining industry in Africa.  
  
(2) Facilitate the implementation of a voluntary sustainable mining management scheme.  
  
(3) Facilitate the integration of mining sustainability concepts in existing and future 
legislation in African co untries.  
  
(4) Improve trust relationship among all the stakeholders .  
  
(5) Improve the social acceptance of mining activities.  
  
(6) Contribute to economic and social development of local communities.  
  
(7) Improve the efficient use of natural resources.  
  
(8) Improve restoration and rehabilitation of natural areas affected by mining activities.  
  
(9) Promote the use of best available techniques .  
  
(10) Contribute to the streamlining of permitting procedures.  
  
(11) Help to formalize the set of data to be provided to the authorities for statistical or other 
regulatory purposes .  
  
The sustainable mining certification is based on the sustainability princi ples and criteria with the 
following broad objectives:  
  
8.10.1 Institutional and positive legacy framework  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
18  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (a) Policy and legal framework for large scale mining (LSM) ,  
(b) Policy and legal framework for artisanal and small -scale mining (ASM) ,  
(c) Guidance on governance aspects ,  
(d) Guidance on legal compliance ,  
(e) Environmental and social impact, assessment and management ,  
(f) Environment and social impact monitoring ,  
(g) Protect, respect and remedy framework ,  
(h) Complaints and grievance mechanisms, and access to remedy ,  
(i) Planning and financing reclamation and closure .  
  
8.10.2 Economic guidelines  
  
(a) Econometric assessment of mining developments ,  
(b) Revenue, royalty and rent payments transparency ,  
(c) Transparent marketing and fair pricing practices for ASM m inerals ,  
(d) Linkage framework for market access by ASM ,  
(e) Local mineral beneficiation and mineral separation requirements ,  
(f) Transparent mineral valuation framework .  
  
8.10.3 Social guidelines  
  
(a) Community and stakeholder engagement ,  
(b) Engagement with indigenous people ,  
(c) Fair labour and working conditions ,  
(d) Occupational health and safety ,  
(e) Community health and safety ,  
(f) Emergency preparedness and response ,  
(g) Human rights due diligence and compliance ,  
(h) Mining and conflict -affected or high -risk areas ,  
(i) Secu rity and human rights ,  
(j) Artisanal and small -scale mining ,  
(k) HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria ,  
(l) Obtaining community support and delivering benefits ,  
(m) Free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) ,  
(n) Cultural Heritage ,  
(o) Resettlement .  
  
8.10.4 Environmental guidelines  
  
(a) Water management ,  
(b) Waste and materials management ,  
(c) Air quality ,  
(d) Noise and vibration ,  
(e) Greenhouse gas emissions ,  
(f) Protected areas ,  
(g) Conservation and protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services ,  
(h) Heavy metal management e.g. Cyanide , Mercury ,  
(i) Environmental impacts of different mining processes ,  
(j) End of life mine reclamation/closure requirements .  
  
Sub-Schemes in this category include those under development based on the following African 
standards :  
  
(i) ARS 1340, Production of natural stone for building — Sustainability assessment and 
certification ,  
  
(ii) ARS 1343, Sustainable sand mining — Requirements and assessment guidelines . 
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   19  8.11  Scheme K: Made in Africa Criteria   
 
This certification Scheme applies to any party seeking certification of the requirements for the Made in 
Africa  products, that  includes  Agro -processing , Forestry and fores try products, Mineral products , 
Chemicals and pharmaceuticals , Leather and leather pro ducts , Textiles and t extile products , Machinery, 
tools and equipment,  Construction materials , Petro -chemical products, rubber and plastics products, 
Tourism, ho spitality and creative services , Knowledge based services and Logistics and transport. The 
AWA  applies  to all production, processing and trading within the ACAP field of application.  
  
The AWA  is based on the main criteria for Made in Africa and can be certified alone or, when available, 
in combination with the ARSO product certification standard applicable for the production or service in  
the scope. The criteria included in the Made in Africa are  listed below.   
1. Competitive business environment  
2. Rules of origin  
3. Intellectual property rights  
4. Quality and regulatory infrastructure  
 
According to the kin d of production and /or service carried out by the Company, some criteria may not 
be applicable. Where a certain criterion  is not applicable, the company will have to justify.  
  
Various applicable standards are available freely in the ARSO catalogue and  website  
  
8.11.1  Scheme K1: Single site farms/companies  
  
This certification scheme is applicable to Single Site Farms/Companies, willing to certify their products 
according to the ARSO standards included in Scheme K.   
  
The main certification criteria are related to compliance with the Made in Africa criteria applied to the 
production process of products and servi ces to  be verified by assessment of implementation of the Made 
in Africa Criteria  
   
ACAP 1 -2: provides detailed criteria to be applied for design and general rules for assessment and 
certification.  
  
8.11.2  Scheme K2: Group of farmers/companies or multi site production operations  
  
This certification scheme is applicable to group of Farmers/companies or multisite production operations 
willing to certify their products according to the African standards included in Scheme K and managed 
by a centralized Qu ality Management System(QMS), where the QMS owner is also the owner of the 
certificate.   
  
The main certification criteria are related to compliance with the Made in Africa criteria  applied to the 
production process of products or services to be verified by:  
  
i Verification of implementation of the MiA criteria.   
 
ii Verification of QMS implementation  
  
The implementation of a QMS at group or multisite level, allows sampling while giving confidence on the 
general level of compliance of the all group.   
  
The present certification scheme is applicable to the African Standards included in Scheme K and 
integrates the general rules for scheme K2 with regard to the management of certification for groups of 
farmers or multisite and implementation of the QMS.  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
20  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  ACAP 1 -2 provides detailed criteria to be applied for design and general rules for assessment and 
certification.  
 
 
8.12     Scheme L: Ecological Organic Agriculture  
 
This certification Scheme applies to any party seeking certification of the requirements for Ecological 
Organic Agriculture   products, that includes livestock , Aquaculture, Agro -processing,  Agro Forestry  and 
forestry products,  Leather and leather products , Textiles and textile products. The EOA applies to all 
production, processing and trading within the ACAP field of application.  
  
The EOA certification is based on the relevant African Organic standards and t he requirements specified 
there in. Various app licable standards are available freely in the ARSO catalogue and  website  
  
8.12.1  Scheme L1: Single site farms/companies  
  
This certification scheme is applicable to Single Site Farms/Companies, willing to certify their products 
according to the ARS stan dards included in Scheme L.   
  
