Certification & Verification Guide
AqNova Marketplace Policies & Disclosures
AQNOVA MARKETPLACE
For the World's Conscious Consumers
CERTIFICATION & VERIFICATION GUIDE
Submit Certifications · Recognized Standards by Category · Registry Mechanics · Expiry Tracking · Renewal Procedures
Effective Date: April 7, 2026 | Version 1.0 | Arivon Holding Corporation
Vendor Guide | aqnova.co/selling-on-aqnova/certifications | certifications@aqnova.co
| IMPORTANT COMPLIANCE NOTICE THIS SECTION 10.7 IS THE VENDOR-FACING OPERATIONAL GUIDE FOR SUBMITTING, MANAGING, AND RENEWING SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATIONS ON AQNOVA. IT SUPPLEMENTS THE PUBLIC-FACING CERTIFICATION REGISTRY GOVERNANCE DOCUMENT (SECTION 5) AND THE PRODUCT LISTING STANDARDS GUIDE (SECTION 10.6). COMPLIANCE WITH CERTIFICATION DISPLAY RULES IS A MATERIAL OBLIGATION UNDER THE SELLER AGREEMENT (SECTION 1.3) AND THE ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (SECTION 1.4). MISREPRESENTING CERTIFICATIONS — INCLUDING UPLOADING FRAUDULENT CERTIFICATES, APPLYING BADGES TO UNCOVERED PRODUCTS, OR ALLOWING EXPIRED CERTIFICATIONS TO APPEAR ACTIVE — RESULTS IN IMMEDIATE ACCOUNT SUSPENSION AND IS RECORDED IN AQNOVA'S PUBLIC GREENWASHING ENFORCEMENT LOG AT AQNOVA.CO/SUSTAINABILITY/ENFORCEMENT. |
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This Section 10.7 — Certification & Verification Guide ("this Guide") is the complete operational reference for all matters related to sustainability certifications on AqNova Marketplace. It tells you how to submit your certifications for Registry entry, explains which certifications are recognized by category, describes how the Registry's expiry tracking and automated reminder system works, and walks you through the renewal process step by step.
AqNova's Certification Registry is what separates AqNova from every other marketplace. Every badge you see on AqNova has been independently verified. Every expired badge has been automatically removed. Every enforcement action has been publicly recorded. This is the infrastructure of trust that your buyers rely on — and the reason that your verified certifications on AqNova carry more commercial weight than the same certification claim on a platform that displays them unverified.
| Section 10.7 — Contents 10.7.1 Why Certifications Matter — The AqNova Trust Architecture 10.7.2 Registry Tier System — Platinum, Gold, Silver & Bronze 10.7.3 Step-by-Step Certification Submission Process (10 Steps) 10.7.4 Verification Methods by Tier — How AqNova Checks Your Certificates 10.7.5 Master Certification Catalogue — All Recognized Certifications by Category Organic & Agricultural (ORG) · Fair Trade & Ethical (FT) · B Corp & Social Enterprise (BCO) Environmental & Ecological (ENV) · Forest, Paper & Timber (FOR) Textiles, Apparel & Fashion (TEX) · Beauty, Personal Care & Cosmetics (BPC) Food, Beverage & Nutrition (FBV) · Energy, Carbon & Climate (CLM) Social Compliance & Labour (SOC) · Packaging & Circular Economy (PKG) Regional Regulatory & Safety (REG) 10.7.6 New Certification Application — Unlisted Certifications 10.7.7 Expiry Tracking System — Automated Reminders & Timelines 10.7.8 Renewal Procedures — Step-by-Step 10.7.9 Certification Suspension & Removal — Triggers & Process 10.7.10 Scope Management — Applying Certifications to the Right Products 10.7.11 Multi-Jurisdictional Certification Strategy 10.7.12 Greenwashing Enforcement — Consequences & Enforcement Log 10.7.13 Anti-Greenwashing Law — Global Legal Framework Summary 10.7.14 Contact — Certification Support |
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10.7.1 Why Certifications Matter — The AqNova Trust Architecture
AqNova is a curated sustainable marketplace. Curation has one meaning: every claim is verified before it is displayed. This applies above all to sustainability certifications — the badges that communicate to a buyer that a product is genuinely organic, fairly traded, ethically produced, or environmentally responsible.
AqNova's buyers are intentional shoppers. They are not browsing for the cheapest option. They are searching specifically for verified sustainable products — and they have been burned before by greenwashing. When a buyer sees a certification badge on AqNova, they trust it — because they know AqNova has verified it. That trust is AqNova's most important commercial asset. And it is an asset that every verified Vendor shares.
| What AqNova's Certification Registry Does — Four Functions FUNCTION 1 — VERIFICATION: Every certification entered in the Registry has been actively verified by AqNova's Sustainability Compliance Team against the issuing body's database or through direct confirmation. No badge is displayed based on a Vendor's self-declaration alone. FUNCTION 2 — EXPIRY TRACKING: Every Registry entry has an expiry date. AqNova tracks every certification's expiry in real-time. When a certification expires, its badge is automatically removed from all applicable listings within 24 hours. No manual process. No grace period for expired claims. FUNCTION 3 — TRANSPARENCY: Every certification badge on AqNova is clickable. Buyers see the full certification details — the certifying body, the certificate number, the scope, and the expiry date. They can independently verify the certificate at the issuing body's database. FUNCTION 4 — ENFORCEMENT: Every greenwashing violation on AqNova is recorded in the public Greenwashing Enforcement Log at aqnova.co/sustainability/enforcement. Listings are removed. Accounts are suspended. The record is permanent and public. |
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10.7.2 Registry Tier System — Platinum, Gold, Silver & Bronze
AqNova's Certification Registry operates on a four-tier recognition structure. Your certification's tier determines the level of verification required, the badge treatment on your listing, and the discovery algorithm weight the certification badge contributes to your Listing Quality Score.
| TIER 1 — PLATINUM AqNova Verified & Endorsed HIGHEST RECOGNITION. Reserved for internationally accredited third-party certifications with rigorous, annually audited standards. Maximum LQS contribution. Priority discovery placement. Requirements for Platinum status: (a) Active certificate cross-referenced against certifying body's publicly accessible database (b) Annual re-verification by AqNova Compliance Team (c) On-site or documentary audit by the certifying body within the past 12 months (d) Zero material non-conformances on most recent audit Badge display: AqNova Verified shield + certification logo on listing Examples: USDA Organic; COSMOS Organic; Fairtrade International (FLO); B Corp; GOTS; FSC; OEKO-TEX Standard 100; MSC/ASC; SA8000; OK Compost; Leaping Bunny; TGA (Australia) |
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| TIER 2 — GOLD AqNova Accepted — Major Third-Party Certification STANDARD RECOGNITION. Internationally or regionally accredited certifications verified by AqNova through document review against the certifying body's public or private registry. Requirements for Gold status: (a) Certificate current (not expired), issued to the correct legal entity (b) Certificate covers the specific product categories listed on AqNova (c) Cross-referenced against certifying body database where publicly available (d) Direct confirmation with certifying body for non-public databases Badge display: Verified checkmark + certification name on listing Examples: PETA Cruelty-Free; Vegan Society; Korea Eco-Label; Singapore Green Label; BCI Better Cotton; SMETA; CE Marking; UKCA; INMETRO; NAFDAC; KEBS; BIS India; KC Mark (South Korea); PSE Mark (Japan); GCC G-Mark; GreenSeal; LWG Gold |
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| TIER 3 — SILVER AqNova Reviewed — Regional or Emerging Certification REGIONAL RECOGNITION. Certifications from recognized national or regional bodies meeting minimum standards for independence, transparency, and accreditation — with more limited international recognition than Tier 1/2. Requirements for Silver status: (a) Document review of submitted certificate (b) Direct contact with issuing national body for verification (c) Supporting evidence (audit reports, inspection certs) where body has no public database Badge display: 'AqNova Reviewed' notation + certification name Examples: Pakistan PSQCA PSI Mark; Thailand TIS Mark; emerging national eco-labels; regional quality marks not yet recognized at Gold/Platinum tier |
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| TIER 4 — BRONZE AqNova Noted — Self-Declared or Emerging Standards CONDITIONAL RECOGNITION. Self-declarations supported by test reports, internal audits, or emerging certification programs not yet recognized by major accreditation bodies. Requirements for Bronze status: (a) Supporting documentation submitted (test reports, internal audit reports, self-declaration) (b) Documentation assessed by AqNova Compliance Team (c) Bronze status is conditional — may be downgraded if documentation found inadequate Badge display: 'Self-Declared' notation clearly visible to buyers — NOT featured in promotional contexts. Minimum LQS contribution. IMPORTANT: Bronze is not a greenwashing license. Self-declarations must be accurate, documented, and available for inspection at any time. False self-declarations are treated the same as fraudulent third-party certification claims. |
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10.7.3 Step-by-Step Certification Submission Process
No certification badge is displayed on AqNova without successful completion of the following submission process. This process applies to every certification — first-time submissions, new products added to existing certifications, and certification renewals. Steps 1–6 are Vendor actions. Steps 7–10 are AqNova actions.
