Trustea Code Verification

What is Trustea Code Verification?

Trustea is India’s sustainability and verification programme for the tea sector, designed to promote responsible agricultural, environmental, social, and manufacturing practices throughout the tea value chain. Trustea Code Verification provides independent assessment and verification of compliance with the Trustea Code requirements.

The verification process helps ensure that tea producers, estates, factories, and supply chain participants operate in accordance with established sustainability principles and industry best practices.

Scope of Trustea Code Verification

Trustea Code Verification is applicable to organizations involved in the tea industry, including:

  • Tea Estates and Plantations

  • Tea Growers

  • Tea Factories and Processing Units

  • Bought Leaf Factories

  • Tea Producers

  • Tea Supply Chain Participants

  • Tea Traders and Exporters

Verification covers agricultural practices, environmental management, social responsibility, worker welfare, occupational health and safety, and operational management systems.

Objectives of Trustea Code Verification

The Trustea Code aims to:

  • Promote sustainable tea production practices

  • Improve environmental performance within the tea sector

  • Strengthen social responsibility and worker welfare

  • Encourage responsible resource management

  • Enhance transparency and accountability throughout the tea value chain

  • Support compliance with industry-recognized sustainability requirements

  • Improve confidence among buyers, stakeholders, and consumers

Key Requirements

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Organizations are required to implement responsible farming and cultivation practices that support long-term sustainability.

Environmental Management

Effective measures must be established to manage environmental impacts, conserve natural resources, and reduce pollution.

Social Responsibility

Organizations must maintain fair labor practices, respect worker rights, and provide safe and healthy working conditions.

Occupational Health and Safety

Appropriate systems and controls must be implemented to protect the health and safety of workers and visitors.

Documentation and Record Keeping

Accurate records and operational documentation must be maintained to demonstrate compliance with Trustea Code requirements.

Traceability and Transparency

Organizations should maintain systems that support transparency and accountability within their operations and supply chains.

Verification Process

1. Application

The organization submits an application detailing its operations, facilities, and activities relevant to the Trustea Code.

2. Documentation Review

Relevant records, policies, procedures, and operational information are reviewed to assess conformity with applicable requirements.

3. On-Site Verification Assessment

A qualified assessor conducts an on-site evaluation to verify implementation and compliance with the Trustea Code requirements.

4. Evaluation of Findings

Assessment findings are reviewed, and any identified non-conformities must be addressed before verification approval can be granted.

5. Verification Decision

Upon successful completion of the verification process, verification status is granted in accordance with the applicable Trustea programme requirements.

6. Surveillance and Monitoring

Periodic assessments may be conducted to verify continued compliance and effective implementation of the Trustea Code.

7. Re-Verification

Organizations are required to undergo reassessment at specified intervals to maintain their verified status.

Benefits of Trustea Code Verification

  • Independent verification of sustainability practices

  • Enhanced transparency and accountability

  • Improved confidence among buyers and stakeholders

  • Demonstration of commitment to responsible tea production

  • Support for environmental and social responsibility objectives

  • Strengthened credibility within domestic and international markets

  • Recognition of compliance with industry sustainability requirements

Who Can Be Verified?

Trustea Code Verification is applicable to:

  • Tea Estates

  • Tea Plantations

  • Tea Growers

  • Tea Factories

  • Bought Leaf Factories

  • Tea Producers

  • Tea Traders and Exporters

  • Tea Supply Chain Organizations

  • Other Tea Sector Participants

Maintaining Verification Status

Verified organizations must continue to comply with applicable Trustea Code requirements, maintain relevant records, and successfully complete periodic assessments to retain their verification status. Continuous monitoring helps ensure ongoing compliance and supports sustainable practices throughout the tea industry.