Certification Process

If a potential system user wants to be certified, they go through the following process: 

Basic Preparation and Application

Register for the Client Section to familiarize yourself with HORTICERT and its requirements. In particular, download the Step-by-Step Guide, which describes the specific steps for certification in detail.

Select a certification body that is recognized by HORTICERT to carry out the certification. Complete the registration form using the System Basics, sign the Terms of Use and send them to your certification body.

Preparation for the On-Site Audit

Thoroughly prepare for the audit to ensure it proceeds smoothly and avoids any additional costs.

Preparation includes internal risk management, conducting the internal audit and implementing improvement measures if necessary. In addition, the persons responsible must take part in HORTI-TRACE training.

Audit On-Site

An auditor of the certification body verifies the conformity of the system user with the HORTICERT requirements. The auditor must be independent of the company to be audited and the certification system as well as free of conflicts of interest. Also, the auditor must have the appropriate professional competences.

In the event of serious non-conformities, a desk audit or a follow-up audit must be carried out on site to check corrective measures.

Certificate Decision

The certification body makes a certification decision within the specified time frame of 60 days after the on-site audit.

Provided that the auditor has verified conformity with the HORTICERT requirements, the certification body issues the HORTICERT certificate to the system user.  

Approval by HORTICERT

HORTICERT checks the audit documents. In case of document gaps or errors, HORTICERT contacts the certification body. If the documents are correct and complete, the certificates are published on the HORTICERT website. 

Gradual Path to Certification

Continous Improvement Approach 

At HORTICERT, continuous improvement is at the core of our sustainability certification process. We recognize that immediate compliance with all sustainability criteria may not be feasible for all System Users, so we encourage progressive adaptation and advancement toward full compliance over time.

To facilitate a progressive enhancement in the HORTICERT certification system, we categorize our sustainability indicators into three types:

  • Immediate Indicators: These must be met at the initial stage as a prerequisite for certification. They include fundamental criteria that ensure basic ecological, social, and economic sustainability, which are practical and achievable in the short term. Compliance with Immediate Indicators enables initial certification; however, continued eligibility requires a detailed Sustainability Improvement Plan that outlines specific actions and timelines for achieving the Development Indicators.
  • Development Indicators: These indicators are essential but more complex, demanding a longer timeframe to achieve. System Users are expected to comply with at least 50% of these within the first two years and fully within four years of certification. This gradual approach supports System Users in making substantial progress without imposing an overwhelming burden, while still maintaining robust sustainability standards. Non-compliance after the agreed timeframe results in certification withdrawal.
  • Best Practice Indicators: Optional and aspirational, these indicators set a benchmark for exceptional sustainability efforts. Meeting these standards showcases a System User’s commitment to leadership in sustainable practices and prepares them for potential future certification updates.

Further details on the sustainability indicators can be found in the corresponding Audit Checklist, which is available to registered System Users.