--- title: "Determining Audit Due Dates under SAS v1.5 for Supply Chain Actors" slug: "determining-audit-due-dates-under-sas-v15-for-supply-chain-actors" updated: 2026-03-12T15:46:12Z published: 2026-03-12T15:46:12Z --- > ## 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. # Determining Audit Due Dates under SAS v1.5 for Supply Chain Actors This guide walks you step by step through how to determine your **next audit due date.** based on: - Your verification level - Your last audit date - Your certificate and license expiration dates - Year in license cycle under v1.3 Use also our new tool: [New Certificate End Date Calculator](https://knowledge.rainforest-alliance.org/docs/new-certificate-end-date-calculator?highlight=calculator) ### **Step 1: Identify Your Verification Level** Start by identifying the verification level you have received**after 1 August 2025.** ****Level B**** If you have a single site certificate holder and received verification level B or are a multi-site with at least one site receiving level B. **Next audit is due by:** - 3 years from your last audit start date (remote or onsite), OR - By your certificate expiration date Whichever comes first ****Level C**** If you have a single site and received verification level C or are a multi-site with at least one site receiving level C. **Next audit is due by:** - 2 years from your last audit start date (remote or onsite), OR - By your certificate expiration date Whichever comes first > [!WARNING] > **Important Note for First SAS v1.5 Audit:**The first audit under the Sustainable Agriculture Standard v1.5 must include all Level B and Level C sites when determining the audit sample. ### **Step 2: Check Your License Year in the Old RACP** ****If You Are in Year 1 or Year 2:**** 1. Check the start date of your last audit 2. Check your Sustainable Agriculture Standard v1.3 certificate expiration date 3. Confirm your new verification level (granted after 1 August 2025) 4. Apply the General Rule above to determine your next audit due date **Example Scenario (Year 1 or 2)** - **CH type:** Multi-site - **New verification levels**: A, B, and C - **Certificate validity:**25 Nov 2023 – 24 Nov 2026 - **Last audit start date:** 15 Oct 2024 **Audit calculation: See**[New Certificate End Date Calculator](https://knowledge.rainforest-alliance.org/docs/new-certificate-end-date-calculator?highlight=calculator) - 2 years from last audit = 15 Oct 2026 - Certificate expires = 24 Nov 2026 - **Next audit due date = 15 Oct 2026 (because it is earlier)** ****If You Are in Year 3 & Certificate and License Expire Between 1 Oct 2025 and 31 March 2026**** Audit needs to have a start date between 9–15 months from the start date of the last license **Example:** - License & certificate expire: 15 Dec 2025 - Audit window: 15 Sep 2025 – 15 Mar 2026 **Which RACP applies?** - Audit start date before March 31st 2026 → old RACP - Audit start date after March 31st 2026 → preparations must begin under the new RACP ****If You Are in Year 3 & Certificate and License Expire** **After 31 March 2026**** Apply the General Rule: 2 or 3 years from last audit start date, OR Certificate expiration, whichever is earlier ### **Step 3: Consider your situation based on the version of RACP you are using** If You Are in Year 1 or Year 2: **** ****Certificate Holders using the old RACP**** **If:** - You received new verification levels in the old RACP **QoI will issue a temporary license** - Temporary license expires on your next audit due date - You may conduct your SAS v1.5 audit at any time before that date, but **audits must start no later than March 31st, 2026, and follow the Phased Implementation Policy.** ****Certificate Holders using the new RACP**** - Certificate holders need to fill in site questions and certification scope, fill in CAF and share it with their CB - The Certification Body will request an extension and may need to adjust the certificate end date in the new RACP ### **Time Extensions — Are They Still Allowed?** #### **✔ Yes, but only under specific conditions** - CBs may request a **temporary 3-month time extension from the scheduled audit date** - The audit **must be scheduled before the audit due date in order for these to be considered** #### **Examples** ✔ **Allowed** - Audit due: **12 April 2026** - Audit scheduled: **4 April 2026** - Extension granted until: **4 July 2026** ✘ **Not Allowed** - Audit scheduled **after 12 April 2026** - CH is treated as a **new CH** - **No extension granted** Once the new certificate is issued, the extension is automatically removed.