No. A code of conduct alone does not mean that supply chain non-conformities are detected or solved. The code of conduct must also be implemented and backed up by independent verification of compliance — not just at the point of certification, but continuously over the life of the certificate. Both pre-certification verification and post certification

Independent verification is essential for validating sustainability claims and reducing the risk of greenwashing when using an ecolabel. Without independent verification of compliance, you can never know if the criteria are met. To be effective, independent verification must be mandatory and carried out by verifiers with no affiliation with industry, purchasers or any other interest