4C is an independent verification system. It is the common code of conduct for the coffee community to ensure that voluntary sustainable standards are embedded in the coffee supply chain. The 4C Code of Conduct is based on 10 unacceptable practices: child labour forced labour trafficking in persons prohibiting trade unions forced evictions inadequate housing lack of access to potable water deforestation the inappropriate use of certain pesticides corruption & bribery It is also comprised of a set of 27 principles covering economic, social and environmental topics.