The main certification criteria are related to compliance with the relevant African EOA standard applied 
to the production process of products to be verified by assessment of implementation of the African EOA 
standard  
   
ACAP 1-2 provides detailed criteria to be applied for design and general rules for assessment and 
certification.  
  
8.12.2  Scheme L2: Group of farmers/companies or multisite production operations  
  
This certification scheme is applicable to group of Farmers/companies or multisite production operations 
willing to certify their products according to the African standards includ ed in Scheme L and managed 
by a centralized Quality Management System(QMS), where the QMS owner is also the owner of the 
certificate.   
  
The main certification criteria are related to compliance with the African EOA applied to the production 
process of pr oducts or services to be verified by:  
  
i Verification of implementation of the African EOA standard.   
 
ii Verification of QMS implementation  
  
The implementation of a QMS at group or multisite level, allows sampling while giving confidence on the 
general level of compliance of the all group.   
  
The present certification scheme is applicable to the African EOA Standards included in Scheme L and 
integrates the general rules for scheme L2 with regard to the management of certification for groups of 
farmers or multisite and implementation of the QMS.  
  
ACAP 1 -2 provides detailed criteria to be applied for design and general rules for assessment and 
certification.  
 
9  Registration for certification in the ACAP  
  
9.1  Preliminary entry requirements  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   21  In order to be allowed to start a certification process for one of the certification standards, some basic 
requirements must be complied with:  
  
(a) The applicant Producer must be a Legal Entity registered for an activity related to the scope of 
certification (where applicable).  
  
(b) The applicant Producer must be legally responsible for the certified product during the 
production process and for all the  time the product is covered by the scope of certification.  
  
(c) The applicant is responsible for choos ing an ARSO approved Certification Body (CB). The list 
of approved Certification Bodies is available on the ACAP website.  
  
(d) The chosen CB is responsible f or the registration of the producer in the ARSO Database, data 
updates, and collection of fees.  
  
(e) The applicant Producer must sign, with the selected CB, the Certification agreement and 
commit to respect the rules of the ARSO Assessment Program. The contr act between the 
producer/producer group manager and the CB, shall have 3 years’  validity. Because the 
certification program is based on continual improvement, the producer is committed to complete 
the entire certification cycle with the same CB, in order t o assure continuity in the gradual growth 
of the certified system.   
  
The producer that is willing to change  a CB during the 3-year cycle, will need to pay a penalty fee or 
provide the evidence of a valid justification for the change ( e.g.: delivery, prof essional or integrity 
problems of the CB).  
  
All Company and Production data, required for registration in the ARSO Database must be duly provided 
to the selected ARSO approved ACAP Certification Body .  
  
9.2  Registration data  
  
The application shall co ver at least the information detailed in this chapter. By registering, the applicant 
commits to comply with the certification requirements at all times, the communication of data updates 
to the CB and the payment of the applicable fees established by ARSO Secretariat and by the CB.   
  
Any objective evidence found that indicates that the applicant has been misusing the ACAP claim shall 
lead to the exclusion of the applicant from certification for a period of 12 months after evidence of 
misuse.  
  
During registration applicants give written permission to ARSO Secretariat and the certification bodies 
to use the registration data for internal processes and sanctioning procedures.  
  
The following information regarding the company (producer group, prod ucer as individual certificate 
holder or producer member in a producer group) is necessary to include each producer in the ARSO 
Certification System.  
  
9.2.1  Single Producer data  
  
(a) Company/Producer name ,  
  
(b) Address: street address or information available to describe producer location. This includes 
Northern/Southern latitude and Eastern/Western longitude or other form of geospatial 
coordinate information with an accuracy level of +/ -10 m etres,    
  
(c) Postal address ,  
  
(d) Postal code or zip  code ,  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
22  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (e) City,  
  
(f) State or province ,  
  
(g) Country ,  
  
(h) Name of Contact person ,  
  
(i) Phone number  
  
(j) E-mail address  
  
(k) Legal registration by country if requested by National Interpretation Guidelines. This number is 
only used for internal verification to avoid double registration (e.g., tax number, VAT number, 
producer number etc.)  
  
9.2.2  Producers Group data (where certification scheme is applicable to group certification)  
  
(a) Detail s of the group manager (ref to # 9.2.1 – a to k -  producer data)  
  
(b) Detail s of each producer associated to group (ref to # 9.2.1 – a to h – producer data)  
  
(c) Details  of the group of producers: this information is better det ailed in the document: ACAP 1 -
2  
  
9.2.3  Production and production site  
  
(a) Detail s of production sites: this information is better detai led in the document: ACAP 1 -2  
  
(b) Product information: this information is better det ailed in the document: ACAP 1 -2 
  
10  Conformity assessment bodies qualification  
  
The procedures to be applied for the approval of national and international third party conformity 
assessment bodies — certification bodies and laboratories, for the delivery of the auditing, testing and 
certification service, in order to guarantee the highest level of transparency and impartiality of the ACAP 
certification process, are described in ACAP 1 -3 and ACAP 1 -4  
  
11  Assessment process  
  
In order to achieve certification, a Producer registered in the ACAP shall perform either a self-
assessment  (certification schemes A1, D1, C, E, F) or internal audit and verification (Certification 
schemes A2, B, C and D2) and r eceive verification (inspections/audits) by the chosen third party 
certification body.  
  
All ARSO Certification Schemes are based on a 3-year cycle.   
  
  
  
All verifications are announced and dates are previously agreed between the CB and the Producer, 
within the timeframe allowed by the different certification schemes.  
  
  
ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   23  11.1  Verification  activities  
  
11.1.1  Self-assessment and internal audit and verification   
  
(a) Self-assessment:  It is required for ARSO certification schemes A1 and D1, C, E and F. It can 
be carried out by the same farmer and does not have specific requirements related to 
qualification and independence of the Assessor.  
  
The self -assessment must be completed and d ocumented before the initial external verification 
and repeated at least once per year.  
  
(b) Internal audit and verification:  It is required for ARSO certification schemes A2, B and D2. It 
includes the internal audit of the QMS (for schemes A2 and D2) and th e verification of the 
requirements of the specific standard.  
  
It requires specific qualification and independence of the internal Auditors and Inspectors, as specified 
in the different certification scheme special rules.  
  
The internal audit and verific ation must be completed before the initial external audit and repeated at 
least once per year. No sampling is allowed.    
  
