---
title: "2020 Rules for Certification Bodies"
slug: "2020-rules-for-certification-bodies"
tags: ["Certification Binding Document"]
updated: 2026-10-28T16:12:09Z
published: 2026-10-28T16:12:09Z
canonical: "knowledge.rainforest-alliance.org/2020-rules-for-certification-bodies"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.rainforest-alliance.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 2020 Rules for Certification Bodies

> [!TIP]
> **This binding document is currently valid, since October 31st, 2025. It will remain valid until October 31st, 2026.**
> 
> To view the upcoming version of this binding document that will replace this version on October 31st, 2026, [click here](https://knowledge.rainforest-alliance.org/docs/rules-for-certification-bodies-v1-3).

| **Available in:** | [Español](https://knowledge.rainforest-alliance.org/docs/es/2020-rules-for-certification-bodies) | [Português](https://knowledge.rainforest-alliance.org/docs/pt/2020-rules-for-certification-bodies) |
| --- | --- | --- |

The Rainforest Alliance manages, and is responsible for, a global Assurance System for Certification Bodies. As Rainforest Alliance certification expands further globally, the goal is to foster a highly credible and rigorous system. The audit and certification services rendered under the Assurance System maintain and ensure a general sense of purpose as well as a commitment to high quality, integrity, consistency, and transparency which is also reflected in the commitment to continual improvement of systems, documentation and processes. Access to the system by smallholders is important to the Rainforest Alliance, and smallholders are not at a disadvantage or excluded from accessing certification services.

[PDF document](https://cdn.document360.io/929f3fed-0f9d-454a-80e4-d7496bf45e88/Images/Documentation/2020-Rainforest-Alliance-Rules-for-Certification-Bodies.pdf?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T18%3A59%3A40Z&se=2026-10-31T19%3A59%3A40Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=lDxYnJ4ERCkLBsrxElRG%2F2RfLen1mUdJOJJyCsMRbFs%3D)