QIMA Vegan Ingredients Mark

The demand for products free from animal-derived substances is increasing significantly. Surpassing social group barriers and reaching the stage of science, items considered vegan have become a necessity for many people, consequently increasing the number of producers and markets for these consumer goods.

An additional factor influencing this sector's growth is closely related to environmental impact. The growing awareness and availability of information increase the demand for sustainable practices, leading companies to value transparency in their manufacturing processes. As a result, they seek stronger assurances that their products are Cruelty Free, opting to certify these items.

In this way, QIMA created the Vegan mark, which attests to the naturalness of the raw materials used by accredited industries, offering reliability of the labels through documentary verification and on-site audits.

What are vegan products?

These are raw materials or finished products that are generated or manufactured without the use of substances derived from vertebral or invertebrate animals. This includes adjuvants, additives, catalysts, dyes, sweeteners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, among others. Besides, these ingredients were also not tested on any animal species, thus ensuring cruelty-free at all stages of production.

The Vegan Ingredients IBD certification does not exempt the company from complying with other relevant legislations, technical regulations and standards, as well as making declarations concerning the allergenic nature of the products and the possible presence of allergenic substances.

What is QIMA's role in the vegan market?

QIMA acts as a reliable certifier in the natural products market, meeting established sustainability criteria, contributing to a more responsible and environmentally conscious industry, following specific existing regulations. In the vegan sector, the certifying company serves manufacturers of cosmetics, cleaning and personal hygiene products, and food ingredients, implementing labeling requirements imposed by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA).

Being a respected company in the organics market, QIMA offers clients assistance in the requirements and auditing cycles, as well as analysis, maintenance, and monitoring of documents and activities. It not only verifies the correct use and display of certificates and marks of conformity from the accreditation body on product labels but also in communication materials such as websites, advertisements, brochures, business cards, and other information dissemination media.

What are the criteria for obtaining the QIMA Vegan seal?

The standard for obtaining the seal is structured into three distinct categories:

1. Absence of animal-origin ingredients: means the product contains no components derived from animals, including meats and animal parts.

2. Absence of animal-origin additives, supplements, or enzymes: in addition to the main ingredients, the product must not contain any additives, supplements, or enzymes from animals. This includes any additional substance used to enhance or modify the final product's characteristics.

3. No use of animal-origin technology adjuvants: during the manufacturing process, no technology adjuvants derived from animals should be used. Technology adjuvants are auxiliary substances that perform specific functions in production, such as stabilizers, emulsifiers, or binding agents.

To ensure certification and verify the substances present in the products, it is necessary for the company to submit a declaration of conformity for each raw material used in the formulation, proving its vegan origin. The criterion established by IBD basically requires that all raw materials and manufacturing processes meet the conditions of not having been tested on animals and not containing animal-origin ingredients.

Basic principles

The certification is based on the observance of each step of the supply chain. During the audit, before the certification, the experts analyze policies and operational processes to establish compliance with the principles and criteria:

• Compliance with local and international laws and regulations;

• Proven commitment to long-term economic and financial sustainability;

• Use of best agricultural practices by producers and mills;

• Environmental responsibility, including the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity;

• Responsible consideration for employees and the community affected by cultivation or production;

• Responsible management of new plantations;

• Commitment to continuous improvement.

Why the QIMA Vegan Ingredients certification?

By certifying operations in accordance with the Vegan Ingredients IBD standard requirements, producers, processors, traders, manufacturers, retailers, investors, and organizations gain a competitive advantage in the market, as they provide consumers with proof of their understanding and acceptance of guidelines and their compliance with production and supply factors.

The main advantages of having a QIMA Vegan Ingredients certificate are:

• To encourage and favor the use of products and processes, as well as packaging with the least possible environmental impact, privileging the use of raw materials free of animal substances.

• Promote the use of certified natural, organic, and extractive products.

• Promote and ensure cleaning products free of petrochemicals.

Furthermore, by obtaining the certificate from QIMA, those involved in the production chains of products free from substances and animal testing will benefit from the expertise, commitment, and recognition of the certifying company of organic products, a leader in this segment.

Why choose QIMA for Vegan Ingredients certification?

Efficient communication and service

• Agile and responsive technical support at all stages.

• Transparent certification process and timely compliance.

• Proven service quality, with a satisfaction metric NPS of 72 points.

Cost and time optimization

• Integrated audits that minimize the number of visits and costs.

• Simplified processes that reduce operational impact.

• Strategic and efficient allocation of auditors.

Leadership in the sector

• Pioneering company with more than 30 years of experience in food safety, organic certification, and sustainability.

• Complete certification ecosystem, from field to table.

• Advanced technology for compliance monitoring.

Click here to access the step-by-step protocol.