Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certification

What is the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)?

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is an internationally recognized voluntary standard that verifies down and feathers sourced from farms that meet strict animal welfare requirements. The standard provides independent third-party certification and traceability throughout the supply chain, from the farm to the final product.

RDS certification helps ensure that down and feathers originate from responsibly treated animals and that certified materials can be traced throughout the supply chain.

Scope of RDS Certification

RDS certification applies to down and feather materials used in a variety of products, including apparel, bedding, outdoor equipment, and home furnishings. The standard covers the entire supply chain, including farming, collection, processing, manufacturing, trading, and distribution activities.

The standard verifies:

• Responsible sourcing of down and feathers

• Animal welfare requirements

• Chain of custody and traceability

• Certified material handling throughout the supply chain

• Product integrity and transparency

Objectives of RDS

The Responsible Down Standard aims to:

• Ensure the humane treatment of ducks and geese

• Prohibit live-plucking and force-feeding practices

• Establish a transparent chain of custody system

• Verify the movement of certified down and feathers through the supply chain

• Provide confidence in responsible sourcing claims

• Improve transparency for brands, retailers, and consumers

• Promote responsible animal welfare practices within the industry

Key Requirements of RDS

Animal Welfare

Certified farms must comply with strict animal welfare requirements that protect the health and wellbeing of ducks and geese throughout their lives.

Prohibition of Live-Plucking and Force-Feeding

RDS strictly prohibits live-plucking and force-feeding practices across certified supply chains.

Chain of Custody

Certified organizations must maintain effective traceability systems to ensure certified down and feathers can be tracked through every stage of the supply chain.

Record Keeping

Organizations are required to maintain accurate records demonstrating compliance with RDS requirements and certified material handling procedures.

Certification Process

1. Application

Organizations submit an application outlining their activities, facilities, products, and supply chain operations.

2. Documentation Review

Relevant documentation and operational records are reviewed to assess compliance with RDS requirements.

3. On-Site Audit

A qualified auditor conducts an assessment to verify compliance with animal welfare, traceability, and chain of custody requirements.

4. Evaluation of Findings

Audit findings are reviewed, and any identified non-conformities must be addressed before certification can be granted.

5. Certification Decision

Upon successful completion of the certification requirements, a Scope Certificate is issued.

6. Transaction Certificates

Certified organizations may request Transaction Certificates (TCs) for shipments of certified down and feather products throughout the supply chain.

7. Annual Certification Audit

Certified organizations are subject to regular audits to maintain certification and demonstrate ongoing compliance.

Benefits of RDS Certification

• Independent verification of responsible down and feather sourcing

• Enhanced supply chain transparency and traceability

• Increased confidence in certified product claims

• Recognition by international brands and retailers

• Demonstration of commitment to animal welfare

• Improved market access for certified products

• Support for responsible sourcing and ethical production practices

Who Can Be Certified?

RDS certification is applicable to organizations involved in:

• Duck and Goose Farms

• Down and Feather Collection Operations

• Processing Facilities

• Manufacturers of Down and Feather Products

• Apparel Manufacturers

• Bedding and Home Textile Manufacturers

• Traders and Exporters

• Brands and Retailers

• Other Supply Chain Participants Handling Certified Materials

Maintaining Certification

Organizations must maintain compliance with RDS requirements, preserve traceability records, and successfully complete annual certification audits to retain certification status. Regular monitoring and assessment help ensure the integrity of certified down and feather products throughout the supply chain.