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CR2.0 Assessment and Certification

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Version: 1 January 2024

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1. Scope of this document

This document contains the assessment and certification criteria for performing audits at applicant organizations/GMP+ Certified Companies which will result in (re)certification for the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme, Feed Safety Assurance (FSA) module.

2. Normative reference(s)

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are mandatory to comply with. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

3. Terms and Definitions

For GMP+ definitions see F0.2 Definition List. Throughout this document the terminology “through the Certification Body” is used indicating that all activities performed by Critical-, non-Critical Locations and Outsourcing Party are conducted under the responsibility/liability of the GMP+ accepted Certification Body.

4. Principles

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Chapter 4

5. Process requirements

5.1. Pre-certification activities

5.1.1. Application

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.1.1

In addition, relevant details of the applicant organization as mentioned under 9.1.1. B) of the ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 are:

  • Gatekeeper files,
  • Multi-site certification,
  • Number of employees,
  • Number of products.
  • An up-to-date group structure of the applicant organization, including ultimate beneficiary ownership and management overview, as well as a statement indicating the applicant organization, its ultimate beneficiary owner’s or its management’s involvement in businesses similar to the applicant organization business, if any to confirm that the applicant organization complies with chapter 4 of the F0.1 Rights and Obligations.

5.1.2. Application review

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.1.2

In addition:

  • Description of activities and/or processes to be assessed by the Certification Body during an audit.
  • The scope of certification must not be misleading.

5.1.3. Certification agreement

Before conducting an initial audit the Certification Body and the applicant organization must conclude a legally enforceable unique certification agreement and during the validity of a GMP+ certificate/temporary acceptance this legally enforceable unique certification agreement remains in force.

Certification agreement issued by a Critical-/Non-Critical Location and Outsourced Party must comply with the template approved by the Certification Body in question.

The Certification Body must be aware that:

  • the certification agreement must always be concluded with the applicable legal entity.
  • These agreements must be concluded for the provision and description of the applicable certification activities in accordance with the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme.
  • It is not allowed to secure conditions in the certification agreement which are conflicting with GMP+ requirements.
  • It is not allowed to determine and impose additional requirements to the applicant organization/GMP+ Certified Company other than specified in the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme, unless specified in the internal procedure of the GMP+ Certified Companies.

The following GMP+ specific requirements must be secured in the certification agreement:

  1. The applicable scope(s)/standard(s) names covering GMP+ certification.
  2. The minimum obliged audit times per scope(s)/standard(s) per type of audit are as stated in Appendix 2, referring to Appendix 2 is insufficient. It is not permitted to deviate from the minimum obliged audit times by way of invoicing based on re-calculation. If a longer audit time is applicable, then this can be done in consultation with the applicant organization/GMP+ Certified Company. In case of Multi-site certification the minimum obliged audit times as mentioned in Appendix 4 must apply.
  3. Each multi-site location must be secured with its GMP+ registration number.
  4. The use of the GMP+ logo in accordance with the F0.1 Rights and Obligations.
  5. The stipulation (if applicable), that, in case of a determined nonconformity of a permitted level of a contaminant, the GMP+ Certified Company is obliged to submit an EWS notification in accordance with the R1.0 Feed Safety Management Systems Requirements.
  6. The obligated cooperation of the applicant organization/GMP+ Certified Company with witness audits, parallel audit (as stated in CR1.0 Acceptation requirements) and repeat audits performed in cooperation with GMP+ International.
  7. The forwarding of audit reports/audit checklists to GMP+ International.
  8. The possibility to terminate the certification agreement before the end of the certification cycle.

5.1.4. Audit programme

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.1.3

ISO 22003-1:2022(E)

Article 9.1.3.2

In addition, the following topics must be included in the audit program:

  • Assessment of the infra-structure for production locations, storage facilities and means of transport,
  • Assessment of purchase and sales of GMP+ assured products,
  • Assessment of the traceability system for the GMP+ assured products,
  • Assessment of HACCP system.

