Certification is a written guarantee by an independent third party that a given product meets specific requirements. This article presents guidelines to obtain certification for "cachaça" (Brazil's traditional white rum or firewater) by the Brazilian Conformity Evaluation System. The specific requirements for certifying cachaça are considered in each step of the production process, from the standpoint of the producer. A simplified model of a management system is proposed based on procedures to help producers meet the certification criteria on a continuous basis. The recognition conferred by the National Brand Certification agency adds value to certified brands, increasing their competitiveness and perceived quality. This positive differential facilitates the consumer's purchasing decision and the products' penetration into more demanding markets.
cachaça; certification; conformity evaluation
