The Core Criteria for CLMRS define the minimum standards for system design and implementation, including key metrics, required activities, and essential definitions.
They provide the operational definition of a CLMRS and can serve as a benchmarking tool to design, assess, and strengthen CLMRS performance.
Following their publication in September 2025, CLMRS implementers are expected to start following the Criteria for their new CLMRS implementation cycle (2025-26 cocoa season or calendar year 2026 onwards). Auditors reviewing CLMRS implementation before a full cycle of implementation post-publication of the Criteria cannot expect the systems they assess to be fully compliant with guidance that was not available at the time of implementation.
Additional resources
For guidance on how to implement an effective CLMRS, consult the CLMRS Manual.
