ENA Sectors 2025-12-22 14:35:40 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Dec 22 (KNN)</strong> The Coffee Board of India on Saturday launched the Indian Coffee Sustainability (INDICOFS) Standard and Certification Scheme, marking a significant step toward strengthening sustainability practices in the domestic coffee sector. </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Phased Coverage Across the Value Chain</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Developed as an initiative of the Coffee Board, the INDICOFS framework is aimed at preparing Indian coffee to respond to rapidly evolving global sustainability requirements. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In its initial phase, the standard and certification scheme will apply to coffee growers, with plans to gradually extend coverage across the entire coffee value chain.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Tiered Certification Structure</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The certification framework introduces three progressive levels to enable a structured transition toward sustainability. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The entry-level certification is designed primarily for smallholder growers and will be implemented directly by the Coffee Board. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The advanced levels&mdash;Levels 2 and 3&mdash;will involve independent certification bodies accredited in accordance with ISO 17065 standards. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Level 3 is envisaged to align with leading international sustainability benchmarks and is expected to be formally benchmarked against global standards over time.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Policy and Trade Implications</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The scheme is the outcome of nearly a year of technical work by a Core Technical Committee constituted by the Coffee Board. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Officials indicated that the certification is intended to support sustainable production practices, facilitate exports, and help the Indian coffee industry align with emerging international regulatory requirements, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Further expansion of the scope and coverage of the certification scheme is expected in the coming year as the Coffee Board works to deepen its sustainability framework for the sector.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 44507 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/coffee-board-rolls-out-indicofs-standard-certification-scheme-for-domestic-coffee-industry 2025-12-22 14:35:40 knnindia.co.in