| Step | Who | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VENDOR | ACCOUNT PREREQUISITE: Ensure your AqNova Vendor account is active and in good standing. Certification submissions are not accepted from suspended accounts or accounts with outstanding KYC issues. Confirm your account status in Seller Portal → Account → Status. | Before submission |
| 2 | VENDOR | ACCESS PORTAL: Log into the AqNova Seller Portal → Compliance → Certifications → New Certification Submission. Select whether this is a: (a) First-time submission; (b) New product added to existing certification; or (c) Renewal of expiring certification. | Day 1 |
| 3 | VENDOR | SELECT REGISTRY CODE: Select your certification from the Master Catalogue (Section 10.7.5) using the Registry Code (e.g., ORG-001 for USDA NOP Organic; TEX-001 for GOTS; FT-001 for Fairtrade/FLOCERT). If your certification is not listed, proceed to the New Certification Application pathway (Section 10.7.6). | Day 1 |
| 4 | VENDOR | UPLOAD DOCUMENTS: Upload all required documents as a single combined PDF or as separate files: (a) Full certification certificate — clear, complete, legible, not expired; (b) Scope of certification document (where the certificate and scope are separate documents); (c) For chain-of-custody (CoC) certifications: the CoC certificate specifically. Documents must be in the name of your legal entity exactly as registered on your AqNova account. | Day 1 |
| 5 | VENDOR | PROVIDE CERTIFICATION DETAILS: Enter in the submission form: (a) Full name of the certifying organization; (b) Certificate number; (c) Issue date; (d) Expiry date; (e) Direct contact details for the certification body (email and phone); (f) Certifying body's website and public database URL where your certificate can be verified. This information goes directly to AqNova's verification team — accuracy is essential. | Day 1 |
| 6 | VENDOR | SPECIFY PRODUCT SCOPE: In the product scope selector, tick each of your AqNova listings that are covered by this specific certification. The badge will ONLY appear on listings you select in this step — and only if those products are genuinely within the certified scope. Read your certificate's scope section carefully before making your selection. | Day 1 |
| 7 | AQNOVA | COMPLIANCE REVIEW: AqNova's Certification Compliance Team reviews your submission: (a) Cross-references certificate against the certifying body's public database; (b) For Tier 1 (Platinum) certifications: contacts the certification body directly to confirm; (c) Checks scope alignment — does the certificate scope match the products you have selected?; (d) Verifies the certificate expiry date; (e) Confirms the certificate is in the name of the legal entity on your account. | 3–7 Business Days (standard); 2–3 Business Days (Founding Vendors) |
| 8 | AQNOVA | DECISION — APPROVE, RFI, OR DECLINE: (a) APPROVED: you receive an approval email; badge appears on selected listings within 24 hours; (b) REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI): AqNova needs additional documentation or clarification. Vendor has 10 Business Days to respond; (c) DECLINED: AqNova provides written reasons. Most common causes: certificate cannot be verified against issuing body database; scope mismatch; certificate not in legal entity name; certificate is expired. | 1–2 Business Days after compliance review |
| 9 | AQNOVA | REGISTRY PUBLICATION: Approved certification is published in the public Registry at aqnova.co/sustainability/certifications with: Registry Code; certification name and issuing body; Vendor name; certified product scope; issue and expiry dates; Registry Tier; and AqNova verification timestamp. | Within 24 hours of approval |
| 10 | SYSTEM | ONGOING MONITORING & EXPIRY TRACKING: AqNova's automated system monitors your certification's expiry date from the moment of Registry entry. Automated reminder emails are sent at 90, 60, and 30 days before expiry. At expiry: badge is automatically suspended and removed from listings within 24 hours. See Section 10.7.7 for the full expiry tracking system. | Ongoing |
| Documents in the Wrong Name — Most Common Submission Failure The #1 cause of certification submission failures is that the certificate is issued to a different legal entity than the one registered on the AqNova Vendor account. This happens when: (a) your business recently changed its legal name; (b) you are a reseller and the certificate is in the manufacturer's name; (c) you operate multiple brands and the certificate is in a parent or sister company name. FIX: The name on your AqNova account must match the name on your certificate. — If you changed your business name: update your KYC via Seller Portal → Compliance → KYC Documents, then resubmit the certification. — If you are a reseller: you need a certification issued in your own name, or a letter from the certification holder confirming your authorization to display the badge under their certificate — submitted alongside the main certificate. |
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10.7.4 Verification Methods by Tier — How AqNova Checks Your Certificates
| Registry Tier | Primary Verification Method | Secondary Verification | Re-Verification Schedule | Documentation Retained |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 — Platinum | Active certificate cross-referenced against certifying body's publicly accessible database (e.g., USDA Organic Integrity database; FLOCERT public certificate lookup; B Corp public directory; FSC certificate search at info.fsc.org; GOTS database at global-standard.org) | Direct written confirmation from the certifying body for certificates where the public database is not definitive. AqNova Compliance officer documents: verification source; date of verification; officer name; and database query result. | Annual re-verification — AqNova re-checks Platinum certificates against the issuing body database 12 months after initial verification, or 30 days before expiry (whichever is sooner). Vendors notified of re-verification outcome. | Verification record retained for 5 years post-certification expiry per applicable AML and consumer protection law. |
| Tier 2 — Gold | Document review of submitted certificate against certification database where publicly available. AqNova checks: certificate number format; issuing body name; issue and expiry dates; legal entity name; and product scope. | Direct contact with certifying body where no public database exists. Written confirmation retained on file. | Re-verification at renewal — no interim annual re-check required, but AqNova may re-verify at any time if a complaint is received or a discrepancy is identified. | Verification record retained for 5 years. |
| Tier 3 — Silver | Document review of submitted certificate. Direct contact with the national or regional certification body to confirm certificate authenticity. | AqNova may request supporting evidence: audit reports; inspection certificates; or site visit reports. Vendor has 10 Business Days to provide. | Re-verification at renewal. | Verification record retained for 5 years. |
| Tier 4 — Bronze | Review of supporting documentation submitted by the Vendor: test reports (laboratory name, test date, test standard, result); internal audit reports (scope, date, auditor); or self-declaration statement (signed by authorized representative). | No mandatory direct confirmation with third party. AqNova assesses documentation quality and flags inadequate documentation. | AqNova may review Bronze status at any time. Bronze status may be downgraded to 'Not Recognized' if documentation is subsequently found inadequate. | Documentation retained. Self-declared notation remains visible to buyers on all Bronze-status listings. |
10.7.5 Master Certification Catalogue — All Recognized Certifications by Category
The following Master Catalogue lists every certification currently recognized in the AqNova Certification Registry, organized by category. When submitting a certification, select the applicable Registry Code in the Seller Portal. If your certification is not in this Catalogue, use the New Certification Application pathway in Section 10.7.6.
