A transaction certificate (TC) lets a buyer trust that produce sold as PGS-certified really is. In PGS-India, the group generates TCs online, but only after the Regional Council approves its actual yields. This episode sets out how TCs work, the RC's part, and what to do when a sale is larger than the stock.
The short version
- The RC approves actual yields; the group then generates TCs online.
- TCs can be issued per farmer, in one go or in small lots.
- Between two PGS-registered operators, the online TC transfers the stock, with no paper TC.
- Unsold stock without a TC is deleted 12 months after harvest.
How Transaction Certificates Work
After harvest the group uploads actual yields; once the RC approves them, the group can sell as PGS-certified and generate TCs online.
- Scope certificate.Issued with the estimated yields approved during peer appraisal.
- Actual yields.After harvest, the group uploads actual yields. This is needed to obtain TCs.
- RC approval.The RC approves actual yields within 15 days of upload.
- Sale and TC.The group sells as PGS-certified and generates TCs online, for each farmer, in one go or in small lots.
- UID code.Certified produce is sold with the UID code shown on the TC.
When both seller and buyer are PGS-India registered operators, no paper TC is needed. The online TC transfers the stock from seller to buyer.
The RC's Part: Approving Actual Yields
Check that uploaded yields are believable for the area and crop, and match the appraisal, before approving within 15 days.
- The yield is believable for the plot's area and the crop.
- The crop was appraised and appears on the scope certificate.
- Actual yield is reasonably close to the estimate, or the difference is explained.
- No farmer's yield is suspiciously high, which can mean mixing with non-organic produce.
Illustrative workload. At about three minutes per farmer to check yields, 1,000 farmers take about 50 hours each season.
When a Sale Is Larger Than the Stock
TCs are drawn against approved yields; if a sale is larger than what remains, the yield record needs correcting, with evidence.
A TC cannot be larger than the approved stock that remains. If the real harvest was higher than the yield uploaded, the group should correct its actual yield with evidence, and the RC checks it before approving. A TC should never be raised for produce that does not exist on the record.
Produce may be held within the validity of the scope certificate. Unsold stock with no TC is deleted automatically from the website 12 months after the harvest date.
Protecting the Supply Chain
The RC must see that certified produce is sold with the TC's UID code, and can withhold TCs as a sanction.
- RCs must ensure that certified organic produce is sold with the UID code from the TC.
- Approved processing units receive PGS raw material with a PGS transaction certificate.
- For repeated non-compliance, the RC's catalogue of sanctions includes withholding the issue of TCs.
Perishables move faster: for vegetables, fruits and livestock products, yields can be uploaded weekly or fortnightly, and TCs issued in batches.
Check yourself
Tap an answer to see whether you are right, and why.
Who generates a PGS-India transaction certificate?
- The Regional Council
- The Local Group, online, after the RC approves yields
- APEDA
The RC's role is approving the actual yields.
A PGS group sells to another PGS-registered operator. Is a paper TC needed?
- Yes, always
- No, the online TC transfers the stock
- Only for exports
Between two PGS-registered operators, the online TC is enough.
Remember these things
- The RC approves actual yields within 15 days.
- The group generates TCs online.
- TCs cannot exceed approved stock.
- Sales carry the TC's UID code.
Accurate yield records are what every transaction certificate rests on. KrushiFlow validates these fields and submits farmer records to the portal in bulk.