The first step in the certification process is to apply for certification with a certification body that has an agreement with PBS. See www.plantbasedstandard.com for current certification bodies. An agreement is signed between the brand user and the certification body. An audit is scheduled and conducted by the hired certification body. If any non-conformities are identified during the audit, the business must submit evidence of corrective actions taken. These are reviewed by the certification body, which then decides on certification or determines that the actions are insufficient. In cases where corrective actions need to be reviewed on-site, a follow-up visit is conducted. If the brand user does not provide evidence of corrective actions within the given timeframe, or if the submitted evidence is deemed insufficient, the audit will be failed, and a new audit must be conducted. Once the corrective actions are approved, certification is granted. Regular audits are then conducted annually.
The certification process is also depicted in the following flowchart:
