It’s a B2B certification that compiles good practices on sustainability, developed by the INC, based on the 3 ESG pillars: environment, social, and governance. Each pillar is addressed through specific categories detailed in the Standards. 

All INC Members who perform business activities related to the Standards can apply for certification by completing the application form on our website, providing key details such as your company’s main business activities, any recognised certifications, and the number of facilities to be covered. Based on this information, we will provide a quote for the Audit Fee, and the Certification Agreement. 

Growers of Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Macadamias, Pistachios, Walnuts, Raisins, as well as Processors/Manufacturers, and Global Trade Specialists can now apply for certification. By the end of the year Standards for all other nuts and dried fruits will be incorporated: Pecans, Brazil Nuts, Pine Nuts, Dates, Dried Apricots, Dried Cranberries, Dried Figs, Prunes, and Peanuts.  

The Standards for Processos & Manufacturers, and Global Trade Specialists are multiproduct. 

It recognizes the efforts made towards sustainability. Improves the image and branding of the company and can lead to more business opportunities as the sector grows.  

The audit cost varies depending on the company’s size, country of operation, and any recognized certifications the organization already holds within the INC Certification framework. For a single‑site company without recognized certifications, the average audit cost is approximately €3,000. Additionally, there is an annual administrative fee of €600.

The timeline from application to certification typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on the availability of both the certifying entity and the applicant to schedule and complete the audit.

Standards are openly available on the website: sustainability.nutfruit.org/standards

The application form can be found at: sustainability.nutfruit.org/application-form

No. The certification includes a set of mandatory requirements along with additional continuous‑improvement criteria. This structure allows companies to meet essential sustainability expectations while progressively enhancing their performance over time.

If a company does not meet the mandatory criteria, it will be given three months to correct any identified non‑conformities, in accordance with the applicable regulations and standards. This period may also be used to improve additional criteria and achieve a higher score.

The Certification is valid for one year, but operates on a three-year audit cycle to optimize costs: in year-1, a full on-site audit is conducted; in years 2 and 3, remote surveillance audits are carried out to monitor continued compliance. 

The INC Certification recognizes widely used schemes such as FSA, SMETA, GLOBALG.A.P., and selected ISO standards, helping reduce both the applicant’s workload and audit costs. Details on these recognitions, along with the specific conditions required to grant them, are outlined within each standard.

Yes. The certification is available to companies operating across multiple sites. Applicants with several farms or processing/manufacturing facilities will undergo an inspection of a representative subset of productive sites rather than every location.

Yes. Companies are strongly encouraged to complete a self‑assessment before applying. This helps them understand the certification requirements, identify any gaps, and prepare effectively for the audit. Once the formal application is submitted, the INC will provide a checklist and training materials to support the company through the process.

Currently, Interpretation Guides are available for all Standards. They provide detailed explanations of the intent behind each criterion, along with examples of acceptable evidence. An Audit Checklist is also provided to support self‑assessment. All documentation is available in English only

Yes, there is a registered trademark that certified companies may use according to their assessment results. However, the logo is not intended for use on consumer (B2C) packaging.

Companies are free to display—or choose not to display—the scoring and tier achieved in their certification.

As sustainability becomes increasingly central to sourcing policies, the certification helps buyers and retailers identify responsibly sourced products and expand business opportunities.

Yes, this is one of the main advantages, as it facilitates business globally. The certification is built considering the realities of the largest producing and processing areas.  

No, the contact with the authorized auditing company will be done directly by the INC once the Certification Agreement has been signed.