11.1.2  Initial Certification  
  
The initial certification in carried out once, at the first ARSO Certification for the specific Sch eme of 
certification. The change of certification Body does not require a new initial certification. The initial 
Certification is composed of 2 phases:  
  
11.1.2.1 Document ation  review  
  
This phase can be carried out as a desk review in office or as on-site documenta tion review/ initial visit. 
Timing can be different according to different ARSO certification schemes. Specific rules and timing are 
described in ACAP 1 -2. 
  
11.1.2.2 Initial Verification  
  
It represents the verification carried out by th e CB for final certification. It is always carried out on -site. 
Specific rules and timing are described in ACAP 1 -2.  
  
11.1.3  Periodical Surveillance Verification  
  
To confirm the validity of the certificate, in the subsequent 2 years, within maximum 14  months from the 
date of the initial verification , a new verification must be carried out.   
  
Usually, the due date for the planning of the surveillance audit is corresponding to the date of the initial 
certification audit +1 year, but, according to the c ycle of the different products included in the certification 
and to the seasons, the surveillance verification can be carried out in a timeframe of 5 months (3 months 
before and 2 months after surveillance due date).  
  
11.1.4  Re-certification Verificatio n  
  
At the end of the certification cycle, a new re -certification audit is carried out. In this audit, the 
documentation review is carried out together with the re -certification audit.  
  
The re -certification due date shall be set in a timeframe from 4 to 2 months before the expiring date of 
the certificate. In case of different need, related to technical or seasonality variations, the re -certification 
audit can be moved up to 2 months afte r expiring of the certificate.  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
24  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  In this case , an extension of the validity shall be communicated to ARSO for approval and a new contract 
between the CB and the producer/producer group manager shall be signed before extension.   
  
When extension is completed, no change of CB is possible for the new certification cycle.   
  
 
  Activity  Description  Apply for schemes  Frequency  
1  Internal verification  Self-assessment  Schemes A1 and D1  Minimum annual  
Internal Audit and 
Verification  Schemes A2, B, C, 
D2  Minimum annual  
2  External Initial 
verification  Document Review  
/Initial Visit  Schemes A2, B, C, 
D2  Once at initial 
certification  
Initial on -site 
Verification  All Schemes  Once at initial 
certification  
3  External Periodical 
Maintenance  On-site verification  All schemes  1st and 2n year of 
certification cycle.  
Annual  
4  External 
Recertification  On-site verification  All schemes  Once every 3 years  
  
11.1.5  Extraordinary unannounced verifications  
  
Extraordinary unannounced verifications can be planned in case of documented evidence, from the CB 
or other external parties, on possible situations of the certified Producer that may have an impact on 
the certifi ed status of the product. The Extraordinary audits are authorized by the ARSO secretariat on 
case -by-case bas is.  
  
11.1.6  Verification timing  
  
The time for planning the verification can have a critical impact on the effectiveness of the certification 
activity. It is related to the kind of product and industry in the scope of certification.  
  
Verification timing rules are specific for each certif ication scheme and are described in ACAP 1 -2.  
  
12.0  Qualification of the Verification Teams and Laboratory  
  
12.1  Verification team  
  
The verification team shall be qualified for the specific certification scheme and product scope. General 
rules for t he qualification of the audit  team are specified in ACAP 1 -3.  
  
Specific criteria for the evaluation of the competence of the auditor are established according to 
principles set by the specific Certification Schemes and Standards.  
  
12.2  Laboratory  
  
The laboratory used for testing of the certified products shall be qualified by ARSO for the specific range 
of tests and methods required.   
  
Rules for the qualification of the Labor atory are specified in ACAP 1 -4.   
  
Additional criteria may be establishe d by the specific Certification Schemes and Standards.  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   25  13  Sampling and testing of products (where applicable)  
  
13.1  Sampling and testing  
  
Sampling is carried out by one of the CB’s qualified resources and analysed in an ARSO approved 
laboratory or can be carried out by a qualified person from the laboratory, as an agreement between 
laboratory and CB.  
  
The methodology to be applied for samp ling and testing is specified among the requirements of the 
different Certification Schemes and Standard s. As a minimum the following criteria shall be included:  
  
(a) quantity of sample ,  
  
(b) time and location of sampling ,  
  
(c) criteria to be applied for sampling ,   
  
(d) traceability of samples ,  
  
(e) transportation  and storage of samples ,  
  
(f) sampling report contents ,  
  
(g) parameters to be tested by the laboratory ,  
  
(h) methods to be used for testing ,  
  
(i) reporting criteria for testing .  
  
13.2  Testing  
  
The laboratory can be selected by both the CB and the Producer, from among the ARSO qualified 
laboratory list, according to criteria such as type of testing required, location, etc.  
  
13.2.1  Laboratory selected by the CB  
  
(a) A preliminary quote for the nu mber and cost of testing is prepared by the CB and included in 
the documentation for the contract between the CB and the applicant Producer and accepted 
by the Producer.  
  
(b) The laboratory service will be invoiced to the Producer directly by the CB who will  collect the 
testing fees on behalf of the laboratory.   
  
(c) The CB will sign an agreement with the selected laboratory for service and financial details. 
The contract will refer to the conditions accepted in the ARSO License agreement, signed 
between the CB and ARSO.  
  
 13.2.2  Laboratory selected by the Producer  
  
(a) The producer can directly select the laboratory, among the ARSO qualified laboratories list.  
  
(b) This option must be discussed and agreed with the CB and specified in the certification 
agreement.  
  
(c) The producer will directly pay the laboratory, without any involvement of the CB.  
  
(d) The CB will be responsible to ensure that sampling and testing are pl anned and carried out  
according to the specific ARSO certification scheme and standard’s requirements.   ACAP 1 -1:2022   
26  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   
14  Certification process  
  
The ARSO Certification process starts when the ARSO approved CB is contacted by a Producer willing 
to apply for ARSO Mark certification. The process can be summarized in the following principal steps:  
  
14.1  Application for ACAP certification  
  
The appl ication shall be made on a special form prepared by the CB and shall cover products from one 
production unit ( e.g.: farm, factory) only.  
  
This is a formal document that includes, as a minimum, the following information:  
  
(a) Identification of the applicant : legal entity, address, contacts.   
  
(b) Specification of the products scope of certification and the production processes .  
  
(c) Information on the production site and activities: site address, number of full time and seasonal 
employees.   
  
More detail is alr eady provided in # 9 of the present document with regard to Registration.   
  
