One of the goals of the CRSB Certified program is to increase consumer confidence by providing assurances about the production and processing of beef through CRSB Certified supply chains across Canada.
The robust systems that support the Framework – the standards, assurance protocols and chain of custody requirements – enable claims about the sourcing of beef from CRSB Certified farms and ranches, supporting the dedication of everyone along the chain to responsible practices.
The Communications, Claims and Labelling Manual outlines the requirements on the claims and logos that are available for use by a variety of beef supply chain stakeholders to communicate about their commitment to Canadian beef sustainability initiatives with respect to their products, practices and services.
The CRSB has developed a series of Marks (logos) and Claims to guide transparent and consistent messaging regarding practices for the production and processing of beef according to CRSB standards, and sourcing of beef from CRSB Certified Operations.
Explore the options for your role in the supply chain, the applicable claims available to you, and the corresponding CRSB Certified logo.
Refer to the Communications, Claims and Labelling Manual for all the logo, claims, eligibility, reporting and fee requirements. As outlined in section 3.0 of the Manual (page 11), text in (round parentheses) denotes optional additions to the claim statement; text in [square brackets] indicates where specific user information should be inserted, and text separated by a / indicates that the user can choose between the alternatives provided.
For any farm, ranch or other beef production operation certified to the Sustainable Beef Production Standard.
Where can I use it?
On a farm gate sign, farm website, brochure, promotional materials.
CANNOT be used to market specific beef products (i.e. product labels or any claim about the beef) unless processed by a Certified Processor, and a successful chain of custody audit.
Is there a logo use fee?
NO. The Certification Body’s fee covers use of the CRSB Certified mark for beef production operations.
Is a licensing agreement required?
NO.
How do I access the logo?
Request from your Certification Body or contact us
See section 3.2.2 of the Communications, Claims and Labelling Manual for details.
For any primary beef processing facility certified to the Sustainable Beef Processing Standard.
Where can I use it?
On company website, signage, promotional materials.
CANNOT be used to market specific beef products (i.e. product labels or any claim about the beef) unless processed by a Certified Processor, and a successful chain of custody audit.
Is there a logo use fee?
No, not for a Certified Operation.
Is a licensing agreement required?
No.
See section 3.2.2 of the Communications, Claims and Labelling Manual for details.
For any combined beef processing facilities that also have an audited Chain of Custody system and companies with an audited Chain of Custody system are that are sourcing CRSB certified beef from an approved processor. This enables them to pass along claims to its customers, subject to the appropriate chain of custody system.
Where can I use it?
Any non-product related communications such as company website, signage, promotional materials, invoices, factsheets, etc.
Is there a logo use fee?
The primary packer collects a volume-based fee of $0.03 per lb. of CRSB Certified beef sold on behalf of the supply chain.
Is a licensing agreement required?
Yes.
See section 3.2.3 of the Communications, Claims and Labelling Manual for details.
A mass balance model involves mixing of product from certified and non-certified sources; incoming and outgoing quantities are documented and controlled, as per CRSB Chain of Custody Requirements. Making a mass balance claim requires that a minimum of 30% of a company or product brand line’s volume be sourced from CRSB Certified Operations, verified through a successful Chain of Custody audit.
For companies and brands sourcing CRSB Certified beef through a mass balance supply chain can make mass balance-specific CRSB Claim. The mass balance logo must be used.
Where can I use it?
This CRSB Claim can be made through on-pack labelling and/or in off-product advertising and marketing materials.
Is there a logo use fee?
No, not directly. The packer collects a $0.03 fee per lb. of CRSB Certified beef sold on behalf of the supply chain.
See section 3.2.5.3 of the Communications, Claims and Labelling Manual for details.
Companies and brands sourcing CRSB Certified beef through a segregated supply chain can make a CRSB Claim.
This applies to either Segregation or Identity Preservation chain of custody models.
This applies to either Segregation or Identity Preservation chain of custody models.
Where can I use it? This CRSB Claim can be made through on-pack labelling and/or in off-product advertising and marketing materials.
Is there a logo use fee? No, not directly. The packer collects a $0.03 fee per lb. of CRSB Certified beef sold on behalf of the supply chain.
See section 3.2.5 of the Communications, Claims and Labelling Manual for details.
Using CRSB Certified logos and claims to market beef products sourced through a CRSB Certified supply chain requires a Licensing Agreement.
Beef producer selling branded beef Processors selling beef with a CRSB Certified logo and claim.
Approved suppliers (eg. beef processors, distributors, food service companies) selling branded beef with a CRSB Certified logo and claim.
Retailer purchasing CRSB Certified beef and selling products labelled as CRSB Certified – either on-pack or in associated marketing and advertising.
Restaurant purchasing CRSB Certified beef and featuring it on a menu or in related marketing and advertising.
Company purchasing CRSB Certified beef that has made a sourcing commitment.
A fully executed licensing agreement and pre-approval by CRSB of all marketing, advertising and labelling is required at least 30 days prior to intended in-market use.
CRSB reviews request form
Confirmation of supply chain partners
Confirm details of requested CRSB Claim and usage
Licensing agreement is initiated with Licensee
Licensee signs agreement
Certified Sustainable Beef Framework Canada countersigns agreement
Upon completion we will provide a set of all logo documents.
Rights to use the CRSB Marks are provided via fees. Volume-based fees ($0.03 per lb.) are collected for beef sold by the primary processor as CRSB Certified, with any fee cap applied at the customer of the primary processor. For simpler, direct supply chains the customer is the retail or food service company. For more complex supply chains the customer is the secondary processor or distributor immediately following the primary processor.
Fees are capped at the first one million pounds ($30,000) per customer each year. Beginning January 1, 2026, the fee cap will increase to three million pounds ($90,000) per customer each year. The fee cap will be removed on January 1, 2027.
The integrity and credibility of the CRSB Certified program requires a strong traceability system, which requires participants to fulfill regular reporting responsibilities.
Reporting is a requirement of all CRSB Certified Licensees. Twice annually, companies and brands who are supplying CRSB Certified beef (chain of custody approved suppliers), purchasing CRSB Certified beef (chain of custody approved further processors and distributors) and selling beef (retailers, restaurants and brand owners) sourced from farms and ranches report those volumes of beef to the CRSB.
Volumes across all program participants are aggregated to help demonstrate the impact of the program.
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