…While 4C is listed as a member of the German Coffee Association, it is important to clarify that membership does not imply involvement in or endorsement of all decisions or lobbying activities undertaken by the association. The German Coffee Association represents a diverse range of stakeholders, including traders, roasters, equipment manufacturers, and certification systems. As a voluntary certification scheme, 4C is not responsible for the association’s public positions. It is essential that certification systems like 4C are understood in their appropriate context, particularly when industry associations represent a wide array of interests.

We are concerned that 4C is being selectively identified in this debate, whereas other certification schemes – such as Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade – operating under the same circumstances – and also members of the German Coffee Association – have not been addressed in the same way. This contributes to an unbalanced view of the role certification standards play in the sector’s transformation.

We firmly reject the implication that 4C has engaged in any e4ort to weaken the EUDR and fully agree that deforestation in the coffee sector is a serious and urgent issue…

The requirements demonstrating 4C’s support of the environmental and social goals of the EUDR can be accessed in our last statement…