REQUIREMENTS
What makes a product vegan?
A vegan product contains no ingredients, materials, or derivatives of animal origin. This means, for example: no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, animal fats, waxes, fur, leather, honey, or colorants derived from animals.
To qualify as vegan, a product must also meet the following requirements:
01
No animal testing at any stage of production
02
No cross‑contamination with animal-based materials
03
No animal-derived processing aids, including enzymes or proteins created using GMOs that incorporate animal genes
04
The Vegan Standard also requires that the production facility applies humane, non-cruel rodent control
ABOUT
Free from animal exploitation or cruelty
The Vegan Standard certifies products that contain no animal-derived ingredients and are produced without animal exploitation or cruelty.
We clearly distinguish ourselves from “plant-based”, a term that may still allow limited amounts of animal-sourced ingredients.
The Vegan Standard follows and complies with the EU Regulation 1169/2011 (Food information to consumers , i.e. labeling) and with the ISO 23662:2021 (International criteria for vegan/vegetarian labeling).
WHAT'S COVERED?
Is it only for food?
No. We promote a fully vegan lifestyle, not limited to food. The Vegan Standard applies to all product categories where animal-derived ingredients, auxiliaries, colorants, or processing aids may be used.
The following categories fall within the scope of The Vegan Standard:
Food and pet food (excluding feed for animals bred for human consumption)
Hygiene sensitive products, cosmetics, personal care and household products
Pharmaceutical and medicinal products
Textiles and textile related products, footwear, rubber and latex
Chemicals, dyes and plastics
Other products including electronics and its accessories, pottery and glassware, other household items and product derived from agricultural by-products, waste, residues and co-product
BECOMING CERTIFIED
Credibility through certification
Companies seeking certification under The Vegan Standard undergo a rigorous, independent audit performed by specially trained third-party auditors. Certification bodies and the scheme owner apply strict oversight to ensure:
Independence
Integrity
Professional judgment
