INDICOFSKnowledge guideIndependent resource

INDIAN COFFEE SUSTAINABILITY STANDARD

Understand INDICOFS.
One clear step at a time.

From your first farm record to assessment and renewal. Explore every level, find the requirements that matter, or let a conversation guide you.

Explore the three levels

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START WITH A QUESTION

What would help you today?

Choose a prompt, or ask in your own words. Every answer has a path back to the scheme.

3 certification levels184 matrix entries to explore6 scheme sections covered

CHOOSE YOUR STARTING POINT

Three levels. Know the difference.

These are different certification routes—not a compulsory ladder. Small farmers can also explore Levels 2 and 3.

01

Foundation

Level 1

  • For holdings below 10 hectares in total. Exactly 10 ha is outside this route.
  • Coffee Board auditors inspect; the Board reviews and issues the certificate.
  • Start with your land records, map, self-assessment and farm diary.
  • Soil, water, crop protection, worker welfare and forest safeguards still matter.
  • Correct findings with evidence; the guide cannot certify your farm.
Explore Level 1 →
02

Verified progress

Level 2

  • Open to individual growers and collectives, including smaller farms.
  • Assessment is through a Coffee Board-approved certification body.
  • Build on basic practices with management plans, records and verifiable improvements.
  • Self-assess annually; collectives also need a group QMS and internal checks.
  • A three-year certificate is subject to annual surveillance and continued compliance.
Explore Level 2 →
03

Advanced benchmarks

Level 3

  • Advanced benchmarks are available to individuals and collectives.
  • An approved certification body assesses the Level 3 requirements.
  • Expect added evidence such as tree inventories, land-use history and inclusion data.
  • Collectives have extra duties for risk, markets, insurance, technology and climate.
  • Annual surveillance still applies; benchmarking is not automatic equivalence or a price guarantee.
Explore Level 3 →

THE REQUIREMENTS LIBRARY

Find it by the work you do.

Browse by topic, level and grower or collective duties. Open a card for conditions, evidence and the original scheme wording.

Farm details4.1 →Records & economic viability4.2 →Resources & risk4.3 →Establishing a farm4.4.1 →Planting material4.4.2 →Soil & nutrition4.4.3 →Water on the farm4.4.4 →Pests & plant protection4.4.5 →Harvest, processing & quality4.4.6 →Forests & land use4.5.1 →Streams & wastewater4.5.2 →Biodiversity4.5.3 →Climate & energy4.5.4 →Workplace safety4.6.1 →Family & worker welfare4.6.2 →Voice & community4.6.3 →

See the whole journey.

  1. 01Choose your route
  2. 02Prepare & self-assess
  3. 03Apply & agree scope
  4. 04Audit & correct gaps
  5. 05Decision & ongoing care
Explore the processFees & timelinesComplaints & appeals

01 / YOUR STARTING POINT

A route that starts
with your farm.

Tell us your total holding and where you are today. We’ll suggest the next conversation—not decide whether your farm passes an audit.

INDICOFS · Last updated on 30 September 2026

Coffee Board of IndiaRead the official scheme ↗

The current official rules and the assessor’s review take precedence. Your land size alone cannot determine which farm-practice requirements are not applicable.

Include all your holdings, not just the coffee block you want to assess. If records are unclear, check with the assessor.

This is a route guide, not an official eligibility check. We don’t submit these answers anywhere.

Tools for your next step

The guide is open to every grower. Choose the service that fits your situation.

IndiaCoffee for FPOs, SHGs & cooperatives ↗

The collective suite; members access it through their organisation.

Krishitaranga - Weather & crop advisory