5.1.5. Audit team assignment

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.2.2

Related to Article 9.2.2.1.2 the additional requirement as stated in article 4.3.6 of the CR1.0 Acceptation requirements additionally applies.

5.1.5.1. Rotation of auditors

An auditor must not be assigned to the same GMP+ Certified Company more than 3 consecutive years. Should an alternative auditor not be available, an exemption can be made by the Certification Body and the period can be extended for a maximum of 3 consecutive years. The decision must be motivated and documented.

5.1.6. Audit plan

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.2.3

In addition, the applicant organization/GMP+ certified company must provide on request of the certification body the following documentation:

  • Organizational chart and short process descriptions,
  • List of GMP+ assured products,
  • Information about the production site, and / or subcontractors,
  • The FSMS Manual on site during the audit (paper or electronic version).
  • List of applicable regulations,
  • Any other information the auditor/operator may find useful/relevant.

The selection of all relevant personnel to be interviewed must adequately cover every relevant functional area. For the surveillance or re-certification audit, the GMP+ certified company must provide the certification body with the following documentation/information:

  • Changes in organization,
  • Changes in FSMS Manual,
  • Changes in applicable legislation,
  • Scope information,
  • And any other information which is relevant.

5.2. Certification process

5.2.1. Audits

5.2.1.1. General

A Certification Body accepted by GMP+ International under the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme is entitled to certify companies through the Certification Body who have an interest for 1 or more GMP+ scopes for the feed sector as specified in GMP+ Feed Certification scheme.

The applicant organization/GMP+ Certified Company must cooperate fully with audits as specified in this document. Auditing may include taking samples of products and laboratory testing.

Through the Certification Body, the assessment will take place by means of an audit at the applicant organization/GMP+ Certified Company for conformity with the general criteria as specified in Appendix 1 and the additional assessment criteria in the checklists.

This is applicable for the following audits:

  1. Initial certification audit (ICA)
  2. Announced surveillance audit (ASA)
  3. Unannounced surveillance audit (USA)
  4. Recertification audit (RCA)
  5. Expansion audit
  6. Document assessment (DA)

In addition, special audits can also be carried out (see article 5.2.2.).

The certification cycle has a maximum duration of 3 years. During the certification cycle all GMP+ requirements must be assessed through the Certification Body. The minimum obliged audit times and the frequency are determined in Appendix 2 and Appendix 4.

In case a GMP+ Certified Company changes during the certification cycle their activities and/or location the GMP+ certified company must be audited on-site through the Certification Body.

This is applicable for production, transport and storage & transshipment. The GMP+ audit times must apply. It is up to the Certification Body to decide if the initial certification- or surveillance audit must be performed.

5.2.1.2. Opening meeting

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.4.2

5.2.1.3. Initial certification audit

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.3.1

ISO 22003-1:2022(E)

Article 9.3.2 up to and including 9.3.4

A GMP+ certificate may or may not be granted, depending on whether the assessment criteria of this document are met. An Initial certification audit must be conducted within 3 months after concluding an certification agreement with the applicant organization. The interval between stage 1 and stage 2 cannot not be longer than 4 months.

When the specific conditions described in Appendix 5 are met, the Initial certification audit can be performed not at the GMP+ Certified Company location in case of the following scopes:

  1. Road Transport of feed, tractionair;
  2. Trade in feed, “PO Boxes”;
5.2.1.3.1. Temporary acceptance

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.3.1.2

ISO 22003-1:2022(E)

Article 9.3.2 up to and including 9.3.4

It is possible, on the basis of a positive assessment of stage 1 of the feed safety management system documentation, to issue a temporary acceptance (maximum 4 months) as part of an initial certification audit at a company which is starting its GMP+ activities.

Regarding the location of the assessment the following applies:

  • When a company carries out production and/or storage and/or transport activities (tractionairs excluded), then part of the assessment of the quality documentation must take place at the company location(s) so that the infrastructural facilities can be assessed.
  • If the company carries out other activities, then part of the assessment of the quality documentation may take place at the company location(s) if the Certification Body considers this necessary.

