Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about what Friend of the Earth certification covers, how to verify a certified product and what businesses can expect when applying.
About Friend of the earth
What is Friend of the earth?
Friend of the Earth is an international certification programme within the World Sustainability Organization.
It develops standards for land-based products, production systems, services and activities, and supports environmental conservation and public-awareness initiatives.
Is Friend of the Earth only for fisheries and aquaculture?
No. Certification categories include agriculture, farming and livestock, traceability, fashion and textiles, furniture and interior design, packaging, events, mining, tobacco-leaf curing, alternative proteins, bovine collagen, land-based nutraceuticals and cocoa and chocolate supply chains. Each category has its own scope and requirements, so applicants should confirm which published standard applies to their product, site, service or activity.
Does Friend of the Earth certify a company or a defined product or activity?
Who manages the programme?
How is Friend of the Earth funded?
The programme is funded primarily through annual fees for authorised use of the Friend of the Earth logo. Audit costs are separate and are quoted by the certification body according to the assessment scope and complexity.
Understanding the label
What does the Friend of the earth label mean?
The label identifies a product, service or activity certified against the applicable Friend of the Earth standard. Depending on the category, the requirements may address natural ecosystems, soil and water resources, hazardous substances, emissions, waste, traceability and workers’ health, safety and rights. Check the certification record and the relevant standard to understand exactly what was assessed.
Does certification mean that a product has no environmental impact?
Certification confirms conformity with specified requirements within a defined scope. It should not be interpreted as a claim of zero impact. Certified organisations must continue to manage the environmental and social aspects covered by the applicable standard and maintain conformity during the certification period.
Does certification cover everything a company sells?
No. Certification covers only the products, species, sites, processes, services or activities listed in the certification record. A certified product within a brand’s range does not mean that every product sold by that brand is certified.
Is a finished product certified if it uses an ingredient from a certified supplier?
Not automatically. The finished product must be included within an appropriate certification and traceability scope. A certified farm or ingredient supplier does not, by itself, establish that the final processed or packed product is certified.
How can I verify a Friend of the Earth certification?
Find the FOE ID displayed beside or beneath the logo and enter it in the verification directory. Confirm the certified product or species, applicable standard, certificate holder, status and validity dates. If no ID is shown, search by the product or certificate-holder name.
What should I do if I suspect misuse of the label?
Send the product or company name, photographs of the packaging or advertisement, the FOE ID if displayed, where the item was found and any relevant website link. This information helps the team check whether the use is authorised.
Applying for certification
How can my business apply?
Complete the application or Preliminary Information Form with details of the product, site, process, service or activity you want assessed. Friend of the Earth will identify the relevant standard, explain the applicable fees and provide the next steps. Submitting preliminary information does not oblige the applicant to proceed with an audit.
Who carries out the assessment?
Assessments against Friend of the Earth standards are carried out by independent certification bodies. The certification body evaluates the defined scope against the applicable requirements and makes the certification decision.
What happens during an audit?
The certification body reviews the information and evidence relevant to the applicable standard. Depending on the category and scope, this may include records, traceability, production practices, facilities, environmental management, worker protections and site conditions. Any non-conformities must be addressed in accordance with the audit process before certification can be granted.
How long does certification take?
Timing depends on the standard, the size and complexity of the scope, the availability of required information, audit scheduling and whether corrective action is needed. The certification body confirms the audit timetable and reporting process for each applicant.
Can I read the requirements before applying?
Yes. The certification pages provide the available standards, checklists or requirements for each category. Review the relevant documents and confirm with Friend of the Earth or the certification body which version applies to your assessment.
What happens after the assessment?
The certification body reviews the audit findings and makes the certification decision. If certification is granted, the certificate identifies the approved scope and validity period. Friend of the Earth then provides the applicable logo-use materials and can support approved communication activities relating to the certified scope.
How much does certification cost?
Certification normally involves two separate costs: annual licensing fees for authorised use of the Friend of the Earth logo, and audit costs quoted separately by the certification body. The final amount depends on the applicable category, certification scope and audit requirements.
When can a company use the Friend of the Earth logo?
The logo may be used only after certification has been granted and the applicable licensing arrangements are in place. It must be used for the certified scope and in accordance with the current logo guidelines and any approval requirements.
What happens when certification expires or the scope changes?
Certificate holders should follow the renewal timetable and notify the relevant parties of material changes affecting the certified scope. An expired, suspended or withdrawn record should not be presented as active certification. Check the verification directory for the current status and validity dates.
Standards and participation
How are the standards developed and updated?
Standards are reviewed through the procedures applicable to each programme.
The process may include technical drafting, evidence review, stakeholder consultation, approval and publication of revised documents. The relevant standard page should identify the requirements and version used for assessment.
Can I suggest an improvement to a standard?
Yes. Businesses, consumers, researchers and other interested parties can submit comments through the stakeholder input process or participate in public consultations.
Identify the standard or requirement your comment concerns and include supporting information where available.
How can I apply to join the Technical Committee?
Send an updated CV to info@friendoftheearth.org, outlining your relevant experience. Applications are considered through the Committee’s selection procedure.
Can I raise a concern before an audit?
Yes. If you have evidence relevant to a company scheduled for assessment, you can submit it through the objections procedure.
Check the procedure for submission requirements and deadlines so your evidence can be considered before the audit.
How can I complain about a certification decisionor appeal?
For a complaint about an assessment or certification decision, first follow the complaints or appeals process of the certification body responsible for that decision. For concerns about programme administration, standards or label use, contact Friend of the Earth and provide the relevant documents and evidence.
Still have a question?
Email info@friendoftheearth.org. Include the product, service or certification category you are asking about so we can direct your enquiry.
