The 4C Code was initiated and formulated in 2003 as the Common Code for the Coffee Community in a multi-stakeholder process involving representatives of the coffee sector from producer and consumer countries and civil society. The resulting 4C certification system, based on the 4C Code of Conduct, is a leading sustainability standard for the entire coffee sector. 4C focuses on good agricultural practices, including requirements for the economic, social and environmental conditions for coffee production and processing, in order to create credible, sustainable and transparent supply chains. The inclusion of smallholder farmers is an important part of 4C certification, which is based on continuous improvement.
Find out more about 4C Services GmbH on their website - https://www.4c-services.org/