The entire certification process must be finished within the validity of the temporary acceptance including the updating of the GMP+ Company Database (including status and certificate dates) through the Certification Body.

Companies not eligible for a temporary acceptance are:

  • Companies transferred from another Certification Body.
  • Companies who were GMP+ certified or had a temporary acceptance in the past.
5.2.1.4. Surveillance audits

The requirements to be verified during surveillance audits can be performed based on a risk assessment of the Certification Body, where feed safety must have the highest priority. The procedure to determine the requirements to be assessed during the surveillance audits must be documented.

The first surveillance audit must be executed each 12 months, plus and minus two months, after the certification decision date.

The second surveillance audit must be executed each 24 months, plus and minus two months, after the certification decision date.

For this type of audit, it is possible to use the Hybrid option to perform the audit. See Appendix 6.

5.2.1.4.1. Announced surveillance audit

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.6.2

When the specific conditions described in Appendix 5 are met, the Announced surveillance audit can be performed not at the GMP+ Certified Company location in case of the following scopes:

  1. Road Transport of feed;
  2. Road Transport of feed, tractionair;
  3. Trade in feed, “paper trade”;
  4. Trade in feed, ”invoicing address”;
  5. Trade in feed, “PO Boxes”;
  6. Affreightment of transport of feed.
5.2.1.4.2. Unannounced surveillance audit

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.6.2

Certification Bodies must not schedule the unannounced surveillance audit within 2 months prior to or following the execution of other audits (initial certification, recertification and announced surveillance audits). Every twelve (12) months, each GMP+ Certified Company can specify 15 days in that year during which the unannounced surveillance audit cannot be performed. If not indicated in advance the unannounced surveillance audit cannot be refused. It is up to the Certification Body to decide whether the legitimate motivation to postpone the unannounced surveillance audit, is justified.

Examples of legitimate postponing of the unannounced surveillance audit are:

  • The Certification Body cannot visit the site of the GMP+ Certified Company because its flooded or there are other extreme weather conditions.
  • The location of the GMP+ Certified Company is closed (yearly closing, maintenance, holiday) or the location of the GMP+ Certified Company is not conducting GMP+ activities (seasonal work).

The following prior notice periods to perform the unannounced surveillance audit are applicable:

  • GMP+ Certified Companies (producers) located in the Netherlands: not allowed.
  • GMP+ Certified Companies (producers) located in Germany: one working day.
  • GMP+ Certified Companies (producers) located in other countries in Europe: two working days.
  • GMP+ Certified Companies (producers) located outside Europe: three working days.

There are several options:

A: Mandatory unannounced surveillance audit

The unannounced surveillance audit is mandatory for GMP+ Certified Companies located in Europe certified for one of the following scopes:

  • Production of compound feed (incl. pet food),
  • Production of premixtures,
  • Production of feed additives,
  • Production of feed materials (incl. pet food).

The unannounced surveillance audit will replace one of the announced surveillance audits during the certification cycle and must be registered in the GMP+ Company Database.

Option B: Voluntary unannounced surveillance audit

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.6.2

  1. In case of the scope Road transport of feed, the requirements in Appendix 5a can be applicable.
  2. In case of paper trade within the scope Trade in feed, the requirements in Appendix 5b can be applicable.

Those who apply for the voluntary unannounced audit, will be obliged to participate during the whole certification cycle. The unannounced surveillance audit will replace one of the announced surveillance audits during the certification cycle and must be registered in the GMP+ Company Database.

B1) For European GMP+ Certified Companies certified for the following scope(s) :

  • Trade in feed,
  • Storage and Transshipment of feed,
  • Road transport of feed,
  • Rail transport of feed,
  • Affreightment (all scopes).

European GMP+ Certified Companies (including GMP+ Certified Companies located in the Netherlands and Germany) who are certified for 1 of the production scopes and therefore obligatory participate in the unannounced surveillance audit for the production scope, can decide whether they want to apply the unannounced surveillance audit also for 1 of the scopes mentioned under option B1.

B2) For all GMP+ Certified Companies outside Europe certified for any GMP+ scope.


