What Is RCS?
Recycle Claim Standard
The Recycle Claim Standard (RCS) is a chain of custody standard that tracks recycled raw materials through the supply chain, ensuring the presence and amount of recycled material in a final product.
RCS certification is voluntary and suitable for organizations of all sizes, aiming to improve ethical practices and sustainability. While RCS doesn’t address social or environmental aspects, each operation must demonstrate compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
The benefits of RCS certification include:
- Access to the market of organic products
- Meeting the criteria for new customer relationships
- Capturing the European market
- Increasing business opportunities for organic products
- Enhancing customer confidence and credibility
- Providing quality assurance
The RCS certification process involves:
- Gap analysis: Identifying gaps in the existing system against RCS standards
- Documentation and implementation: Addressing gaps and implementing necessary changes
- Social compliance: Ensuring fair labor practices and safe working conditions
- Supply chain verification and traceability: Ensuring transparency in the supply chain
- Employee awareness and training: Educating employees on RCS requirements
- Statutory and local law compliance: Ensuring adherence to relevant regulations
- Audit preparation: Preparing for the certification audit with technical support
- Initial audit: Conducting the certification audit with a certification body
- Certificate issuance: Receiving the RCS certificate with a 1-year validity
- Re-audit: Undergoing a re-audit after 1 year to maintain certification
The Transaction Certificate (TC) process
The Transaction Certificate (TC) process is a crucial step in ensuring the authenticity of RCS-certified products. Here’s a breakdown of the TC process:
- Buyer requests TC: The buyer asks the certified supplier to provide a Transaction Certificate (TC) to verify the RCS certification status of a specific shipment.
- Supplier obtains TC: The supplier requests the TC from their RCS certifier.
- Certifier issues TC: The RCS certifier issues the TC, listing the specific products, shipment details, and buyer’s name and address, declaring the RCS certification status of the shipped goods.
The TC process ensures that the buyer receives genuine RCS-certified products, providing assurance of the product’s recycled content and sustainability claims.
The cost of RCS certification
Regarding the cost of RCS certification, it varies depending on the organization’s size, complexity, and location. It’s best to contact a certification body or a consultant like Quality Systems to get a customized quote.