14.2  Preliminary evaluation of application and approval by the certification body  
  
A questionnaire shall be completed by the applicant, and returned with the Application Form. This 
provides preliminary information on the producer and his capability to control the quality and continuing 
conformance of his products to the requirements of t he relevant standards.   
  
(a) It requests information concerning the Producer’s organization.  
  
(b) It asks for specific details of the procedure/documentation that is used to control the quality 
system.  
  
(c) It requires information on the organization of the Comp any. The questionnaire is specifically 
developed by the CB according to specific certification schemes require ments, as described in 
ACAP 1 -2.   
  
14.3  Contract between Producer and CB  
  
(a) Certification Agreement : The certification body shall have a legally enforceable agreement 
for the provision of certification activities to its clients. Certification agreements shall take into 
account the responsibilities of the certification body and its clients. The contents of the 
agreement must comply with all applicable requirements included in ISO/ IEC 17065 #4.1.2.2.  
  
The certification agreement will specify the cost of certification for the 3 years cycle and the 
cost of the laboratory testing mandatory for the specific  ARSO Certification Standard.  
  
(b) ACAP sub -licence Agreement : This is a standard ARSO document, to be used between the 
CB and the Producer and including specific commitment to ARSO rules. It shall be signed at 
the same time as the Certification Body agreeme nt. 
  
14.4  Document review and on -site verification  
  
On receipt of the completed, Application Form and Questionnaire, signature of the agreements and 
payment of the appropriate fee, the Certification Body will confirm to the applicant the date of the 
document review and on -site audit, according to the rules set by the ARSO Certification scheme of 
reference.  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   27    
14.4.1  Documental review  
  
All the documentation required by the Certification Scheme and the specific Standard must be available 
on the day of the audit.   
  
According to the Certification scheme’s r equirement, this activity can be carried out before, on  a 
separate day, or as part of the certification audit.   
  
14.4.2  On-site announced verification  
  
During these verifications, the implementation of the requirements of the standard and internal 
procedures is verified for compliance. Production activities and Records are verified as evidence of 
implementation. The possibility for sampling of sites, products and processes is specified in the general 
rules of the specific Certification Scheme and Stand ard.  The on -site announced verifications include:   
  
(a) Initial (First certification) verification,   
  
(b) Surveillance verifications ,   
  
(c) Re-certification verification ,  
  
(d) Follow Up verification (where applicable, this verification can also be based on documentation 
review) . 
  
14.5  Verification results and evaluation of compliance  
  
As an output from the verification activity, some deviations can be identified on compliance to specific 
requirements of the ARSO certification scheme and standard to be cl assified as “non -conformances”. 
Other types of non -compliances or deviations can be highlighted for continual improvement but without 
having an immediate impact on the final evaluation for certification .  
  
The level of non -conformity assigned by an auditor against a requirement of the Standard is an objective 
judgement with respect to severity and risk and is based on evidence collected and observations made 
during the audit. This is verified by the certific ation body management.  
  
14.5.1  Major non -conformance   
  
There is a substantial failure to meet the requirements of any clause of the ARSO Standard or with the  
Producer’s own internal procedures. The situation is identified which would, on the basis of available 
objective evidence, raise significant doubt as to the conformity of the certified product.  
  
This kind of deviation results with the stop of the certification process and require s the Producer to 
analyse the causes of the non -conformity, prepare  a corrective action plan and implement corrective 
actions. Corrective actions need to be completed and verified and approved by the CB within the 
following timeframe:  
  
14.5.1.1 Initial (First certification) verification  
  
Document Review (where applicable): before initial on -site verification .  
On-site verification: within 90 days from the last day of the verification.  
  
The exceeding of the 90 days without closing all Major NC s raised during the initial verification (both 
documental and on -site) will lead to the full repetition of the verification.  
 
14.5.1.2 Surveillance and re -certification verifications  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
28  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  On-site annual verification: 28 days from the last day of verification. Depending on the severity of the 
non-conformity, with respect to s afety and legality of the product, the time can be reduced down to 0 
days and lead to immediate suspension of the certificate.  
  
The exceeding of the given time without closing all Major NC s raised during the surveillance verification 
will lead to the ful l repetition of the verification.  
  
14.5.2  Minor non -conformance  
  
Where a clause has not been fully met but, on the basis of objective evidence, the conformity of the 
product is not in doubt.  
  
A Minor non -conformance is allocated for an individual fa ilure to meet the requirements of any clause 
of the African Standard or with the Producer’s own internal procedures, or if a series of minor but related 
discrepancies are observed, which together are judged to be acceptable, without constituting an overall  
failure in the area concerned.   
  
This kind of deviation results with the stop of the certification process and require for the Producer  to 
prepare a corrective action plan and implement corrective actions. Corrective actions need to be 
completed and ver ified and approved by the CB within the following timeframe:  
  
(a)  Initial (First certification) verification  
  
Document Review (where applicable): before initial on -site verification.  
  
On-site verification: within 90 days from the last day of the verification.  
  
The exceeding of the 90 days without closing all Minor NC s raised during the initial verification 
(both documentation and on -site) will lead to the full repetition of the verification. Some 
tolerance about the closing of Minor NCs can be found in the different ARSO Certification 
Schem es and is specified in ACAP 1 -2.  
  
(b)  Surveillance and re -certification verifications  
  
On-site annual verification: 28 days from the last day of verification.  
  
The exceeding of the 28 days without closing all Minor NC s raised during the initial verification 
(both documentation and on -site) will lead to the full repetition of the verification. Some 
tolerance about the closing of Minor NCs can be found in the different ARSO Certification 
Schemes  and is specified in ACAP 1 -2.  
  
14.5.3  Observation  
  
One or more partial deviations to fulfil requirements of the following types:  
  
(a) Formalities / documentary: In the interpretation of a requirement of the ARSO Standard and / 
or in the formalization of records ;  
  
(b) Operational: in the application of the requ irements of the ARSO Standard and / or the 
documentation of the system;    
  
These should not, however, raise doubts about the real effectiveness of the system (the ability 
of the system to provide a product in compliance with the Control Points and relate d Compliance 
Criteria) and will not have any influence on the proceeding of the certification process.   
  
14.6  Follow up verification  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   29  In case of non -conformities raised during the certification activities, the Producer will receive a given 
time for im plementation of corrective actions. The time allowed for closure changes according to the 
Scheme of certification and is described in # 14.5 and further detail is in the different certification 
schemes rules.  
  
The follow up verification is planned to ver ify the management of non -conformities raised during the 
previous verification and the corrective action implemented by the Producer.   
  
Corrective actions can be evaluated on -site, by a physical assessment, or in remote by a desk 
assessment of documenta tion evidences sent by the company to the Assessor for evaluation. The 
decision on how to carry out the follow up depends on the kind on NC raised, the number of Major NCs 
and also the possibility to effectively assess the corrective action remote ly.   
  
14.7  Release of a final report  
  
After all the auditing activities have been completed and results from laboratory tests received, the 
auditor prepares a final report that shall include:  
  
(a) Date of the audit , start and end time ,  
  
(b) Audit team details ,  
  
(c) Scope of the audit (certification scheme, standard, product (s), company and production site 
description) ,  
  
(d) Short summary of activities carried out during the audit and products/processes audited ,  
  
(e) List of findings, description and timeframe  for corrective actions and final approval of the 
auditor ,  
  
(f) Declaration of confidentiality ,  
  
(g) Other items specific for the certification scheme and specified in ACAP 1 -2.  
  
The evidence of acceptance of the report contents by the applicant producer sha ll be available.   
  
14.8  Technical review by the CB’s Certification Committee  
  
All the documentation related to the application, including the complete final report and the certificate of 
analysis of the products is verified and approved by the approve d ARSO CB certification committee, 
before final approval of the certificate.  
  
The CB has 30 days, after the audit or follow up is completed, to complete the approval and release of 
the certificate and of the license for the use of the ARSO Mark.  
  
14.9  Maintenance of the ARSO Certificate  and ARSO Mark License  
  
14.9.1  Periodical Surveillance audit  
  
Rules f or maintenance of the license are established by the Scheme of certification selected. This can 
include:  
  
(a) Sampling of sites, products and processes ,  
  
(b) Sampling of requirements to be audited during surveillance verifications ,  
  
(c) Time interval between verifications ,  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
30  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  (d) Duration of the verification .  
  
14.9.2  Sampling and testing of products  
  
Rules for maintenance of the license are established by the Scheme of certification selected  and can 
include:   
  
(a) Number and frequency of samples ,  
  
(b) Sampling of laboratory data .  
  
14.10 Renewal of the ARSO Mark license  
  
The ARSO Mark license has a validity of three years but it is reconfirmed according to results of the 
annual surveillance activities .  
  
15  Sanctioning  
  
A valid ACAP Certificate a nd ARSO Mark license can be sanctioned according to deviations detected 
by the CB during verification but, also, as a consequence of unsatisfactory result from testing or 
complaint coming from other parties.   
  
According to the relevance of the deviation, different level s of sanctions may be applied .   
  
15.1  Warning  
  
Major or Minor NCs detected during verification, to be closed within given time .  
  
15.2  Suspension  
  
The causes of a Warning are not resolved within given time.   
  
Suspension can be applied for maximum of 6 months or since the start of the next production season, 
in case of seasonal production and NCs that cannot be closed without having the production process 
in place.   
  
Suspension is recorded in the ARSO database  and is visible on the ARSO website .  
  
No claim on ARSO certification or use of the ARSO Mark can be done during the period of suspension .  
  
15.3  Withdrawal and Cancellation  
  
The ARSO Certificate and the ARSO Mark license can be withdrawn by the CB in case:   
  
(a) The causes of a Suspension are not removed within given time ,  
  
(b) The Producer is not able to manage the ARSO Certification anymore ,  
  
(c) There is a s erious infringement of  integrity ,  
  
(d) There is a declaration of b ankruptcy .  
  
Suspension is recorded in the ARSO database and is visible on the ARSO website. No claim on ARSO 
certification or use of the ARSO Mark can be done after withdrawal of the certification and cancellatio n 
of the ARSO Mark license from the ARSO database.  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   31  The producer cannot access the ARSO system again for the next 12 months after withdrawal is 
completed.   
  
16  Complaints and appeal management  
  
Complaints from the Producers are managed, in the first step, by the CB or the Laboratory who has a 
contract with the Producer.   
  
CBs and Laboratories shall have a Complaint Procedure specific for management of the ACAP certified 
producers’  complaint s. This procedure is public and shall be available on request.  
  
The Producer shall either resolve the non -conformances or other issues raised by the CB or appeal to 
the CB in writing, explaining the reasons for the appeal.  
  
If the appeal is not accepted an d the non -conformances are not resolved within the permitted period, 
the sanction will be escalated.   
  
If the complaints are connected to the organisation’s dis-satisfaction with the CB’s administrative or 
technical performances and the organisation refuse s to accept the  decisions taken by the CB after 
appeal, the disputes can be addressed to the ARSO Secretariat.  The ARSO Detailed procedure for 
conflict resolution can be found in Annex A of the present document.  
  
17  Attestation of con formity: Certificate, ARSO Mark  
  
The topic related to use of the ARSO ACAP and ECO certification marks is developed in detail in the 
Annex B.  
  
18  Maintenance and improvement of a scheme  
  
18.1  Review of ACAP Certification System  
  
ARSO has planned a process for reviewing the operation of the ACAP certification system, on a periodic 
basis of 5 years, or when required, in order to confirm its validity and to identify aspects requiring 
improvement , taking into account:  
  
(a) Changes on applicable legislation ,  
  
(b) Changes of international accreditation rules ,  
  
(c) Feedback from stakeholders ,  
  
(d) Continual improvement of the certification system ,  
  
(e) Changes, modification of the objective of the African Conf ormity Assessment Programme ,  
  
(f) Other different reasons .  
  
ARSO has implemented a process for making the necessary changes in the ACAP scheme, and for 
managing the implementation of the changes (transition period) by the certification bodies, clients and, 
where necessary, other stakeholders.   
  
The review process  will follow the same procedure as for approval of new certification schemes and 
ACAP standards, as indicated in Figure 3 of the present document.  
 
  
18.2  Intermediate, minor review of ACAP Certification System  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
32  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  During the period of validity of the actual version of the ACAP certification system, smaller intermediate 
reviews may be required, to address unexpected needs.   
  
In this case the edition of the ACAP system will not change but a review is considered (exa mple ACAP 
1-1 Edition 1.0, after modification Edition 1.01).  
  
Each document will have a specific section w here the history of the reviews and the changes applied is 
recorded.   
     
