Information on voluntary Certification - Foodcert India

28the national environmental regulations. However, it does not set specific performancelevels or require that particular performance targets be met.How to get certified?The ISO 14001 certification is granted by either governmental or privatecertification agencies under their own responsibility. In some parts of the world,national accreditation bodies accredit certification agencies to do the ISOcertification. In most cases, the producer must pay a consultant to help with thepreparation process and to make the environmental management plan.Opportunities and constraintsISO 14001 is well known in the industrial sector. The certification aims toreduce the impact on the environment with a management system that canalso create internal benefits by improving environmental performance (forexample by reducing the use of raw materials and energy or by improvingwaste management). A main limitation of ISO 14001 is that there are noperformance requirements. This means that an enterprise with very highenvironmental targets and one with low targets may both be certified.Therefore, the effect largely depends on the commitment of the individualcompany. Furthermore, the ISO logo cannot be used on products. Howeveryour organization may indicate that it is certified ISO 14001 in its advertizingand public-relations activities. There is no price premium. Since agrowing number of companies are becoming ISO-certified, the standard mayno longer be a determining factor for market advantage but could lead toother internal benefits within the company.More information on ISO 14001International:International Organization for Standardization (ISO): www.iso.orgNational support organizations and certification bodies in Asia:www.fao.org/es/esc/en/20953/21020/highlight_35950en.html