Welcome to
4C Document Library
Document Library
Our library is organised into three key categories:
- System Documents – core policies, regulations and formal 4C documentation.
- Supporting Documents – background materials, guidelines and reference information.
- Tools and Templates – practical instruments to assist you in implementation.
All materials are kept up to date to reflect the latest revisions and insights in sustainability, compliance and supply‑chain standards.
System Updates
2025
- System Update 17
- Relevant Points:
- Clarification of Traceability Requirements
- Implementation Guidelines of the Registration of Business Partner (BP)
Producer in only one 4C Unit
- Relevant Points:
2024
- System Update 16
- Relevant Points:
- Roll out of the revised 4C Code of Conduct, v.4.1
- Update on the BPM and 4C Audit Checklist, v.4.1, for Coffee Production (4C Units)
- Roll out of the Regulation for 4C certified EUDR Coffee, v.1.0
- Adjustment of the 4C requirements on the single registration of a Business. Partner producer in one 4C Unit
- Roll out of the new 4C Guidelines for Geodata Collection v.1.0
- Relevant Points:
2023
- System Update 15
- Relevant Points:
- Update on the BPM and Audit Checklist for Chain of Custody certification
- Clarification on the proper completion of the BPM template for 4C Units
- Clarification on the proper completion of the Audit Report template
- Clarification on the CB infringement solving process
- Relevant Points:
2022
- System Update 14
- Clarification on Addendum Audits and possibility of combining Addendum and Surveillance Audit:
- Clarification on Addendum Audit
- Clarification on combining Addendum and Surveillance Audit
- Clarification on Addendum Audits and possibility of combining Addendum and Surveillance Audit:
- System Update 13
- Relevant Points:
- Clarification on type and level of infringements of the Certification Body and related sanctions
- Relevant Points:
- System Update 12
- Relevant Points:
- Clarification on Guidance for Remote Audits
- Clarification on Procedures for the 4C Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification and the Use of the Mass Balance Traceability Modality by FBs
- Relevant Points:
2021
- System Update 11
- Relevant Points:
- Clarification on Procedures for the 4C Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification
- Relevant Points:
- System Update 10
- Relevant Points:
- End of Transition Rules communicated in the framework of introducing the new System Regulations
- Sample calculation of BP Service Providers
- Clarification: Geographical scope not required for Chain of Custody (CoC) certification
- Replacement Terms of Use for Intermediary Buyers (ToU IBs) through the Terms of Use for Intermediary Buyers and Buyers of Processed Coffee (ToU IBs and BPCs)
- Relevant Points:
- System Update 9
- Relevant Points:
- Remote audit guidance
- Clarification: Possibility of merging audits
- Relevant Points:
- System Update 8
- Relevant Points:
- Business Partners Traders licensed by the Managing Entity to sell 4C certified coffee to First Buyers
- Clarification on the deadlines for submission and approval of Annual Update documents
- Translation of relevant 4C System Documents and audit checklist
- Relevant Points:
2020
- System Update 7
- Relevant Points:
- Important notification on exceptions due to Corona virus
- Mandatory contact update via the 4C portal
- Clarification on forming new 4C Units with old Business Partners (BPs)
- Translation of documents
- Transition period for the new 4C System requirements
- 4C Online-Trainings 2020
- Relevant Points:
- System Update 6
- Relevant Points:
- Roll Out of the New 4C System Documents: Finalized and Available Online
- Relevant Points:
- System Update 5
- Relevant Points:
- Phase out of the Rainforest Alliance (RA) certificate recognition
- Reminder: Survey on 4C impact
- Audit checklist translations
- Addition: Important notification on exceptions due to Corona virus
- Relevant Points:
- System Update 4
- Relevant Points:
- Important notification on exceptions due to Corona virus
- 4C includes glyphosate into the 4C Yellow Pesticide List
- 4C Classified Chemicals tool
- Use of the new BPM functions in the 4C portal
- 4C impact survey for Certification Bodies and Managing Entities
- Relevant Points:
- System Update 3
- Relevant Points:
- New BPM template 3.6 published
- Updated 4C portal views
- Use of the GRAS tool for risk-based sample calculation
- Extension of the transition period on the clearance of non-conformities
- Relevant Points:
2019
- System Update 2
- Relevant Points:
- Clarification: 4C audit report – Which cycle to use in a recertification audit
- Non-conformities identified in previous audits
- Completeness and correctness of BPM data
- Use of old versions of the 4C logo
- Relevant Points:
- System Update 1
- Relevant Points:
- 4C system updates
- New 4C procedure: Which cycle to use for the recertification audit?
- In case of new BPs joining a 4C unit or a break between two certification cycles, which cycle should be used for recertification?
- Revision of 4C audit report
- Multiple producers cultivating and selling coffee from the same plot: How to register this in the BPM
- Availability of geo-coordinates of BPs in the BPM
- Obligation to participate in a 4C training
- Relevant Points: