For processors, manufacturers, traders, retailers and other supply chain organisations seeking verified control over material sourcing, handling and traceability.
Preferred by Nature Due Diligence Certification helps organisations strengthen sourcing controls, manage supply chain risks and demonstrate that products originate from responsible and compliant sources.
The certification focuses on key elements of effective due diligence, including source information, supplier management, risk assessment, risk mitigation and traceability. It provides a structured, risk-based approach to evaluating products and accepting only those that meet defined conformance requirements.
The certification is particularly valuable for organisations seeking greater confidence in their sourcing systems and stronger oversight of complex supply chains.
For organisations seeking assurance related to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), an additional EUDR module can be included as part of the certification.
Preferred by Nature Due Diligence Certification offers two certification pathways, depending on your sourcing objectives and assurance needs.
Generic due diligence certification
A risk-based certification option for organizations that want to strengthen sourcing controls, assess supply chain risks, and verify that products meet defined conformance requirements.
Suitable for organizations seeking a structured due diligence system that supports responsible sourcing and supplier management.
EUDR-aligned due diligence certification
Combines the core due diligence requirements with an additional EUDR module designed for organisations seeking assurance related to EUDR requirements.
Suitable for organisations looking to strengthen EUDR readiness and demonstrate robust due diligence processes.
A practical guide to understanding and navigating the certification process, from choosing the right certification pathway to preparing for audits, maintaining certification and c...
A practical guide to understanding and navigating the certification process, from choosing the right certification pathway to preparing for audits, maintaining certification and c...
Standards
Sustainability Framework CertificationDue Diligence System certificationEUDR
Due diligence system requirements including EUDR module, defines requirements for implementing due diligence to ensure product conformance and includes an EUDR-specific module.
...
Due diligence system requirements including EUDR module, defines requirements for implementing due diligence to ensure product conformance and includes an EUDR-specific module.
...
Sustainability Framework CertificationChain of Custody certification
Requirements for material control across supply chains define requirements for tracking and controlling certified materials throughout the supply chain. It supports transparency, ...
Requirements for material control across supply chains define requirements for tracking and controlling certified materials throughout the supply chain. It supports transparency, ...
Certification system implementation requirements specify the organizational and management system requirements needed to implement and maintain Preferred by Nature Sustainability ...
Certification system implementation requirements specify the organizational and management system requirements needed to implement and maintain Preferred by Nature Sustainability ...
Rules for use of the Seal and approved claims provide requirements for the use of the Preferred by Nature Seal and approved claims. It supports clear, transparent, and credible co...
Rules for use of the Seal and approved claims provide requirements for the use of the Preferred by Nature Seal and approved claims. It supports clear, transparent, and credible co...
Rules for off-product claims and communications define how organizations that do not use the Preferred by Nature Seal may communicate certification-related claims, including off-p...
Rules for off-product claims and communications define how organizations that do not use the Preferred by Nature Seal may communicate certification-related claims, including off-p...
Approved claim options for certified organizations provide a set of pre-approved claims that certified organizations may use when communicating certification status, subject to ap...
Approved claim options for certified organizations provide a set of pre-approved claims that certified organizations may use when communicating certification status, subject to ap...
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How the Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification scheme is governed
The Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification (PBN SFC) scheme operates under a governance system designed to support transparency, impartiality, accountability and stakeholder participation.
The system defines how the scheme is managed, how standards and procedures are developed and revised, and how certification activities are independently assessed and overseen.
The scheme owner and the certification body are separate legal entities, with different staff, reporting lines and responsibilities. The scheme is owned by Preferred by Nature F.M.B.A. in Denmark, while certification is carried out by Preferred by Nature OÜ in Estonia, which holds the accreditation under which all certification activities are performed and takes certification decisions independently. Both entities sit within the Preferred by Nature organisational umbrella.
The scheme's governance structure also includes internal decision-making bodies, external stakeholder representation and mechanisms for stakeholder engagement and dispute resolution.
Scheme governance documents
The following documents describe the governance structure, procedures and requirements supporting the operation and integrity of the PBN SFC scheme.
Governance structure, roles and responsibilities
Explains how the PBN SFC scheme is governed, including the responsibilities of its governance bodies, decision-making processes, stakeholder participation and dispute handling.
Describes how PBN SFC standards are developed, reviewed and revised, including stakeholder consultations, approval processes and transition arrangements.
Sets out the procedures for developing, reviewing, approving and publishing scheme documents other than normative standards, including governance procedures and supporting documents.
Defines the requirements for accreditation bodies overseeing certification bodies operating under Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification, including competence, impartiality, information sharing and cooperation with the scheme owner.
Establishes the requirements for certification bodies conducting PBN SFC audits and certification activities, including auditor competence, certification decisions, surveillance, impartiality and quality assurance.
