Before using CPF or third-party sustainability certification files, sellers should complete an authenticity and scope review. The check should cover more than whether a certificate image exists. It should include the final issuing body, certificate number, validity period, covered products, applicable SKUs, and page claims.
One certificate should not be applied to products outside its scope, and page sustainability wording should not exceed certificate content. If a file looks inconsistent, pause related wording and verify with the issuing body or service provider.
1. Five Certificate Checks
| Step | Review item | Common issue |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing body | Confirm the organization that signs the final certificate | Only the service provider is known |
| Certificate number | Check the number through public records or the issuing body | Unusual number format or no record found |
| Validity | Confirm that the certificate is valid at the time of use | Old certificate remains on the page |
| Coverage | Review product, model, material, facility, or batch scope | Material certificate expanded to finished product or full store |
| SKU alignment | Confirm that each page SKU is covered | Unrelated products share one file |
2. Signals That Need Further Review
- The service provider cannot provide the original certificate or issuing body details;
- Company name, address, or product scope does not match the actual product;
- Certificate number, validity period, or issuing body cannot be checked through public channels;
- The certification name on the page differs from the program name on the certificate;
- New SKUs are added without updating scope or the internal evidence register.
3. What to Do When a File Looks Inconsistent
Pause related page wording, keep the certificate, page screenshots, service-provider communications, and product list, then verify with the issuing body or a qualified adviser. Do not expand certificate use without evidence.
4. How Greenark Can Help
Greenark (Shenzhen) Certification Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. helps clients review CPF, FSC, GRS, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, CarbonFree, and other certificate files, and check certificate number, validity, covered SKUs, issuing body, and page claims for consistency. We also help build maintenance registers for later review.
Greenark (Shenzhen) Certification Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
www.greenark-sz.com