Tier Legend: [PLATINUM] [GOLD] [SILVER] [BRONZE]
A. Organic & Agricultural Certifications
| ORG-001 USDA National Organic Program (NOP) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: USDA AMS via accredited certifying agents Scope: Food, beverages, personal care, textiles. 100%/95%/70% thresholds. Geographic: USA; globally recognized Verify At: ams.usda.gov/organic-integrity |
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| ORG-002 EU Organic Certification — Regulation 2018/848 [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Accredited bodies in EU member states (ECOCERT, Bureau Veritas, IMO, Soil Association Certification) Scope: Plant products, livestock, aquaculture, processed food, feed, wine, yeast Geographic: European Union Verify At: EU TRACES NT database; direct with certifying body |
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| ORG-003 Soil Association Organic Certification [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Soil Association Certification Ltd (UK) Scope: Food, farming, beauty, textiles Geographic: United Kingdom; IFOAM recognized Verify At: Soil Association public licensee database |
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| ORG-004 Canada Organic Regime (COR) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: CFIA-accredited bodies (Pro-Cert, QAI, OCIA) Scope: Organic food and agricultural products for interprovincial trade and export Geographic: Canada Verify At: CFIA certification body database |
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| ORG-005 Australia Certified Organic (ACO) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Australian Certified Organic Pty Ltd Scope: Food, beverages, personal care, textiles, farming inputs Geographic: Australia; IFOAM accredited Verify At: ACO licensee database (aco.net.au) |
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| ORG-006 India Organic / NPOP [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: APEDA-accredited bodies (Bureau Veritas, Control Union, ECOCERT India). National Programme for Organic Production. Scope: Agricultural and processed organic products Geographic: India; recognized by EU and Switzerland Verify At: APEDA NPOP certification database |
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| ORG-007 JAS Organic — Japan [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: MAFF-registered organic JAS certification bodies Scope: Food products with organic content Geographic: Japan Verify At: MAFF JAS certification body registry |
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| ORG-008 IBD Certificacoes — Brazil [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: IBD Certificacoes (MAPA-accredited) Scope: Organic and biodynamic agricultural and food products Geographic: Brazil; IFOAM accredited; recognized by EU and USDA Verify At: IBD licensee database (ibd.com.br) |
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| ORG-009 IFOAM Organics International [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: IFOAM-accredited certification bodies globally Scope: Serves as global umbrella accreditation standard; all IFOAM-accredited certifications are globally recognized Geographic: Global Verify At: ifoam.bio accreditation database |
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| ORG-010 Demeter (Biodynamic) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Demeter International and national member associations Scope: Biodynamic agricultural products; covers farming, processing, and trade Geographic: Global (70+ countries) Verify At: Demeter certified producers database (demeter.net) |
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| ORG-011 Naturland Certified [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Naturland e.V. (Germany) Scope: Organic farming and processing; strong social standards component; broader geographic coverage than EU Organic Geographic: Germany; global Verify At: Naturland member database (naturland.de) |
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B. Fair Trade & Ethical Trade Certifications
| FT-001 Fairtrade International — FLOCERT [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: FLOCERT GmbH (independent certification body for Fairtrade International) Scope: Agricultural commodities (coffee, cocoa, tea, sugar, bananas, cotton, gold); manufactured goods. Covers minimum prices, Fairtrade Premium, labor rights, environmental standards. Geographic: Global Verify At: flocert.net public certificate lookup |
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| FT-002 Fair Trade USA Certification [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Fair Trade USA Scope: Agricultural products, apparel, seafood, ingredients, home goods, body care Geographic: USA; global Verify At: Fair Trade USA product finder database |
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| FT-003 World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) Guarantee System [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: World Fair Trade Organization Scope: Organizations (not just products) that are 100% committed to fair trade principles; requires peer review and independent monitoring Geographic: Global Verify At: WFTO member directory (wfto.com) |
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| FT-004 Rainforest Alliance / UTZ (Merged) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Rainforest Alliance Scope: Coffee, cocoa, tea, bananas, flowers, hazelnuts, vanilla, forests. Sustainable Agriculture Standard covering environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Geographic: Global Verify At: Rainforest Alliance certificate database (rainforest-alliance.org) |
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| FT-005 IMO Fair for Life [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: IMO (Institute for Marketecology) Scope: Broad: food, cosmetics, textiles, services. Supply chain social responsibility and fair trade. Geographic: Global Verify At: IMO certificate database (imo.ch) |
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| FT-006 SPP (Small Producers' Symbol) [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Coordinadora Latinoamericana y del Caribe de Pequeños Productores de Comercio Justo Scope: Fair trade from small producer cooperatives in Latin America Geographic: Latin America primarily Verify At: SPP producer database (spp.com.mx) |
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D. Environmental & Ecological Certifications
| ENV-001 EU Ecolabel (European Flower) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: European Commission; administered by national Competent Bodies Scope: Apparel, textiles, footwear, cleaning products, furniture, electronics, tourism, lubricants, paper, cosmetics Geographic: European Union Verify At: EU Ecolabel public database (ecolabel.eu) |
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| ENV-002 Nordic Swan Ecolabel [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Nordic Ecolabelling Board Scope: Comprehensive products and services across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden Geographic: Nordic Countries Verify At: Nordic Swan product database (nordic-ecolabel.org) |
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| ENV-003 Blue Angel (Blauer Engel) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt); RAL gGmbH Scope: 120+ product categories: paper, electronics, paints, cleaning agents, vehicles, furniture Geographic: Germany; internationally recognized Verify At: Blue Angel product database (blauer-engel.de) |
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| ENV-004 Energy Star [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: US EPA and Natural Resources Canada Scope: Electronics, appliances, lighting, building materials, commercial equipment Geographic: USA and Canada Verify At: EPA Energy Star product finder (energystar.gov) |
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| ENV-005 Cradle to Cradle Certified (C2C) — Gold/Platinum [PLATINUM (C2C Gold/Platinum) / GOLD (C2C Silver/Bronze)] Issuing Authority: Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute Scope: Material health, reutilization, renewable energy, water stewardship, social fairness. Five levels: Basic to Platinum. Geographic: Global Verify At: C2C certified product database (c2ccertified.org) |
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| ENV-006 Korea Eco-Label (Korea Environmental Mark) [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) Scope: Electronics, vehicles, construction materials, office supplies, packaging Geographic: South Korea Verify At: KEITI eco-label database (el.keiti.re.kr) |
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| ENV-007 Singapore Green Label [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Singapore Environment Council (SEC) Scope: Cleaning products, stationery, packaging, electronics, paints, building materials Geographic: Singapore Verify At: SEC Green Label database (sec.org.sg) |
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| ENV-008 GreenSeal [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Green Seal Inc. Scope: Cleaning products, paints, hospitality, construction, paper, food service. Based on lifecycle standards. Geographic: United States Verify At: Green Seal certified products database (greenseal.org) |
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| ENV-009 Environmental Choice New Zealand [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Environmental Choice New Zealand (ECNZ) Scope: Household and commercial products. GENICES member. Geographic: New Zealand Verify At: ECNZ product database (environmentalchoice.org.nz) |
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| ENV-010 Australia Good Environmental Choice (GECA) [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Good Environmental Choice Australia Scope: Products meeting environmental performance requirements across lifecycle impact areas Geographic: Australia Verify At: GECA certified products database (geca.eco) |
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E. Forest, Paper & Timber Certifications