The unannounced audit can on a voluntary basis be applied for all scopes in any country.

5.2.1.5. Recertification audit

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.6.3

A GMP+ certificate may or may not be extended, depending on whether the assessment criteria set out in Annex 1 of this document are met. Before the period of validity of the certificate expires, the total certification process must be finished including updating of the GMP+ Company Database (status and data of certificate) through the Certification Body.

If a recertification audit is not carried out before the expiry of the period of validity of the certificate, then an initial certification audit must be carried out. The GMP+ Certified Company is in the intervening period not GMP+ certified.

When the specific conditions described in Appendix 5 are met, the Recertification audit can be performed not at the GMP+ Certified Company location in case of the following scopes:

  1. Road Transport of feed;
  2. Road Transport of feed, tractionair;
  3. Trade in feed, “paper trade”;
  4. Trade in feed, ”invoicing address”;
  5. Trade in feed, “PO Boxes”;
  6. Affreightment of transport of feed;
5.2.1.6. Expansion audit

If a GMP+ Certified Company wishes to expand the range of his already granted certification with an additional scope(s) and the expansion cannot wait until the next audit, the application and determination of the possibility whether or not to approve the expansion must be assessed through the Certification Body.

An Expansion Audit (stage 1 and stage 2) must only be focused on activities for which the expansion is applicable.

As a result of positive assessment of the expansion the Certification Body has to add an additional scope(s) to:

  • a GMP+ certificate
  • GMP+ Company Database
  • GMP+ certification agreement with the GMP+ Certified Company.

5.2.2. Special audits

The following special audits can be applicable, assessment must be done in accordance with Appendix 1.

5.2.2.1. Stricter supervision Audit (SSA)

If 1 or more Major nonconformities are observed through the Certification Body, the GMP+ Certified Company may be placed under stricter supervision for one audit:

  • The cost of this audit is at the expenses of the GMP+ Certified Company.
  • This audit is in addition to the normal audit cycle.
  • The stricter supervision audit will take place, within a period of 3 months.
  • Assessment will be based, but not limited to the established major nonconformity.
  • A Major Nonconformity can also be handled administratively based on conformity measures formulated by the GMP+ Certified Company.

If 1 or more Critical nonconformities are observed through the Certification Body, the GMP+ Certified Company must at least be placed under stricter supervision:

  • The cost of these audits is at the expenses of the GMP+ Certified Company.
  • These audits are in addition to the normal audit cycle.
  • The stricter supervision audits will carried out monthly with a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months.
  • Assessment will be based, but not limited to the established critical nonconformity.
  • One stricter supervision audit must be conducted on-site. It is up to the Certification Body to decide if further stricter supervision audits are necessary. This decision must be motivated and documented.
5.2.2.2. Repeat audit (RPA)

A repeat audit will be performed under the responsibility of the Certification Body. The reason for a repeat audit may be an EWS alert, complaints or incidents, or other special circumstances.

In principle the repeat audit is aimed on these reason(s) but can also be aimed at all requirements of the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme.

  • GMP+ International may ask the Certification Body to carry out a repeat audit on short term in principle in the presence of a GMP+ International auditor and/or a technical expert.
  • The repeat audit must be carried out by a GMP+ auditor. The involved Certification Body must motivate the choice of the GMP+ auditor and document its decision.
  • The deadline will be assessed per case but ultimately determined by GMP+ International.
  • The audit will be on-site. In addition, administrative checks and a sampling may be carried out.
  • The required appointments and communication of the repeat audit will be made with the GMP+ Certified Company by the Certification Body in consultation with GMP+ International.
  • In principle the costs of the repeat audit will be at the expenses of GMP+ International. However, if it appears that 1 or more Critical or Major nonconformities are observed, the costs will be charged to the GMP+ Certified Company.

