Vegan Certification Requirements: What You Need to Know

What Criteria Do I Need to Meet to Obtain a Vegan Certificate?
The process of obtaining a vegan certificate requires a business or product to meet specific criteria based on vegan standards. This certification is crucial in demonstrating that a product, service, or production process is entirely plant-based, free from animal-derived ingredients or by-products, and adheres to cruelty-free practices. Below are the key criteria that need to be met for obtaining a vegan certificate:

Ingredients and Components:
The product must not contain any animal-derived ingredients. This includes common animal-based substances such as meat, milk, eggs, honey, and other animal products. The vegan certification process requires the use of plant-based ingredients or other non-animal materials. Additionally, auxiliary ingredients like gelatin, lactic acid, stearic acid, and certain preservatives must also be plant-derived or synthetic. If any of these are animal-based, the certification application may be rejected.

Production Process and Manufacturing:
A business must ensure that no animal-derived products are involved in the production process. The facilities and machines used in production must be isolated from any animal-based products to avoid contamination. If a facility produces both vegan and animal-derived products, strict measures must be taken to prevent cross-contamination. Businesses are required to provide transparent information about their production processes and allow for regular inspections and audits to confirm compliance.

No Animal Testing:
The products and ingredients used in production must not have been tested on animals at any stage. Vegan certifications verify that not only the ingredients used are plant-based but also that they have not been subjected to animal testing. If a product or its ingredients have undergone animal testing, the vegan certification cannot be granted.

Packaging and Labeling:
Packaging materials must also meet specific vegan standards. Some packaging materials may contain animal-derived substances, such as certain glues or lacquers. To meet the vegan certification criteria, packaging must be free from animal-derived components, and plant-based or synthetic materials should be used. Additionally, the product label must accurately reflect the ingredients and the production process, ensuring transparency and proper representation of the vegan certification.

Production Facility and Audits:
The production facility where the product is manufactured must undergo regular audits to ensure compliance with vegan standards. These audits check various aspects of the facility, including equipment, labor policies, and production lines. Businesses applying for a vegan certificate must maintain transparent records of their production processes and allow their facilities to be inspected to verify that they meet vegan standards.

Certification Body's Requirements:
Each vegan certification body may have specific requirements, including certain documentation or quality standards. For example, some vegan certification bodies may prefer businesses that hold additional quality certifications, such as ISO 9001. It’s essential for businesses to submit all required documents, including detailed ingredient lists, production processes, packaging information, and other critical details, to meet the certification criteria.

At QRS Certification, we guide businesses through each step of the vegan certification process, helping them meet these criteria efficiently. Our company provides high-quality and timely vegan certification services to businesses across the country. We simplify the application process and ensure that businesses can successfully navigate the documentation, audits, and inspections required to obtain the vegan certificate. Our expert team helps expedite the certification process, ensuring quick and reliable results.