Q:   An R2 Facility has the option to stop its downstream tracking and verification at the first R2 Certified downstream vendor (R2v3 DSV) under Core 8.(a)(3) and Appendix A (1).  Does the recycling chain have to be registered with SERI to stop at the first R2 Certified DSV?

In order to stop tracking and verification at the first R2 Certified DSV, the R2 Facility must meet the requirements in Appendix A (4)(b).  This requirement states:

“Register with SERI, the portion of the downstream recycling chain that it manages, including all R2 Controlled Streams to final disposition or the first R2 Facility (R2v3), to enable mapping of the entire chain, and register any changes prior to shipment.”

This option to register the downstream chain with SERI can reduce the number of DSVs in the facility’s recycling chain allowing for more efficient tracking and verification processes.

See here for details on how to Register Your Downstream.

Q:   If the downstream chain is registered, will that information be made public or visible to others?

No, the information registered with SERI will not be made public. This information is intended to be used by SERI only, for the oversight of the R2 Certification process including the quality review activities.

When a downstream chain is registered, the R2 Facility’s Certification Body will receive an automated notification that the registration has been received, along with some key information including:  the name of the registered flowchart file, the last revision date of the flowchart, and the number of R2 and non-R2 DSVs.  However, the R2 Facility will still need to share the actual downstream flowchart and evidence of registration with SERI, directly with their R2 auditor for review and assessment through the audit process.

Q:   How often can updates to the downstream vendors be made when registering the downstream chain under Appendix A (4)(b)?

There are no limits on the number or frequency of updates to the vendors in the downstream recycling chain. However, the R2 Facility is required to ensure that the downstream chain remains current, including managing any updates or changes PRIOR to any related shipment.  As a result, the frequency of downstream chain updates will depend on the number and frequency of downstream changes made by the R2 Facility.