5.2.3. Extraordinary events

If the Certification Body and/or Critical Location is confronted with an extraordinary event, GMP+ International must confirm this status. Also when the extraordinary event is specific to a company the Certification body must contact GMP+ International to confirm this status. When confirmed by GMP+ International, the Certification Body is obliged to follow the below guidelines based on the IAF Informative Document for Management of extraordinary events or circumstances affecting, Certification Bodies and GMP+ Certified Companies and which are described as follows:

  1. The GMP+ Certified Company or business location does not exist because it is destroyed by terrorist acts or acts of war, or is taken over by soldiers or rebels and/or pandemic flooding, earthquake, or other man-made and natural disasters. The Certification Bodies, Critical/Non-Critical Location and/or Outsourcing Party is informed by the management of the GMP+ Certified Company or business location or receives the information from another source(s). The Certification Bodies, Critical/Non-Critical Location and/or Outsourcing Party is obliged to search for confirmation of the fact from a reliable source. After confirmation, the Certification Body withdraws the GMP+ Certificate and GMP+ International is informed directly in writing, including all the relevant details.
  1. The GMP+ Certified Company or business location is closed by its head office because the region is not safe. The management of the company of the head office informs the Certification Body, Critical/Non-Critical Location and/or Outsourcing Party. The Certification Body withdraws the GMP+ Certificate and GMP+ International is informed directly in writing, including all the relevant details.

The GMP+ Certified Company or business location cannot be audited because GMP+ International confirms the extraordinary event, the Certification Body, Critical/Non-Critical Location and Outsourcing Party must follow one of the 2 options:

    • If the audit frequency cannot be met and assuming that sufficient evidence was collected to provide confidence that the certified management system of the GMP+ Certified Company is effective, considerations may be given to postpone the surveillance or recertification audit for a period not exceeding 3 months. Otherwise the GMP+ Certificate has to be suspended by the Certification Body. During the period of suspension the surveillance or recertification audit must be carried out, otherwise the certificate has to be withdrawn by the Certification Body;
    • Perform the audit Full remote or a Remote partially on-site based on the conditions and requirements of Appendix 6 of this document.

5.2.4. Identifying and Recording audit findings

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.4.5 and 9.4.6

If the applicant organization/GMP+ Certified Company does not comply with the requirements of the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme, the measures and sanctions as specified in Appendix 1 are applicable.

Multi-Site certification:

If non-conformities are observed at the main office, these non-conformities apply to the whole GMP+ Multi-site organization. If non-conformities are observed at the level of a location, this can influence the location and/or the main office. This is to be assessed through the Certification Body.

Audit findings of the individual multi-sites must be considered indicative of the entire system and correction must be implemented accordingly.

5.2.5. Closing meeting

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.4.7

5.2.6. Audit report

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.4.8

For all type of audits, reporting will take place, in accordance with the model reports stated in Appendix 3.

Within a maximum of eight weeks following the execution of the audit, the Certification Body will send the GMP+ audit report/checklist to the applicant organization/GMP+ Certified Company.

The Certification Body must provide a written GMP+ audit report for each multi-site location being audited. It is also possible to integrate it into the GMP+ audit report of the main office.

If this is the case an overview must be included in the GMP+ audit report of the main office showing when all the locations / companies were audited. In both cases, a conform or a nonconform GMP+ checklist for each multi-site location must be uploaded in the GMP+ Company Database. Evidence for conform requirements can also be added to the GMP+ audit report/checklist of the main office.

If GMP+ International requests the GMP+ audit report/checklist then the Certification Body will make these available immediately. In the event of a repeat audit GMP+ International must receive the GMP+ audit report/checklist within five working days.

For all type of audits (including documentation assessment) the following information must be entered into the GMP+ Company Database and shared with GMP+ International within a maximum of eight weeks following the execution of the audit on site:

  • Audit findings/checklist;
  • Nonconformities (if applicable);
  • Final assessment of the applicant organization/GMP+ Certified Company.

For a repeat audit deviations from this are permitted, in consultation with GMP+ International.

5.2.7. Review

The Certification Body must have a process to conduct an effective review of all GMP+ audit reports/checklists, including, that:

  1. the information provided by the audit team is sufficient with respect to the certification requirements and the scope for certification;
  2. for any type of nonconformities, it has reviewed, accepted and assessed the correction and corrective actions;
  3. that assessment of the applicant organization/GMP+ Certified Company took place in accordance with Appendix 1.