| FOR-001 Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: FSC International; certification by accredited bodies (Bureau Veritas, SGS, Control Union). Three types: Forest Management (FM); Chain of Custody (CoC); Controlled Wood. Scope: Wood, paper, timber products, forest management Geographic: Global Verify At: FSC certificate search (info.fsc.org) |
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| FOR-002 Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: PEFC International; national schemes endorsed by PEFC Scope: Forest management and chain of custody for wood and paper products. Covers 50+ national schemes globally. Geographic: Global Verify At: PEFC certificate database (pefc.org) |
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| FOR-003 Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: SFI Inc. (PEFC-endorsed) Scope: Forest management and chain of custody for wood and fiber products Geographic: North America Verify At: SFI certificate database (sfiprogram.org) |
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F. Textiles, Apparel & Fashion Certifications
| TEX-001 Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: GOTS-approved bodies (ECOCERT, IMO, Control Union, Soil Association) Scope: Textiles with minimum 70% organic fiber content; entire supply chain from fiber to finished product including processing, manufacturing, packaging, trading, distribution Geographic: Global Verify At: GOTS public database (global-standard.org) |
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| TEX-002 OEKO-TEX Standard 100 / MADE IN GREEN [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: OEKO-TEX Association (Hohenstein Institute, TESTEX) Scope: Every component of a textile article tested for harmful substances. MADE IN GREEN additionally certifies sustainable production. Geographic: Global Verify At: OEKO-TEX label check (oeko-tex.com/label-check) |
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| TEX-003 Bluesign Certification [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Bluesign Technologies AG Scope: Chemical management, resource efficiency, and consumer safety in textile manufacturing Geographic: Global — focused on manufacturing facilities Verify At: Bluesign certified products database (bluesign.com) |
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| TEX-004 Better Cotton (BCI) [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Better Cotton Initiative Scope: Cotton: land use, soil health, water stewardship, crop protection, decent work, smallholder livelihoods Geographic: Global — cotton supply chain Verify At: BCI membership and license database (bettercotton.org) |
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| TEX-005 Responsible Down Standard (RDS) [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Control Union Certifications (Textile Exchange) Scope: Down and feathers in finished products; ensures humane treatment throughout supply chain Geographic: Global Verify At: Control Union RDS certificate database |
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| TEX-006 Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Control Union Certifications (Textile Exchange) Scope: Wool from sheep farms and wool processing; land management, animal welfare, worker rights Geographic: Global Verify At: Control Union RWS database |
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| TEX-007 Leather Working Group (LWG) — Gold/Silver Rating [PLATINUM (Gold) / GOLD (Silver)] Issuing Authority: Leather Working Group Scope: Leather tanneries and processors. Gold, Silver, Bronze environmental performance ratings. Geographic: Global Verify At: LWG audit database (leatherworkinggroup.com) |
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| TEX-008 Global Recycled Standard (GRS) / Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Textile Exchange; certification by approved bodies Scope: Recycled content in products from any industry. GRS covers full supply chain. RCS covers content claim only. Geographic: Global Verify At: Textile Exchange certification database |
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G. Beauty, Personal Care & Cosmetics Certifications
| BPC-001 NATRUE International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Standard [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: NATRUE (Brussels); certification by BDIH, COSMEBIO, Ecogruppo. Three label types: Natural; Natural with Organic Portion; Organic. Scope: Natural and organic cosmetics Geographic: Global Verify At: NATRUE certified products database (natrue.org) |
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| BPC-002 COSMOS Organic / COSMOS Natural [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: COSMOS-standard AISBL; certified by BDIH, COSMEBIO, ECOCERT, ICEA, Soil Association. COSMOS Organic: min. 95% organic agri-ingredients. COSMOS Natural: natural cosmetics standard. Scope: Cosmetics and personal care products Geographic: Global — EU primary Verify At: COSMOS certification database (cosmos-standard.org) |
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| BPC-003 Leaping Bunny — Cruelty Free International / CCIC [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Cruelty Free International (UK) / CCIC (US/Canada) Scope: Cosmetics, personal care, household products; no animal testing at any stage. Covers entire supply chain. Geographic: Global — primary UK, US, Canada Verify At: Leaping Bunny approved company database (leapingbunny.org) |
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| BPC-004 PETA Beauty Without Bunnies [GOLD] Issuing Authority: PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) Scope: Cosmetics, personal care, household products; company-wide no animal testing. Two lists: cruelty-free; and vegan + cruelty-free. Geographic: Global Verify At: PETA Beauty Without Bunnies database (peta.org) |
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| BPC-005 COSMOS Ecocert (ECOCERT Greenlife) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Ecocert Greenlife Scope: COSMOS-certified organic and natural cosmetics and personal care products Geographic: Global — EU and French market focus Verify At: Ecocert certificate lookup (ecocert.com) |
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| BPC-006 Vegan Society Registered Trademark [GOLD] Issuing Authority: The Vegan Society (UK) Scope: Products free from animal ingredients and not tested on animals. Food, cosmetics, textiles, household goods. Geographic: Global Verify At: Vegan Society registered trademark database (vegansociety.com) |
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| BPC-007 BeVeg International Vegan Certification [GOLD] Issuing Authority: BeVeg International Scope: Third-party vegan certification for food, beverages, cosmetics, apparel Geographic: Global Verify At: BeVeg certified database (beveg.com) |
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H. Food, Beverage & Nutrition Certifications
| FBV-001 Non-GMO Project Verified [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Non-GMO Project (North America) Scope: Food and beverage products; verified against risk-assessment based standard for avoidance of genetically engineered ingredients Geographic: North America primary; global recognition Verify At: Non-GMO Project product database (nongmoproject.org) |
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| FBV-002 Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Blue Fish Label [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Marine Stewardship Council; MSC-accredited certification bodies Scope: Wild-caught seafood; sustainable fisheries management and chain of custody Geographic: Global Verify At: MSC certified products database (msc.org) |
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| FBV-003 Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Aquaculture Stewardship Council; ASC-accredited bodies Scope: Farmed seafood products; responsible aquaculture standards Geographic: Global Verify At: ASC certified products database (asc-aqua.org) |
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| FBV-004 Halal Certification — Platinum Bodies [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: JAKIM (Malaysia); MUI (Indonesia — Majelis Ulama Indonesia); ESMA (UAE); ISNA (North America); IFANCA (US); GSO (Gulf Standards Organization); SANHA (South Africa) Scope: Food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals Geographic: Global — critical for GCC, Southeast Asia, Africa markets Verify At: Direct confirmation with issuing body; national halal directories |
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| FBV-005 Halal Certification — Gold Bodies [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Other recognized halal certifying bodies including MHC (UK); HFA (UK); MUIS (Singapore); ICB (Australia) Scope: Food, beverages, cosmetics — country-specific market recognition Geographic: Country-specific Verify At: Direct confirmation with issuing body |
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| FBV-006 Kosher Certification — Platinum Bodies [PLATINUM (OU, OK, Star-K) / GOLD (other recognized agencies)] Issuing Authority: OU (Orthodox Union); OK Kosher; Star-K; KOF-K Scope: Food and beverage products. OU is the world's largest and most recognized kosher certification. Geographic: Global Verify At: Issuing agency kosher product lists and direct confirmation |
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| FBV-007 Rainforest Alliance — Coffee, Tea & Cocoa [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Rainforest Alliance Scope: Coffee, tea, cocoa, bananas from RA-certified farms Geographic: Global Verify At: Rainforest Alliance certificate database |
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| FBV-008 Friend of the Sea [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Friend of the Sea (World Sustainability Organization) Scope: Sustainable seafood and aquaculture; seafood products and fishmeal from sustainable sources Geographic: Global Verify At: Friend of the Sea certified products (friendofthesea.org) |
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I. Energy, Carbon & Climate Certifications