Annex A  
(informative)  
  
Procedure for conflict resolution  
  
A.1  Scope and purpose  
  
A.1.1 This document has been prepared to establish a conflict resolution mechanism within the parties 
involved in the ACAP. The ARSO conflict resolution procedures espouse procedural fairness a nd 
incorporate the following guidelines:  
  
(a) A person or organisation, who is the subject of a complaint or a n appeal, should be given 
adequate notice about the proceedings.  
  
(b) A person making a decision should declare any personal interest they may have in  the 
proceedings.  
  
(c) A person who makes a decision should be unbiased and act in good faith. He/she therefore 
cannot be one of the parties in the case, or have an interest in the outcome.  
  
(d) Proceedings should be conducted in a manner to ensure fairness  to all the parties.  
  
(e) Each party to a proceeding is entitled to ask questions and counteract the evidence of the 
opposing party.  
  
(f) A decision -maker should take into account relevant considerations and mitigating 
circumstances, and ignore irrelevant conside rations.  
  
NOTE : The ARSO conflict resolution procedures are not intended to substitute or override the legal rights of any party 
to use the appropriate judicial system.  
  
A.1.2 The procedures shall be applied by the Mediation Board to resolve conflicts where an amicable  
process and the administrative efforts of the ACAP approved CB not able to resolve the conflicts.  
  
A.2  Terms and definitions  
  
For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.  
  
A.2.1  appellant  
individual or organization filing  an appeal   
  
A.2.2  complainant  
person or organization filing a complaint   
  
A.2.3 dispute  
any dispute falling within the meaning of dispute as set out in Section A.5 read together with section 
A.6.1 and constitutes the following aspects:  
  
A.2.3.1 appeal  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   33  request by a party subject to a decision for reconsideration of any adverse decision made  by the 
ACAP approved CB with regard to the ACAP Certification and/or ACAP Accreditation System  status  
(adapted from ISO/IEC 17011)  
  
A.2.3.2 ( informal) complaint  
initial  expression of dissatisfaction, other than appeal, by any person or organization, to ARSO, 
relating to the activities of the ACAP Certification and/or Accreditation system, where a response is 
expected (adapted from ISO/IEC 17011)  
 
A.2.3.3 formal complaint  
 
formal expression of dissatisf action, other than appeal , by any person or organiza tion, to ARSO, 
relating to the activities of the ACAP Certification and/or Accreditation system , where a response is 
expected  (adapted from ISO/IEC 17011)  
 
A.3  General  
  
All ACAP parties are encouraged to seek amicable settlement in any dispute, in the spirit of mutual trust 
and continual improvement that underlies the participatory decision -making process of the ACAP. 
Failing such an amicable settlement, the ACAP Mediatio n Board will be the accepted authority to deal 
with disputes and grievances.  
  
All members of the ACAP are requested to accept the authority of the Mediation Board. This acceptance 
will be a binding compromise for all members.  
  
The mediation will result  in a ruling, settlement of which will be either an obligation to undertake a 
specific commitment, an obligation to forego specific behaviour or an obligation to alter specific 
behaviour.  
  
The mediation process shall be based on open access, transparency , and respect for sensitive 
information, credibility, efficiency and innovative solution -oriented thinking.  
  
The ARSO Secretariat will be responsible for evaluating the performance of the Mediation Board.  
  
A.4  Mediation Board  
  
A.4.1  Establishment o f Mediation Board  
  
A Mediation Board is hereby established as an organ of ARSO to mediate conflicts which cannot be 
settled administratively by the ACAP parties, relating to any of the following:  
  
(a) the interpretation of the objectives of ACAP;  
  
(b) the interpretation of the ACAP’s rules;  
  
(c) failure to abide with the objectives of ACAP;  
  
(d) breaches of ACAP’s rules;  
  
The Mediation Board  will settle disputes arising from the interpretation of or failure to respect the ACAP 
objectives and rules. The Me diation Board will not mediate in any other dispute outside the scope of 
the ACAP RULE.  
  
A.4.2  Composition of the Mediation Board  
  
The Mediation Board shall constitute three members elected from within the members of the ARSO 
CACO  for a term of two ye ars.   
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
34  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  A member of the Mediation Board shall serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms of two years 
each.  
  
A.4.3  Mediation Board Chair  
  
The ARSO CACO  shall appoint the Chairperson of the Mediation Board from amongst the Mediation 
Board members for a term of two years.  
  
The Chairperson of Mediation Board receives all complaints that cannot be settled administratively by 
the ARSO Secretariat or the oth er organs of ACAP, through the secretary of the Mediation Board.  
  
A.4.4  Mediation Board Secretary  
  
The Administrator  shall be the secretary to the Mediation Board. Where the Administrator  is a party to 
the dispute, the Executive Board will nominate a member of the ARSO CACO  who is not a member of 
the Mediation Board to serve as the Secretary of the Mediation Board.  
  
The Secretary will not have a voice or vote in the Mediation Board but w ill assist with factual information 
and perform all necessary formalities such as correspondence, depositing the ruling and informing 
parties concerned of all relevant circumstances.  
  
Upon request by the Mediation Board, the Secretary may also seek advic e from external experts such 
as lawyers and standards professionals to provide expertise on the dispute.  
  
A.5  Mediation Rules  
 The Mediation Board is responsible for:  
  
(a) disputes among ACAP organ members,  
  
(b) disputes between individual organ members and any of the ACAP organs,  
  
(c) disputes among ACAP organs,  
  
(d) disputes between the ARSO Secretariat and the other ACAP organs or its members.  
 
A.5.1  Types of disputes  
  
Disputes shall be categorized as follows:  
  
(a) Technical non -compliance disputes.   
  
These are disputes that relate to direct breaches of ACAP rules. These are instances where an ACAP 
party is said to be in breach of clearly measurable obligations under ACAP rules.  
  
(b) Non-compliance with principles disputes  
  
These are disputes that relate to the failure to comply with the spirit of the ACAP that is based on good 
governance and the principle of collective responsibility for the achievement of the ACAP objectives.  
  
 
 
 
A.5.2  Declaration of disputes  
  
All disputes shall be referred to the Mediation Board and shall, for this purpose, be addressed to the 
secretary to the Mediation Board. Disputes may be referred to the Mediation Board by any of the 
following:  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   35  (a) any memb er of an ACAP party;  
  
(b) any ACAP party;  
  
(c) the ARSO Secretariat  
  
A.5.3  Mediation of disputes  
  
In all incidences, the ARSO Secretariat is the first party to be informed of a complaint.  
  
