Have your say!

GCP has officially opened the 30-day public consultation on the review of the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code and the Equivalence Mechanism!

Stakeholders from across the coffee sector and beyond are invited to review the proposed updates and share their unique expertise and perspectives to help strengthen the relevance, clarity, and credibility of these critical coffee sustainability tools. Input gathered during the consultation will directly support the next phase of the review process and help shape the future development of the Coffee SR Code and EM.

As the coffee sector faces increasingly complex challenges – from climate change and evolving regulations to rising market expectations and the need for greater alignment across sustainability initiatives – it is more important than ever that shared sustainability tools remain relevant, credible, and effective. In response, GCP’s public consultation on the 2026 Review of the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code (Coffee SR Code) and Equivalence Mechanism (EM) is now open for input.

Coffee sector stakeholders from across the value chain are invited to share their expertise and perspectives, helping to ensure these sector-wide tools continue to support practical, aligned, and impactful approaches to coffee sustainability.

The review of both tools is taking place simultaneously to ensure coherence and continued relevance for GCP Members and the wider coffee sector, supporting comparability, supply chain efficiencies, and increasing uptake of sustainability practices. The process is led by GCP, guided by its Technical Committee and Advisory Task Force, and conducted in line with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice, contributing to GCP’s 2030 Goal.

Designed to be transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based, the year-long process includes a robust technical analysis of both tools alongside public consultation and targeted stakeholder engagement.

“We welcome the participation of stakeholders from across the coffee value chain and from around the world to bring their experience and expertise to this process. A rich diversity of voices will help ensure these shared sustainability tools are fit-for-purpose, practical, and relevant.”

Gabriel Chavez, GCP Manager Sustainable Sourcing

Key highlights of the proposed updates to the Coffee SR Code include a stronger emphasis on continuous improvement, positioning the Code as a shared baseline for sustainable coffee. The updated approach maintains a risk-based, context-driven framework to ensure flexibility and applicability across diverse production contexts.

Updates to the Equivalence Mechanism include improved clarity and structure, strengthened governance, transparency, and data integrity, and clearer expectations around disclosure and accountability. The updated approach also reinforces a risk- and due diligence-based methodology that moves beyond “tick-box” compliance.

“Sustainability challenges cannot be solved alone,” says Chavez. “By helping shape the future of these tools, stakeholders can strengthen alignment across the sector and help drive meaningful progress toward shared sustainability goals.”

The consultation will run from 19 May for 30 days, and was kick started by a guiding webinar to help participants through consultation.

Download the press release