| CLM-001 Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) — Approved Target [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: SBTi (CDP, UN Global Compact, WRI, WWF) Scope: Corporate GHG emission reduction targets validated as consistent with 1.5°C global warming limit. Vendors with SBTi targets receive prominence in AqNova's climate-positive vendor category. Geographic: Global Verify At: SBTi company database (sciencebasedtargets.org) |
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| CLM-002 Carbon Trust Standard [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Carbon Trust (UK) Scope: Products, services, organizations with verified carbon footprints and committed reduction trajectories. Three marks: Measuring Carbon; Reducing Carbon; Carbon Neutral. Geographic: UK; global recognition Verify At: Carbon Trust Standards database (carbontrust.com) |
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| CLM-003 Climate Neutral Certified [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Climate Neutral (US non-profit) Scope: Brands with measured, offset, and committed-to-reducing full carbon footprint annually Geographic: USA primary; global Verify At: Climate Neutral certified brand database (climateneutral.org) |
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| CLM-004 Gold Standard for the Global Goals [PLATINUM (for verified carbon offset claims)] Issuing Authority: Gold Standard Foundation (Geneva) Scope: Highest-quality voluntary carbon offsets with co-benefits for UN SDGs. Used for Platform-level carbon offset purchases by AqNova. Geographic: Global Verify At: Gold Standard Impact Registry (goldstandard.org) |
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| CLM-005 Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) — Verra [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Verra (formerly Verified Carbon Standard) Scope: Carbon credit verification; voluntary carbon market offset credits Geographic: Global Verify At: Verra project database (registry.verra.org) |
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K. Packaging, Circular Economy & Waste Certifications
| PKG-001 How2Recycle Label [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) Scope: Standardized on-package recycling communication for North American markets: Widely Recyclable; Check Locally; Store Drop-Off; Don't Recycle Geographic: USA and Canada Verify At: SPC How2Recycle member database (how2recycle.info) |
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| PKG-002 WRAP Packaging Certification (UK) [GOLD] Issuing Authority: Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Scope: Packaging recyclability and recycled content claims in the UK market; Plastics Pact compliance framework Geographic: United Kingdom Verify At: WRAP certification database (wrap.ngo) |
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| PKG-003 OK Compost Industrial / OK Compost HOME [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Vinçotte (Belgium) / DIN CERTCO (Germany) Scope: Industrial compostable packaging meeting EN 13432 (OK Compost Industrial); Home compostable packaging (OK Compost HOME — lower temperature threshold) Geographic: EU primary; global recognition Verify At: Vinçotte / DIN CERTCO product database |
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| PKG-004 BPI Certification (Biodegradable Products Institute) [PLATINUM] Issuing Authority: Biodegradable Products Institute (USA) Scope: Compostable packaging and foodservice products meeting ASTM D6400/D6868 standards Geographic: USA and Canada Verify At: BPI certified products list (bpiworld.org) |
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| PKG-005 AS 4736 / AS 5810 (Australian Compostability) [GOLD] Issuing Authority: ABA (Australasian Bioplastics Association) Scope: Industrial compostable (AS 4736) and home compostable (AS 5810) packaging for Australian market Geographic: Australia and New Zealand Verify At: ABA certified products database (bioplastics.org.au) |
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L. Regional Regulatory & Safety Certifications
| Registry Code | Certification Name | Issuing Authority | Geographic Scope | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REG-001 | CE Marking (EU Product Safety) | European Commission via Notified Bodies (NB). Covers: toys, electronics, medical devices, PPE, construction products, and others. | European Union — mandatory for covered product categories | GOLD |
| REG-002 | UKCA Mark (UK Conformity Assessed) | UK Government via approved bodies (post-Brexit equivalent to CE Marking for UK market) | United Kingdom — mandatory for covered categories | GOLD |
| REG-003 | INMETRO Certification (Brazil) | INMETRO via accredited OCP bodies. Compulsory certification for regulated product categories. | Brazil | GOLD |
| REG-004 | NAFDAC Registration (Nigeria) | National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control — mandatory for food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices | Nigeria | GOLD |
| REG-005 | SON Certification Mark (Nigeria) | Standards Organisation of Nigeria | Nigeria — regulated product categories | GOLD |
| REG-006 | KEBS Diamond Mark (Kenya) | Kenya Bureau of Standards | Kenya | GOLD |
| REG-007 | GSA Mark (Ghana) | Ghana Standards Authority | Ghana | GOLD |
| REG-008 | NRCS Compulsory Specification Mark (South Africa) | National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications | South Africa | GOLD |
| REG-009 | BIS Certification Mark (India) | Bureau of Indian Standards | India — mandatory for electronics, appliances, and regulated categories | GOLD |
| REG-010 | PSI / PSQCA Mark (Pakistan) | Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority | Pakistan | SILVER |
| REG-011 | SNI Mark (Indonesia) | Badan Standardisasi Nasional (BSN) | Indonesia | GOLD |
| REG-012 | TGA Registration (Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia) | Therapeutic Goods Administration — mandatory for therapeutic goods sold in Australia | Australia | PLATINUM |
| REG-013 | Health Canada NPN (Natural Health Products) | Health Canada — required for natural health products sold in Canada | Canada | GOLD |
| REG-014 | TIS Mark (Thailand) | Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) | Thailand | SILVER |
| REG-015 | KC Mark (South Korea) | Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) | South Korea — mandatory for electrical/electronic products | GOLD |
| REG-016 | PSE Mark (Japan) | Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) — mandatory for 116 types of electrical appliances | Japan | GOLD |
| REG-017 | GCC G-Mark (Gulf Cooperation Council) | Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) — regulated products in GCC states | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman | GOLD |
| REG-018 | EAC Mark (Eurasian Conformity) | Eurasian Economic Commission — mandatory for regulated goods in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan | Eurasia | GOLD |
| REG-019 | SFDA Registration (Saudi Food & Drug Authority) | SFDA — food, health products, cosmetics, medical devices for Saudi market | Saudi Arabia | GOLD |
10.7.6 New Certification Application — Unlisted Certifications
If you hold a sustainability, ethical, or quality certification not listed in Section 10.7.5, you may apply to have it assessed for inclusion in AqNova's Certification Registry. AqNova reviews unlisted certifications continuously — the Master Catalogue is updated quarterly as new certifications are added.
A. Assessment Criteria — What AqNova Evaluates
| Criterion | Standard Required | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Independence | The certifying body must be independent of the applicant. Self-certification or certifications issued by industry associations without independent third-party auditing do not qualify for Tier 1 or Tier 2 recognition. | A certification issued by an organization the Vendor controls or funds is not independent verification — it is self-declaration. |
| Accreditation | The certifying body must hold accreditation from a recognized accreditation body — ILAC member bodies; IAF member bodies; national accreditation bodies (UKAS, DAkkS, COFRAC, JAB, NATA, SANAS, A2LA, etc.); or IFOAM for organic certifications. | Accreditation is the meta-certification — the independent verification of the certifying body itself. |
| Transparency | The certification standard must be publicly available. The certifying body must maintain a publicly accessible database of current certificate holders. | AqNova must be able to verify your certificate independently — without relying solely on your submission. |
| Rigor | The standard must involve a documented, auditable set of requirements. Minimum: an on-site audit or representative sampling; defined criteria; defined non-conformance process; defined renewal requirements. | Standards without enforcement mechanisms and minimum requirements cannot provide meaningful assurance. |
| Currency | The certification must be currently active and recognized by the relevant industry or regulatory authority in its home jurisdiction. | Archived or superseded certifications are not accepted even if historic certificates remain valid. |
B. New Certification Application — Process
Email certifications@aqnova.co with subject: 'New Certification Application — [Certification Name] — [Vendor Name]'
Attach: your current certificate; the full certification standard document (publicly available version); the certifying body's accreditation certificate or accreditation statement; and the certifying body's public database URL (where available).
AqNova Compliance Team reviews the application within 15 Business Days.
Decision outcome: (a) Approved for Tier 1/2/3/4 — Registry Code assigned, Catalogue updated in next quarterly update, badge available within 24 hours of decision; (b) Declined — written reasons provided within 5 Business Days of decision. Common declines: insufficient independence; no public verification database; standard too narrow or regional to meet AqNova's assessment criteria.
Once a certification is added to the Catalogue, it becomes available for all AqNova Vendors — not only the Vendor who submitted the application.