The conclusion and date of the review by the technical reviewer must be documented.

The technical reviewer must perform the review independent, meaning that the technical reviewer could not have been part of the GMP+ audit team, also not as an observer.

5.2.8. Certification decision

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.5

5.2.9. Certificate and Temporary acceptance

5.2.9.1. Certificates

A certificate with a maximum period of validity of 3 years may be issued through the Certification Body, calculated from the date of a positive certification decision. The duration of the GMP+ certificate must not exceed the validity of the certification agreement.

Within eight weeks following the execution of the audit, the certificate will be send through the Certification Body to the applicant organization/GMP+ Certified Company.

For multi-site location it must be clear were the multi-site location is certified for according F0.3 Scopes for certification. The main office must be certified for the scopes covering all activities of the multi-site locations.

For issuing a certificate the following applies:

  • The certified multi-site location can be displayed in an Appendix linked to the certificate of the main location.
  • Or an individual certificate can be issued per certified multi-site location, stating the following:
    • That the feed management system of the whole multi-site construction is certified,
    • The activities performed for that specific site / legal entity which are covered by this certification,
    • There must be traceability with the main certificate, e.g. code; and
    • A statement saying “the validity of this certificate depends on the validity of the certificate of the main office”.

Under no circumstances, can this certification document be issued to the name of the site/legal entity or suggest that this site/legal entity is certified (the one certified is the client organization), nor can it include a declaration of conformity of the site processes/activities to the normative document.

Helpful tip

If the GMP+ main office is certified for the scopes production of compound feed and trade in feed and the multi-site locations have a transport scope then the GMP+ main office must also be certified for this scope because the management and control of the feed safety management system of the multi-site construction is centrally controlled at the GMP+ main office.

5.2.9.2. Temporary acceptance

A temporary acceptance with a maximum period of validity of 4 months may be issued through the Certification Body. The duration of the temporary acceptance must not exceed the validity of the certification agreement.

However, if, during the initial certification audit (stage 2), the applicant organization does not appear to comply the GMP+ requirements conform Appendix 1 then the temporary acceptance must be withdrawn.

For multi-site location the following applies:

  • A temporary acceptance will be issued per multi-site locations or mentioned in an Appendix linked to temporary acceptance of the main location.
  • It must be clear where the multi-site location is accepted for according F0.3 Scopes for certification.
5.2.9.3. Certificate and Temporary acceptance templates

The Certification Body must put the following text on the certificate or temporary acceptance:

  1. Text for certificate Feed Safety Assurance

Name of the Certification Body:

GMP+ International registration number of the Certification Body:


Certificate


GMP+ FSA logo


Name, address, location of the GMP+ Certified Company

(Address where GMP+ activities take place)

GMP+ International registration number of the GMP+ Certified Company


FIXED SECTION

=name CB= declares that there is justifiable confidence that the GMP+ scope(s) =as mentioned in F0.3 Scope for certification= at the GMP+ Certified Company =name of GMP+ Certified Company= comply with the applicable requirements and conditions of the GMP+ Feed Safety Assurance Module 2020.


In case of an individual multi-site certificate: “the validity of this certificate depends on the validity of the certificate of the main office”


FREE SECTION

See F0.3 Scope for certification


Registered office of the Certification Body


Certificate number


Start date and end date of certificate

  1. Text for temporary acceptance

Name of the Certification Body:

GMP+ International registration number of the Certification Body:

Temporary Acceptance


Name, address, location of the temporary accepted company

(Address where GMP+ activities take place)

GMP+ International registration number of the temporary accepted company


FIXED SECTION

=name CB= declares that there is justifiable confidence that the GMP+ scope(s) =as mentioned in F0.3 Scope for certification= at the GMP+ temporary accepted company =name of GMP+ temporary accepted company= comply with the criteria of a stage 1 assessment of the applicable requirements and conditions of the GMP+ Feed Safety Assurance Module 2020.


