Raw materials in developing countries: Why we need certification

Today, it is impossible to talk about quality or safety without implicitly speaking about certification. By definition, certification is a process by which an independent body certifies the conformity (of a product or service) with the standards and regulations in force. Certification has several objectives for the consumer as well as for the buyer and the producer. It reassures all stakeholders about the quality of the raw material and the reliability of its production process. 

The production and marketing of raw materials originating from less developed countries can suffer from a negative image in more Westernized countries. This negative image comes either from the supposed poor quality or from practices that do not conform to certain principles defended by Western countries. For example, there are issues such as the exploitation of children in cocoa culture, the destruction of protected forests to export wood, and the sale of minerals to feed rebellions in some countries. This list is not exhaustive, and these cases legitimize the question of certifying raw materials. 

Certification is essential for countries to ensure that their raw materials are not undercut on the international market. Unfortunately, this concept is still not taken into account in many companies. This is especially true for agricultural companies, which are still slow in complying with the standards required by the various certification bodies. 

There are many reasons for this. Either the specifications are too restrictive and require a lot of structural adjustments, or companies are not aware of the interest that certified products can represent for them. The ministries in charge of agriculture, trade, and industry should initiate awareness campaigns for the certification to facilitate and stimulate international trade in their countries. 

It is through certification that SMEs will be able to trade internationally and grow their success in ways they never thought possible. That is why, on Export Portal, we work to empower SMEs with the information they need to trade safely, securely, and efficiently with countries all over the world. Register with us today, and join the international trade revolution.