10.7.7 Expiry Tracking System — Automated Reminders & Timelines
AqNova's certification expiry tracking system operates automatically from the moment a certification is entered in the Registry. Every certification has a programmed expiry date. The system monitors all active certifications in real-time and triggers automated actions at defined intervals.
| Days Before Expiry | Automated System Action | Vendor Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| 90 days | First automated reminder email sent to Vendor's registered email: 'Your [Certification Name] certification expires in 90 days. Upload your renewal certificate now to avoid disruption to your listings.' | Begin renewal process with your certifying body if you have not already. Renewal lead times vary significantly by certification body — GOTS and B Corp can take 4–8 weeks. Start early. |
| 60 days | Second automated reminder email: 'URGENT — Your [Certification Name] expires in 60 days. Upload renewal now to avoid badge removal.' | Upload your renewal certificate if received. If renewal is delayed, contact certifications@aqnova.co with evidence of your renewal application in progress. |
| 30 days | Third and final automated reminder email + Seller Dashboard notification banner: 'URGENT — [Certification Name] expires in 30 days. Badge will be removed on [expiry date] if renewal is not uploaded and verified.' | Final opportunity to upload renewal. If renewal is still in process: contact certifications@aqnova.co immediately — Subject: 'Renewal Extension Request — [Certification Name] — [Vendor Name]'. |
| Expiry date (Day 0) | Badge AUTOMATICALLY SUSPENDED from all applicable listings within 24 hours of expiry. Registry entry status changes to 'Expired — Suspended.' Vendor receives automated suspension notification email. | Upload your renewal certificate immediately if available. See Section 10.7.8 for the renewal process. |
| 7 days after expiry | If no renewal has been submitted: Seller Dashboard alert escalated. AqNova Vendor Success Team may contact Vendor directly. | Submit renewal urgently. If certification has lapsed and you cannot renew: remove sustainability claims from affected listing descriptions and contact certifications@aqnova.co. |
| 30 days after expiry | If no renewal submitted: Registry entry moved to 'Expired — Inactive' status. Badge is permanently suspended until a valid renewal is verified. | At this stage, if a new certificate is obtained, a full resubmission (Steps 1–10 of Section 10.7.3) is required. |
| Extension Requests — When Your Certifying Body Is Slow AqNova understands that certification renewal is not always within the Vendor's direct control. Certifying bodies may have backlogs, audit scheduling delays, or documentation processing times that push renewal beyond the expiry date. In such cases, AqNova may grant a CONDITIONAL EXTENSION of up to 30 calendar days, during which your badge continues to be displayed with a 'Renewal Pending' notation, provided ALL of the following conditions are met: (a) You have submitted a Renewal Extension Request to certifications@aqnova.co BEFORE your certification's expiry date. (b) You provide documented evidence that you have formally applied for renewal with the certifying body (confirmation email, renewal application reference, or equivalent). (c) The certifying body confirms to AqNova (directly or via documentation you provide) that the renewal is in process and the existing certification remains in force during the renewal period. Extensions are not automatic. They are granted at AqNova's discretion. Repeat extension requests for the same certification are not granted. Do not let your certification expire before starting the renewal process. |
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10.7.8 Renewal Procedures — Step-by-Step
Certification renewal on AqNova follows a streamlined process — simpler than initial submission because your business entity is already verified, your Registry entry already exists, and the certification body is already known to AqNova's compliance team. Follow these steps to renew a certification and restore your badge without interruption.
| Step | Action | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OBTAIN YOUR RENEWAL CERTIFICATE from your certifying body. Do this BEFORE your expiry date. Plan for the certifying body's processing time — start the renewal process 60–90 days before expiry. | Certifying body renewal lead times: USDA NOP organic bodies: 4–8 weeks. GOTS: 4–12 weeks depending on audit scheduling. B Corp: 4–8 weeks for BIA reassessment and renewal. FLOCERT: 6–12 weeks for FLOCERT audit. Most Tier 2 certifications: 2–6 weeks. |
| 2 | LOG IN TO SELLER PORTAL → Compliance → Certifications → [Your Certification] → Submit Renewal. Select 'Renewal' from the action dropdown (do not create a new submission — use the renewal pathway to maintain Registry continuity). | The renewal pathway links to your existing Registry entry. This is faster than a new submission and maintains your certification history on the public Registry. |
| 3 | UPLOAD RENEWAL CERTIFICATE AND SCOPE (if scope has changed). Enter: new issue date; new expiry date; any change in certified product scope. | If your product scope has changed (new products added, products removed, or product formulation changes that affect certification scope), update the product scope selector carefully. Do not select products that are no longer within the renewed certificate's scope. |
| 4 | AQNOVA VERIFICATION. AqNova's Compliance Team verifies your renewal certificate against the certifying body's database and confirms the new expiry date. | Tier 1 Platinum renewals: 2–3 Business Days. Tier 2 Gold renewals: 1–2 Business Days. Founding Vendors: priority handling. |
| 5 | RENEWAL APPROVED — BADGE RESTORED. Your certification's expiry date in the Registry is updated. Your badge is restored on all applicable listings. You receive a renewal confirmation email with the new expiry date. | If your badge was suspended due to a gap between expiry and renewal upload, it is restored within 24 hours of renewal approval. |
| Avoid the Badge Gap — Upload Early The most common cause of unnecessary badge suspension is uploading the renewal certificate AFTER the expiry date rather than BEFORE. Your certifying body may issue your renewal certificate before your current certificate expires. When this happens, upload it to AqNova IMMEDIATELY — do not wait until close to the expiry date. AqNova can hold a renewal certificate in queue and update the Registry on the current certificate's expiry date — ensuring no gap in badge display. Request this via certifications@aqnova.co: Subject: 'Early Renewal Upload — [Certification Name] — [Vendor Name]'. |
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A. Automatic Suspension Triggers
The following events trigger automatic suspension of a certification entry from the public Registry (badge removed from all applicable listings within 24 hours):
Expiry: the certification reaches its stated expiry date without a verified renewal submission.
Certifying body notification: the certifying body notifies AqNova that the certificate has been withdrawn, suspended, or had its scope materially reduced.
Re-verification failure: AqNova's annual re-verification of a Platinum certificate cannot confirm it in the certifying body's database.
Legal entity name mismatch discovered: AqNova discovers that the certificate is not in the name of the Vendor's legal entity as registered (e.g., following a business name change).
Account suspension: the Vendor's AqNova account is suspended for any reason.
B. Discretionary Suspension — AqNova-Initiated
AqNova may also initiate discretionary suspension of a certification entry where:
A third-party complaint is received and AqNova determines, following investigation, that the certification was fraudulently obtained, misrepresented, or has been materially modified since issuance.
AqNova receives reliable information that the Vendor is applying a certification badge to products not within the certificate's scope.
A regulatory authority or law enforcement agency requests removal of a certification claim pending an investigation.
AqNova's periodic monitoring identifies a pattern of buyer complaints consistent with the product not conforming to the certified standard.
C. Suspension Process & Vendor Notification
Badge removed from all applicable listings within 24 hours of suspension trigger.
Registry entry status updated to 'Suspended' with the trigger reason recorded.
Vendor notified by email within 24 hours of suspension with: (a) the specific trigger reason; (b) the process and documentation required for reinstatement; and (c) the timeline for response.
Vendor has 10 Business Days to respond with the information or documentation required for reinstatement.
Reinstatement: where the suspension was due to expiry, submit renewal per Section 10.7.8. Where suspension was due to a scope or entity issue, correct the underlying issue and resubmit the corrected documentation.
Permanent removal: where AqNova determines a certification was fraudulently obtained or deliberately misrepresented, the certification entry is permanently removed from the Registry, the enforcement action is recorded in the Greenwashing Enforcement Log, and the Vendor's account is subject to termination review under the Seller Agreement.
10.7.10 Scope Management — Applying Certifications to the Right Products
The most common compliance issue for Vendors after initial certification submission is scope creep — applying a certification badge to products that are not within the certificate's certified scope. This is a greenwashing violation regardless of whether it is deliberate.
