Stringent bacteriological and quality control is monitored throughout the production process. Systems and processes are in place to allow for full traceability, conforming to general food regulations ascertain the general principles and requirements for food product law. Our Joint Venture processing plant, Bergendal Rooibos is BRC accredited by SGS with full compliance since 2009 with BRC latest version of the standard, Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 5). This standard includes expanded requirements in areas such as Chemical and Physical Contamination Control and Handling Requirements for Allergens.
Inspection & Testing: 
Before leaving the processing plant, the tea is tested and certified by the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), the Product Standards Division of the Department of Agriculture, using their strict phyto-sanitary grading system. Randomly selected samples are taken and subjected to bacteriological and chemical residue testing done by Laboratories of the Department of Agricultural or outsourced private laboratories like Hearshaw & Kinnes (chemical residue testing), University of Cape Town, University Western Cape and/or Swift laboratories.
The tea is tested for bacteria and specifically for Salmonella organisms (must be absent), Escherichia coli (<20g/mgu) and Total Bacteria Count (for bulk tea <75 000; for packed tea <150 000) and chemical residues must comply with the relevant Maximum Residue Level (MRL) regulations. All tea is tested and inspected to comply with German Food Law, EU food regulations, Codex, the Chemicals Regulation (EC) N0. 1907/2006 (REACH), the ETC code of Practice (Pesticide Residues in Tea), the European Maximum Residue Level Decree EEC 396/2005, the ETC HACCP Guidance notes and the EHIA Guidelines for Good Agricultural and Hygiene Practice (GAHP).
South African Export Legislation:
All exports are subjected to the Inspection Regulations under section 4 of the Agricultural Export Act No. 51 of 1971, as well as to the regulations regarding the Control of Export of this product under section 56 of the Agricultural Product Standards Act No. 119 of 1990.
CUSTOMS CODE: All Rooibos tea Natural as well as flavored Rooibos are classifiable within customs code TH:1212.99.70.
Genetically Modified Organisms:
Our product contains no genetically modified starting raw materials, or additives that are derived from genetically m odified organisms, and do not contain detectable levels of genetically modified materials.
Organic Certification: 
Our Rooibos tea is certified organic by ECOCERT SA ZA-BIO-602 for Europe (EU), USA (NOP) and Japan (JAS). Production and labeling of organic products in the European Union is regulated by regulation EEC No 899/2009 and EEC No. 834/2007 per article 23 and 24 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and processed foodstuff. The inspection takes place annually.
Fair Trade Certification: 
Carmien Tea is Fair Trade certified by FLO Cert with FLO Certified producers Mouton Citrus and Bergendal with reference numbers:
Carmien Tea Exporter FLO ID: 2745
MCPL Producer FLO ID: 4798
Bergendal Producer FLO ID: 2783
UTZ Certification: 
Carmien Tea and Bergendal has been UTZ Certified since January 2011 with reference numbers:
Carmien Tea: T00000132
Bergendal Rooibos: T00000131