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What are the requirements for unannounced inspections under the Regenerative Organic Certified® program?

To ensure the integrity of the Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) program, unannounced inspections are required as part of the certification process. Here’s what you need to know:

How often do unannounced audits occur?

Certification Bodies (CBs) must conduct unannounced audits equivalent to at least 5% of the total number of certified operations they managed in the previous year.

    • This 5% is rounded up to the next whole number and must include a minimum of one audit, regardless of total size.
    • These audits are distributed proportionally across all countries and regions where the CB operates.

How are operations selected for unannounced inspections?

CBs select operations based on risk-based criteria, which include:

    • Requests from ROA.
    • The CB’s own risk assessment, considering factors such as:
      • Number and severity of non-conformities (NCs) from previous audits.
      • Implementation status of corrective action plans.
      • Other relevant factors that may impact the credibility of the CB or ROA.
    • Complaints received about an operation.
    • Whether the operation has already undergone an unannounced inspection.

How much notice is given before an unannounced audit?

Operations will receive no more than 24 hours’ notice prior to an unannounced inspection.

Are unannounced audits different from regular audits?

Yes. Unannounced audits are performed in addition to the required annual audits. They may include soil testing and are conducted following ROA’s Sampling Methodology and Group Certification requirements.

Can ROA conduct its own audits?

Yes. The Regenerative Organic Alliance reserves the right to conduct additional audits at any time, especially in response to complaints or unresolved issues.

Andrew Hill

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