| The Golden Rule of Certification Scope A certification badge may only be displayed on a product listing if the SPECIFIC PRODUCT in that listing is EXPLICITLY covered by the scope section of the certificate. Company-level certifications (B Corp, SA8000, amfori BSCI) certify the COMPANY — not individual products. They are displayed as storefront badges, not individual product badges. Organic certifications cover SPECIFIC PRODUCTS or SPECIFIC INGREDIENTS in specific concentrations. A GOTS certificate for your t-shirt range does not apply to your fleece jacket made from a different supply chain. COSMOS Organic certifies SPECIFIC FORMULATIONS. A new formulation requires a new certification assessment — the existing certificate does not transfer automatically. FSC Chain of Custody certifies the SUPPLY CHAIN for specific products made from wood, paper, or timber. It does not certify non-wood components or unrelated products. |
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A. Scope Mapping — Practical Guide by Certification Type
| Certification Type | What the Scope Covers | Common Scope Mistakes | How to Check Your Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic food (USDA NOP, EU Organic, NPOP, ACO) | Specific products listed in the certificate scope. For USDA NOP: '100% Organic,' 'Organic' (95%+), 'Made with Organic' (70–95%) — each has different labeling rules. | Applying 'organic' badge to all food products when only some are certified. Applying a raw material organic certificate to a finished product. | Read the scope section of your certificate. Products are explicitly listed. Where a product is absent: not covered. |
| Personal care organic (COSMOS Organic, NATRUE) | Specific product formulations covered by the certificate. Certificate number is formulation-specific. | Applying COSMOS Organic badge to a new product variant (different fragrance, different concentration) that has not been separately certified. | Each COSMOS formulation has a unique certificate. If you reformulate: you need a new COSMOS assessment before displaying the badge. |
| Textiles (GOTS) | Certified supply chain for specific textile products from specific factories. CoC certificate covers specific manufacturers in your supply chain. | Applying GOTS badge to products from a non-certified factory; applying GOTS to products with synthetic fiber content above 30%. | Your GOTS certificate lists the certified factories and the eligible product categories from those factories specifically. |
| Fair Trade (FLO/FLOCERT) | Specific commodities (e.g., coffee, cocoa) from specific certified cooperatives or producer groups. The certificate specifies the commodity and the producer organization. | Applying Fair Trade badge to non-certified commodities from the same supplier; applying to a finished product when only one Fair Trade ingredient is used without meeting the applicable Fairtrade Standards for mixed products. | FLOCERT certificate specifies commodities and sourcing organizations. For finished products: apply Fairtrade Standards for composite products. |
| B Corp (company-level) | The entire legal entity — all operations, all employees, all products. | Treating B Corp as a product certification badge on individual listings (it should be a company/storefront badge, not a product badge). Using B Corp to imply individual products are certified when it is a company certification. | B Corp certification covers the company. Display it on your storefront as a company badge. Not as an individual product badge unless you also hold a product-specific certification. |
| FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) | Specific products made from wood, paper, or timber through a certified chain of custody from certified forests. | Applying FSC badge to products containing non-wood materials; applying to products sourced from non-FSC-certified suppliers within your supply chain. | Your CoC certificate lists which product types are eligible. Review the 'Product Groups' or 'Species' sections. |
| Halal | Specific products or product ranges assessed and approved by the halal certifying body. | Applying Halal badge to products where some ingredients have not been assessed; applying a certificate from one country's authority to products marketed in another country where that authority's certificate is not recognized. | Halal certificate lists specific products. National market acceptability: JAKIM (Malaysia), MUI (Indonesia), ESMA (UAE) have specific recognition requirements. |
10.7.11 Multi-Jurisdictional Certification Strategy
AqNova is a global marketplace serving buyers and vendors in 25+ jurisdictions. A certification that is Tier 1 Platinum in one market may be unrecognized or carry lower trust weight in another. The following strategic framework helps you select and prioritize certifications based on your target markets.
| Your Primary Target Market | Highest-Impact Certifications to Prioritize | Why |
|---|---|---|
| United States | USDA Organic (NOP); Non-GMO Project Verified; Fair Trade USA; B Corp; Leaping Bunny; Energy Star; How2Recycle; NSF/ANSI (for supplements); SBTi | These certifications have the highest brand recognition and search volume among US conscious consumers. USDA NOP is the gold standard for food and personal care. |
| European Union (all 27 states) | EU Organic (Reg. 2018/848); COSMOS Organic; EU Ecolabel; GOTS; FSC/PEFC; Fairtrade International (FLO); OEKO-TEX Standard 100; Nordic Swan; Blue Angel; SBTi; CE Marking; OK Compost | The EU has the world's most sophisticated sustainable consumer base. EU Organic and COSMOS are the primary standards. CE Marking is mandatory for covered product categories. |
| United Kingdom | Soil Association Organic; COSMOS Organic; UKCA Mark; FSC; Leaping Bunny; B Corp (UK); Fairtrade (FLO); CMA Green Claims Code compliance | Post-Brexit UK maintains strong equivalent standards. Soil Association is highly trusted. UKCA replaces CE for UK market. |
| Canada | COR (Canada Organic Regime); Fairtrade; B Corp; How2Recycle; Leaping Bunny; Health Canada NPN (for supplements); C2C | Canada Organic (COR) is equivalent to USDA NOP under the Canada-US organic equivalency agreement. |
| Australia & New Zealand | Australia Certified Organic (ACO); GECA; MSC/ASC; FSC; Leaping Bunny; Choose Cruelty Free; TGA (for health products); NZ Organic; Fairtrade | Australia has a sophisticated organic market. ACO and USDA NOP are the leading standards. |
| Nigeria | NAFDAC Registration; SON Certification; B Corp (if relevant); Fairtrade International | NAFDAC registration is mandatory for food/cosmetics/drugs in Nigeria. Non-NAFDAC food products cannot be listed for Nigeria delivery on AqNova. |
| Kenya & East Africa | KEBS Diamond Mark; Fairtrade International; Rainforest Alliance (coffee/tea focus); IBD/IFOAM Organic | KEBS compliance important. East Africa has growing specialty food and sustainable agriculture sector. |
| South Africa | NRCS Compulsory Specification Mark; B Corp (SA); Fairtrade; Rainforest Alliance; SA8000 | NRCS compliance for regulated product categories. Strong B Corp and fair trade consumer market. |
| Saudi Arabia & GCC | Halal (SFDA/ESMA/JAKIM-recognized bodies); SFDA Registration; GCC G-Mark; Fairtrade; EU Organic (recognized in GCC) | Halal certification is the primary trust signal for food and personal care in GCC. SFDA registration mandatory for applicable categories. |
| UAE | Halal (ESMA/ENAS); SFDA Dubai; EU Ecolabel; Fairtrade; B Corp; FSC | Dubai's diverse consumer base responds to international certifications alongside Halal requirements. |
| India | India Organic / NPOP; BIS Certification; FSSAI (mandatory for food); Fairtrade; Leaping Bunny; SBTi | FSSAI license is mandatory for food products in India. BIS mandatory for electronics. NPOP for organic. |
| China (Mainland) | GACC Registration (food); COSMOS (recognized); EU Organic (recognized); B Corp; Fairtrade; GOTS | Chinese consumers increasingly value international certifications. GACC registration mandatory for food imports. |
| Japan | JAS Organic; FSC; Leaping Bunny; EU Organic (recognized); B Corp; PSE Mark (electronics) | JAS Organic is the primary organic standard for Japan market. Japanese consumers are highly certification-aware. |
| South Korea | KC Mark (electronics — mandatory); COSMOS; EU Organic; Fairtrade; GOTS; MFDS registration (food) | KC Mark mandatory for electronics. MFDS registration important for food products. |
| Brazil | IBD Certificacoes Organic; INMETRO; B Corp (Sistema B Brazil); Fairtrade; Rainforest Alliance; ANVISA (mandatory for food/cosmetics) | ANVISA mandatory for food/cosmetics/health products. IBD is the primary Brazilian organic certification. Sistema B (B Corp) strong in Brazil. |
| Latin America (Spanish-speaking) | IFOAM-accredited organic bodies by country; Fairtrade; B Corp (Sistema B); Rainforest Alliance; Halal (where relevant) | Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance are well-recognized across Latin America for agricultural products. |
10.7.12 Greenwashing Enforcement — Consequences & Enforcement Log
AqNova operates a zero-tolerance greenwashing policy. Every sustainability enforcement action taken on the Platform — listing removal, account suspension, or termination for misrepresentation of certifications — is documented in AqNova's public Greenwashing Enforcement Log at aqnova.co/sustainability/enforcement. The Log is permanent and public. AqNova does not offer private resolution of greenwashing violations.
