Solution: Private Certification Scheme “Ok Vegan”

The Private Certification Scheme “ok vegan” was developed by TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas  and validated in collaboration with the Non-Profit Organization “Vegan Life”, with a focus on Society, the Protection of Animal Rights and the Environment, as well as Consumer Rights.

It is an integrated Certification Scheme aimed at preventing and reducing the products of animal origin used, in order to avoid the exploitation of animals and minimize all the chances of contamination of vegan products with materials and ingredients of animal origin. Through the Scheme, the promotion of responsibility, social conscience, sensitivity, as well as the business ethics that govern the Company, which ensures the production of products free from materials and ingredients of animal origin, is achieved.

Brief Description

The Scheme defines the substances from which the products of an Organization must be completely free of, in order to obtain the “ok vegan” certification regarding their compliance with vegan philosophy, as defined in this Scheme. The Scheme is based on published studies, as well as the International Standard ISO 23662:2021.

The certified products provided by each interested Organization have a direct correlation with partners, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders within the food supply chain.

Detailed Description

As society evolves, an increasing proportion of the world’s population turns to veganism and the search for vegan products. The reasons vary for each individual and include mainly health awareness through a vegan diet, but also moral ideology to protect animal rights and the environment, religious beliefs, etc. As many products of plant origin may contain animal-derived ingredients, or are processed by using animal-derived ingredients or services, it is now particularly important to ensure that these products are suitable for use by people who choose a vegan lifestyle.

What are the benefits of certification?

The Certification Scheme and the “ok vegan” logo assist each Organization to:

• Have its products certified by a trustworthy body, accepted by customers, freeing them from the need to carry out the checks themselves, thus reducing the time and cost required.
• Demonstrate its commitment to providing products that meet the requirements of the vegan philosophy.
• Meet customer expectations
• Actively contribute to increasing consumer confidence

Furthermore, the selection of the TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas’ Private Certification Scheme “ok vegan” , bestows added value to each Organization through the credibility and strength reflected in our brand name and highlights the Organization’s commitment to provide products that comply with the requirements of vegan philosophy.

What Is the Certification Procedure?

To certify each Organization with the “ok vegan” Certification Scheme, the following steps must be followed:

• Submission of the “ok vegan” Certification Application to TÜV AUSTRIA
• Acceptance of the financial terms and conditions of cooperation (contract and Certification Regulation)
• Provision of the necessary information by the Organization concerning the products to be certified
• Programming and performing remote assessment
• Certification of products after successful completion of assessment
• Upon completion of the certification, continue to monitor the compliance of the Organization through re-certification assessments on an annual basis

Who Is it Addressed To?

The “ok vegan” Certification Scheme applies to Organizations active in the primary production, treatment, packaging and processing of products, regardless of the size or complexity of their structure (e.g. single or multi-site Organizations), as well as catering companies and companies that offer their products directly to the consumer (e.g. bakeries).

Who Do I Contact for the Certification?

For more information, please contact us at the following numbers:

Head Offices: +30 210 5220920
Northern Greece Branch: +30 2310 941100
Crete Branch: +30 2810 244150
Aegean Branch: +30 22510 40504–5

or send an email to certification@tuv.at