The ARSO Secretariat will have 30 calendar days from the date it is first notified of a dispute to try and 
reach an amicable settlement. A dispute shall only be fo rmally lodged after all settlement efforts by the 
ARSO Secretariat have been exhausted. In its mediation efforts the ARSO Secretariat may consult as 
it deems necessary, however, without disclosing the names of the parties.  
  
Once the Secretariat decides t hat amicable settlement is not possible or the 30 calendar days have 
elapsed without a formal settlement, the Secretariat will notify the Mediation Board that a dispute has 
arisen and will provide any written submissions plus all exchanges and other inform ation generated as 
part of the Secretariat's settlement efforts.  
  
The Secretary of the Mediation Board, upon consultation with the Chairperson, decides on the basis of 
the documentation provided on the admissibility of any dispute. In case of contestatio n or doubt, the 
Chairperson of the Mediation Board will be asked to make the final ruling on the admissibility of the 
dispute.  
  
If the dispute is admissible, the Secretary shall within a period of 10 working days, forward the claim to 
the Chairperson of the Mediation Board.  
  
In all incidences, the Chairperson of the Mediation Board will have 45 calendar days from the date of 
notification to a dispute to try and reach an amicable settlement.  
  
If the Chairperson of the Mediation Board concludes that ami cable settlement in a dispute is not 
achievable, s/he will call in the other members of the Mediation Board.  
  
The three Mediation Board members will decide by majority vote on a ruling, taking into consideration 
the legal observations of a legal advisor commissioned by the Mediation Board and the factual advice 
of the Secretary of the Mediation Board.  
  
The Ruling will result either in an obligation to undertake a specific performance, an obligation to forego 
specific behaviour, an obligation to alter sp ecific behaviour, if such is appropriate according to the 
mediators, or any combination thereof.  
  
A.5.4  Hearing of non -compliance disputes  
  
The claimant in a dispute will apply for mediation by filing a complaint in writing to the Secretary of the 
Mediation Board. English and French will be the official languages to be used in the proceedings. 
Qualified, licensed translators shall translate all documents to other AUC languages on a need basis.  
  
The complaint will contain a factual description of the dispute and a request for a possible solution to 
the dispute. The Secretary will forward this complaint to the other party, or in case the ARSO Secretariat 
is party to the dispute, to the Chairperson of the ARSO CACO , within 10 working days after having 
received the complaint.  
  
The Secretary will then forward the complaint to the Chairperson of the Mediation Board, within a period 
of 10 working days. The Chairperson of the Mediation Board will approa ch parties for an amicable 
settlement.  
  
If the Chairperson of the Mediation Board decides that an amicable settlement cannot be achieved, the 
defending party has 20 calendar days to formulate and submit a written reply and defence against the ACAP 1 -1:2022   
36  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  complaint. The defence will be forwarded to the Secretary, who will inform the claimant of the defence, 
no later than 5 working days from the date of receipt.  
  
If the ARSO Secretariat itself is the defending party, such a reply will be the responsibility of the ARS O 
CACO .  
  
The Secretary, after ensuring that all relevant documents and information are available will then set a 
date and time for the Mediation Board meeting. The Board will meet at the premises of the ARSO 
Secretariat. Parties may be present in person or can have themselves represented. In case one of the 
parties or both are not present nor represented at the actual session, the verdict may be given based 
on written information as presented by the parties.  
  
The Mediation Board may decide that there is  need for a second session in case further information has 
to be provided either by one of the parties or the Secretary or by third persons.  
  
Witnesses may be requested to testify. Stakeholders may report their views if assessed as appropriate 
by the Boa rd.  
  
The Mediation Board members will decide by consensus upon the Ruling, taking into consideration the 
legal observations of an assisting lawyer and the factual advice of the Secretary to the Mediation Board. 
Simple majority voting will only be done if  consensus becomes elusive.  
  
A.6  Findings  
  
The Mediation Board may call for evidence as its members, or a legal advisor commissioned by the 
Mediation Board, consider necessary and the parties shall be obliged to provide it.  
  
Refusal to provide the requested evidence shall lead to a ruling in favo ur of the other party to the dispute. 
All evidence will be shared with all the parties to a dispute.  
  
If the Mediation Board considers any evidence inadequate or doubtful, or any of the parties to the 
dispute contests the truthfulness of any evidence, a legal counsel commissioned by the Mediation Board 
will provide a binding opinion on whether to accept or reject the evidence.  
  
A.7  Decisions of the Mediation Board  
  
The Mediation Board will give a Ruling within four weeks after completion of the hearing of the dispute. 
The Mediation Board’s ruling shall be final and shall not be subject to any appeal.  
  
Once the Mediation Board has completed its work, each case will eventually result in a final report to 
the ARSO CACO  that has to balance transparency with confidentiality.  
  
A.8  Non-compliance and exclusion  
  
In case of non -compliance with an ACAP Rule within a period of 3 months, the ARSO CACO may 
exclude the party in default from further membership in the ACAP independently of other possible legal 
action.  
  
If a member conflicts with the ACAP objectives or is ignoring its duties as a member of the ACAP, the 
Mediation Board may recommend exclusion from the ACAP.  
  
A member of one of the ACAP parties who is facing exclusion shall receive a written warning by the 
ARSO  CACO  before being excluded from ACAP.  
  
The exclusion takes effect if the member does not demonstrate compliance with all duties and 
responsibilities a s listed in the Mediation Board's recommendation and the warning in a given time 
frame.  
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   37  The ARSO CACO  through the ARSO Secretariat will inform the member of its exclusion in a written 
document latest 10 working days after the decision. The exclusion tak es effect with the submission of 
the written document.  
  
The member may refuse the exclusion in a written manner 10 days after having received the document. 
If so, the Executive Board will decide on a case -by-case basis in its next meeting. At least two thirds of 
the Executive Board have  to confirm the exclusion  of the respective member.  
     
Annex B  
(informative)  
  
Use of ARSO Mark and EMA Label  
  
  
B.1  Foreword  
  
ARSO, is the owner of the African Conformity Assessment Programme which leads to the licensing for 
use of the ARSO Mark and African Eco -labelling Mark (ECO Mark Africa, EMA label) which are third-
party  marks of conformity, and is responsible for protecting  the marks legally against unauthorized use.  
  
ARSO is the owner of all the marks including the ARSO Mark and the ECO Mark Africa logos, prepared 
by ARSO in relation to the specific African Standards for certification.   
  