| Greenwashing Enforcement — Consequences Table LEVEL 1 — LISTING REMOVAL (IMMEDIATE, NO WARNING): Trigger: Unverified sustainability claim displayed in listing (organic, fair trade, carbon neutral, eco-friendly, etc.) without a verified Registry entry. Action: Listing removed within 24 hours of detection. Vendor notified. Re-submission available immediately with correct, verified content. LEVEL 2 — LISTING SUSPENSION + FORMAL WARNING: Trigger: Badge displayed on products not within the certified scope; claim language exceeds certified scope (e.g., '100% organic' when certificate covers 70% organic content); expired certification continued to be displayed beyond the grace period. Action: All affected listings suspended. Formal written warning issued. Greenwashing Enforcement Log entry created. Vendor has 5 Business Days to correct and resubmit. LEVEL 3 — ACCOUNT SUSPENSION + ENFORCEMENT LOG ENTRY: Trigger: Second Level 2 violation within 12 months; discovery of fabricated or altered certificate; systematic misrepresentation across multiple listings. Action: All listings suspended. Account suspended pending investigation. Greenwashing Enforcement Log entry created with Vendor name. Regulatory referral may be made to FTC (US), CMA (UK), national consumer protection authorities, or certification body. LEVEL 4 — PERMANENT ACCOUNT TERMINATION + REGULATORY REFERRAL: Trigger: Third violation; fraudulent certificate uploaded; deliberate fabrication; participation in organized greenwashing scheme. Action: Permanent account ban. All payouts held pending investigation. Greenwashing Enforcement Log permanent entry with full violation details. Mandatory referral to FTC, CMA, ACCC, applicable national authority, and/or the relevant certifying body. Legal proceedings may be initiated. |
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10.7.13 Anti-Greenwashing Law — Global Legal Framework Summary
The following framework summarizes the key anti-greenwashing laws applicable to sustainability claims on AqNova globally. AqNova's Certification Registry is designed to ensure that every claim displayed on the Platform meets or exceeds the most stringent applicable standard in each jurisdiction. Full legal framework detail is in the Certification Registry Governance Document (Section 5) of the Platform Governance Documents.
| Jurisdiction | Key Law / Regulation | Core Requirement | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States — Federal | FTC Green Guides (16 C.F.R. Part 260); FTC Act Section 5 | Environmental claims must be substantiated by 'competent and reliable scientific evidence.' Generic unqualified terms (green, eco-friendly, sustainable, natural, compostable, recyclable, carbon neutral) without substantiation: prohibited. | Civil penalties up to USD $50,120 per violation per day under FTC Act. State AG enforcement additional. |
| United States — California | Environmental Marketing Claims Act (Bus. & Prof. Code § 17580); California COPA; UCL | Truthful, non-deceptive, supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. Strict application to 'organic' claims for food. | Up to USD $2,500 per day per product under EMCA. UCL provides for restitution and injunctive relief. |
| European Union | EU Green Claims Directive (COM/2023/166 — in implementation); EU Empowering Consumers Directive 2024/825; EU Organic Regulation 2018/848 | Verify environmental claims with accredited third party before display. Prohibits generic labels without approved certification; prohibits carbon neutrality claims based solely on offsets. | Member state penalties. France: up to EUR €100,000 per violation + 80% of advertising spend. Germany: UWG injunctions + Abmahnung. |
| United Kingdom | CMA Green Claims Code (2021); Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 | Six principles: truthful; unambiguous; complete; fair comparisons; substantiated; full lifecycle considered. Breaches: criminal offences under CPRs. | Criminal prosecution; unlimited fines; up to 2 years imprisonment (CPRs). CMA enforcement authority. ASA sanctions. |
| Canada | Competition Act ss. 74.01, 74.011 (as amended by Bill C-59, 2024) | Environmental claims based on 'adequate and proper testing.' Bill C-59 specifically adds requirement to substantiate environmental claims before making them. | Administrative monetary penalties up to CAD $10 million (corporations) or 3% of global revenue. Criminal proceedings. |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law (ACL) — Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010; ACCC Guidance on Environmental Marketing | Prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct. Environmental claims must be accurate and substantiated. | Civil penalties up to AUD $50 million per corporation. ACCC enforcement. Criminal liability for deliberate greenwashing. |
| Nigeria | Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2019 | Prohibits misleading representations including false sustainability claims. | FCCPA penalties; FCCPC enforcement. |
| South Africa | Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 2008; National Environmental Management Act | False or misleading environmental claims: prohibited. | NPA: fines up to 10% of turnover or ZAR 1 million. Criminal liability. |
| Brazil | Consumer Defence Code (CDC) Arts. 36–38; CONAR self-regulation | Advertising must be truthful. Environmental claims must be demonstrably accurate and not mislead consumers. | CDC: civil liability; fines; criminal penalties. CONAR: advertising suspension. |
| India | Consumer Protection Act 2019; ASCI Guidelines; FSSAI (for food) | False or misleading representations prohibited. ASCI requires substantiation of environmental advertising claims. | Consumer Protection Act penalties. FSSAI penalties for food claim violations. |
| China | PRC Advertising Law (2021 revision); SAMR Regulations | Advertisements must be truthful and not mislead. False environmental claims: prohibited. | SAMR penalties: confiscation + fines up to 10× advertising spend. Criminal liability. |
10.7.14 Contact — Certification Support
| AqNova Certification Registry — Contact Directory CERTIFICATION SUBMISSION & VERIFICATION: certifications@aqnova.co Subject: 'Certification Submission — [Registry Code / Cert Name] — [Vendor Name]' RENEWAL SUBMISSION: certifications@aqnova.co Subject: 'Certification Renewal — [Registry Code] — [Vendor Name]' RENEWAL EXTENSION REQUEST: certifications@aqnova.co Subject: 'Renewal Extension Request — [Certification Name] — [Vendor Name]' NEW CERTIFICATION APPLICATION (UNLISTED): certifications@aqnova.co Subject: 'New Certification Application — [Certification Name] — [Vendor Name]' CERTIFICATION SUSPENSION QUERY: certifications@aqnova.co Subject: 'Suspension Query — [Registry Code] — [Vendor Name]' SCOPE CLARIFICATION QUERY: certifications@aqnova.co Subject: 'Scope Query — [Registry Code / Cert Name] — [Vendor Name]' GREENWASHING ENFORCEMENT DISPUTE: compliance@aqnova.co Subject: 'Enforcement Dispute — [Enforcement Log Reference] — [Vendor Name]' GENERAL COMPLIANCE: compliance@aqnova.co LEGAL NOTICES: legal@aqnova.com PRIVACY & DATA RIGHTS: privacy@aqnova.co PLATFORM LINKS: Seller Portal (Certification Management): vendors.aqnova.co Public Certification Registry: aqnova.co/sustainability/certifications Greenwashing Enforcement Log: aqnova.co/sustainability/enforcement New Certification Application Form: aqnova.co/selling-on-aqnova/certifications/new Certification Guide: aqnova.co/selling-on-aqnova/certifications Section 5 (Registry Governance): aqnova.co/legal/certification-registry Section 10.6 (Listing Standards): aqnova.co/selling-on-aqnova/listing-standards Policy Changelog: aqnova.co/legal/changelog EXTERNAL VERIFICATION RESOURCES: USDA Organic Integrity: ams.usda.gov/organic-integrity EU Organic Traces NT: ec.europa.eu/agri/organic GOTS Database: global-standard.org FSC Certificate Search: info.fsc.org FLOCERT (Fairtrade): flocert.net B Corp Directory: bcorporation.net OEKO-TEX Label Check: oeko-tex.com/label-check Leaping Bunny Database: leapingbunny.org MSC Products: msc.org SBTi Company Database: sciencebasedtargets.org FTC Green Guides: ftc.gov/green-guides UK CMA Green Claims Code: gov.uk/government/publications/green-claims-code REGISTERED OFFICE: Arivon Holding Corporation | C/O Arivon Holding Corporation 2571 Saturn Avenue, Unit #265, Huntington Park, CA 90255, USA EIN: 41-3210066 | CA File No: B20250418195 | D-U-N-S: 142957477 Nigeria — Sahara Eagle Ltd: Reg: 1957145 | Tax ID: 31052811-0001 | NEPC: 0030281 |
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AqNova Marketplace | Section 10.7: Certification & Verification Guide | Version 1.0 | April 7, 2026
© 2026 Arivon Holding Corporation. All rights reserved. Operated by Arivon Holding Corporation | Huntington Park, CA 90255, USA
THIS GUIDE IS FOR VENDOR OPERATIONAL COMPLIANCE. IT SUPPLEMENTS SECTION 5 (CERTIFICATION REGISTRY GOVERNANCE), SECTION 10.6 (LISTING STANDARDS), AND THE SELLER AGREEMENT (SECTION 1.3).