certification (product certification)
Also known as: third-party certification · certified organic · certified recycled
The formal verification by an accredited third party that a product or process meets specified standards — required for organic fertilizer, ISO management systems, and some recycled material markets.
Last updated
Beyond definitions
Planning to start a CBG business?
Get the full business understanding — capex, regulations, machinery, vendor questions, and risk checks before you commit capital.
What is certification?
Certification is the formal, documented confirmation by an independent accredited third party that a product, process, or management system conforms to a defined specification. In Indian biogas and recycling, the relevant certifications fall into three groups: product certifications (FCO 1985 for Fermented Organic Manure, BIS standards for recycled plastic granules), system certifications (ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 14001 for environment, ISO 45001 for occupational safety), and regulatory registrations that function as certifications (CPCB EPR registration, SPCB Consent to Operate).
For CBG digestate sold as Fermented Organic Manure, certification under the Fertiliser (Control) Order 1985, amended in 2021 to include FOM and Phosphate-Rich Organic Manure, is mandatory before commercial sale. The process requires sample testing at an FCO-notified laboratory for minimum 1.5% N + P + K on dry basis, pathogen absence (Salmonella in 25 g, total coliforms below 1,000 MPN/g), heavy metal limits (Pb below 100 mg/kg, Cd below 5 mg/kg, As below 10 mg/kg), and maximum 25% moisture for solid FOM. Plant registration with the State Agriculture Department follows, with annual sample re-verification.
For e-waste and plastic recyclers, CPCB EPR certificate generation requires registration on the centralised portal, demonstrated processing capacity, periodic third-party audits (typically annual), and traceable mass-balance accounting. Without certification, recyclers cannot issue tradeable EPR credits to producers — eliminating 30–50% of their normal EBITDA. Certification cost is typically ₹2–8 lakh upfront and ₹1–3 lakh annually for surveillance audits, which is small relative to the revenue it unlocks but is often underbudgeted in early-stage project plans.
- Three categories: product (FCO, BIS), system (ISO), regulatory registration (CPCB EPR, SPCB CTO).
- FCO 1985 certification is mandatory for commercial digestate sale as FOM.
- CPCB EPR registration is mandatory for issuing tradeable EPR credits.
- Certification cost is small but recurring — surveillance audits every 12 months.
Common questions about certification
Plain-English answers to what people most often ask.
Is LFOM certification mandatory to sell digestate as organic fertilizer?
How long does LFOM certification take?
Want the full picture, not just the term?
Adhāra Viveka gives you structured clarity on capital-intensive recycling and renewable-energy sectors — before you commit money or engage vendors.