B.2  General requirements  
  
In order to guarantee the correct use and management of the ARSO Mark and EMA label, the ARSO 
Secretariat has established:  
  
(a) rules for governing the use of the third -party mark of conformity ,  
  
(b) measures to minimize misunderstandin gs and lack of clarity regarding the third -party mark of 
conformity that could lead to a reduction in its effectiveness,  
  
(c) rules to ensure that the third -party mark of conformity and any accompanying information are 
not misleading and take action against their use in a misleading way,  
  
(d) measures to protect and monitor the use of the third -party mark of conformity,  
  
(e) actions to resolve misuse of the third -party mark of conformity, including withdrawal of the mark 
or appropriate legal action ,  
  
(f) Action on and keep a record of all complaints relating to the use of the third -party mark of 
conformity.  
  
B.3  ARSO Sublicense Binding Agreement   
  
The ARSO ACAP Producer sub -licence Agreement, signed between the Producers willing to certify 
according to one ACAP  standard and to use the ACAP or ECO Mark, includes rules on the use of the 
Marks and clear acceptance of the rules in the present Anne x B of ACAP 1 -.  
  
This standard Contract is the first step to enter the ACAP program and it is mandatory to be signed with 
the Certification Body before starting the certification process. It includes commitment of the Producer 
to comply with the ACAP rules.  
  
The sub -licence agreement contains provisions to assure that the licensee follows the rules for the use 
of the ACAP or ECO Mark, according to the present document.   
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
38  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  A breach of the agreement may result into the withdrawal of the ACAP certificate and licence for the  
use of the Mark.  
  
B.4  Design of the third -party ACAP and ECO marks of conformity  
  
The ARSO ACAP and ECO Marks are designed in order to identify the main issuer of the mark and the 
aspects covered by the mark.  
  
  
Because a third -party mark of conformity shall be traceable to the specified requirements to which the 
object of conformity  assessment conforms, they are graphically composed by merging the main original 
mark, with a specific indication/symbol identifying the scope of certification of the product:  
  
(a) Crops Certification ,  
  
(b) Livestock Certification ,  
  
(c) Fish from Aquaculture Cer tification ,  
  
(d) Food Processing Industry Product Certification ,   
  
(e) Certified Product traceability along the supply chain ,  
  
(f) Fish from wild catch  Certification ,  
  
(g) Wild Medical plants from sustainable harvest  Certification .  
  
The third -party ARSO marks of conformity have been designed  so as to minimize the risk of 
counterfeiting or confusing with other forms and to avoid incidental or voluntary misuse.  
  
B.5  Information on the ARSO Marks  
  
More detailed information about the meaning; the use and identification of the ARSO Marks are 
provided , on request. Specific responses to questions or concerns from interested parties regarding the 
third party mark of conformity shall be provided.  
  
The u pdated list of ACAP and ECO standards and Scopes of Certification (objects of conformity 
assessment) included in the ARSO third -party mark of conformity are listed in the ACAP Approved 
Standards List, that is updated by ARSO and available on the ARSO websi te.  
  
B.6  ARSO Marks License   
  
Once the Producer has completed the certification process, he/she will receive a formal licence for the 
use of the ARSO Mark on the product, and any documentation and communication related to the 
certified product.  
  
The licenced Producer shall:  
  
(a) Keep u nder control the use of the ARSO third -party mark of conformity,  
  
ACAP 1 -1:2022   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   39  (b) Implement effective and timely corrective actions in case of non -conformity,  
  
(c) Keep records of complaints relating to the use of the ARSO mark of conformity and make these 
available to AR SO.  
  
(d) Monitor the use of The ARSO marks of conformity .  
  
B.7  Use of the mark   
  
(a) The ARSO third -party marks of conformity can be used only after completing a product 
conformity assessment and the release of the related ARSO certificate of conformity.   
  
(b) The ARSO mark shall be applied directly on each product, or, where not possible, applied on 
the package of each of the smallest Traceable or Consumer Unit.  
  
(c) Exception to rule in (b) is where the physical size of the product does not permit direct labelling 
or when the application is not appropriate for the type of product. In this case the ARSO mark 
can be used on the accompanying documentation clearly linked to the product.  
  
(d) If the ARSO mark of conformity only relates to certain parts of a product, the producer shall 
clearly specify on the label and on documentation related to the product, what part/ ingredient 
of the product is ARSO certified and use the Ma rk related to the certified part/ ingredient.  
  
(e) The ARSO Certification Mark shall be used on the product without distortion of the configuration 
of the mark and in a proportion that may be found visible and suitable for affixation on the 
product.  
  
(f) A ref erence to the ARSO marks of conformity may also be used on documents, promotional 
material, etc.  
  
(g) Only Producers that have been certified according to an ACAP certification scheme and 
Standard and received a form al licence for the use of the ARSO mark re lated to the scope of 
certification can use the ARSO mark on the product, on the product documentation or on any 
other communication materials.  
  
(h) The use of the ARSO mark along the certified product supply chain till the final point of sale to 
the consumers is possible only if all the companies involved in the supply chain are ACAP 
certified.   
  
(i) Specific detail on documentation of the ARSO Marks ma nagement can be found in the special 
rules related to the certification schemes.  
  
B.8  Sanctions applied to Misuse of the Mark  
  
(a) The confirmed incorrect or misleading use of the ARSO mark or of the ARSO conformity claim 
will lead to immediate actions an d will be managed by ARSO according to provisions explained 
in Chapter 15  of the present document.   
  
(b) According to the severity of the misuse done, if the sanction applied is a Suspension or a 
Withdrawal of the licence, the sanction will be published on t he ARSO website.   
  
(c)  Legal actions can be considered in case of demonstrated serious damage affecting the overall  
 ARSO integrity and reputation. This clause also applies in situations of misuse by a party not 
under contract with ARSO or approved ACAP CB for the use of the ARSO mark of conformity.  
  
(d)  The sanctioned Party has to establish a corrective action plan in respect of each misuse of the 
ARSO mark of conformity.   
  ACAP 1 -1:2022   
40  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved  B.9  Surveillance  
  
The ARSO Secretariat will, as he deems necessary, exercise surveillance on products in respect of 
which the us e of the ARSO Certification Mark has been granted.  
  
B.10  Fees  
  
The fees to be charged for the use of the ARSO Certification Mark shall be as provided in the ARSO 
Fees specific document, in the most updated version. This can be accessed from the ARSO w ebsite  
   
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   ACAP 1 -1:2022   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
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