FREE SECTION

See F0.3 Scope for certification


Registered office of the Certification Body


Temporary acceptance number


Start date and end date of temporary acceptance

In addition the following applies:

  1. The data of the GMP+ Certified Company/temporary accepted company must exactly be the same as registered in the legal business registration.
    (for example Chamber of Commerce/registration at competent authority, tax/vat number)
  2. It is mandatory to show the GMP+ FSA logo on the certificate.
  3. It is not permitted to use the GMP+ FSA logo on a temporary acceptance. In addition, the document may not be called a “certificate” but must be designated as a “temporary acceptance”.
  4. It is not permitted to use the logos of Critical Location, non-Critical Location and outsourced party on the GMP+ certificate and temporary acceptance other than the GMP+ accepted Certification Body.
  5. The begin date of the certificate/temporary acceptance is a date which is in any event equal or after the date of the positive certification/temporary acceptance decision.
  6. In case of expansion of scopes the end date of the valid GMP+ certificate may not be extended. The Certification Body can also grant the GMP+ Certified Company a new GMP+ certificate for the additional scope.
  7. It is not permitted to specify brand names in any way whatsoever on the certificate or temporary acceptance.

5.3. Suspension or Withdrawal of a certificate and Temporary acceptance

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.6.5.1

If it is established that a GMP+ Certified Company/temporary accepted company no longer complies with the requirements, sanctions must be imposed immediately, through the Certification Body, in accordance with Appendix 1.

The auditor must report Critical non-conformities as specified in Appendix 1 immediately to the responsible GMP+ coordinator and/or authorized person.

The responsible GMP+ coordinator and/or authorized person must inform GMP+ International within 2 working days of non-compliance with the requirements by using the form Audit Finding Notification Critical Non-conformity in case of:

    • A critical non-conformity,
    • Suspension of the GMP+ certificate ,
    • Withdrawal of the GMP+ certificate.

The GMP+ Company database must be adapted through the Certification Body to status: “suspended or withdrawn” with reason: “does not meet the requirements” within 2 working days. When the Certification Body has determined a critical non-conformity it is not allowed to withdraw the GMP+ Certificate with the reason of withdrawal “cancellation of agreement”. Once the certificate has been suspended or withdrawn the company cannot participate in the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme under any Gatekeeper Protocol.

GMP+ International is entitled to publish the suspended/withdrawn certificates.

5.4. Transfer to another Certification Body

Relevant requirements must apply

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Article 9.5.3.3

During the validity of a GMP+ certificate, a GMP+ Certified Company is entitled to transfer to another Certification Body. Such transfer is subject to the following conditions:

5.4.1. Pre-transfer review

The departing Certification Body is obliged to make available all relevant information/data to the accepting Certification Body/Critical Location in question.

The accepting certification body must have a process for obtaining sufficient information in order to take a decision on certification and inform the transferring GMP+ certified company of the process. This information must as a minimum include arrangements regarding the certification cycle.

The accepting certification body must determine the competence criteria for personnel involved in pre-transfer review. The review may be conducted by one or more persons. The individual or group conducting the pre-transfer review must have the same competence that is required for an audit team appropriate for the scope of certification being reviewed.

The accepting Certification Body/Critical Location must carry out a review of the certification of the GMP+ Certified Company. This review must cover the following aspect and its findings must be documented:

  1. confirmation that the GMP+ certified company’s certification falls within the accepted scope of the departing and accepting certification body;
  2. the reasons for seeking a transfer;
  3. that the site or sites wishing to transfer certification hold a valid certificate;
  4. the initial certification or most recent recertification audit reports, and the latest surveillance report; the status of all outstanding non-conformities that may arise from them and any other available, relevant documentation regarding the certification process.
  5. if one outstanding non-conformity has the classification Critical transfer is not allowed;
  6. complaints received and action taken;
  7. considerations relevant to establishing an audit plan and an audit program. The audit program established by the departing Certification Body should be reviewed if available, and;
  8. any current engagement by the transferring GMP+ certified company with regulatory bodies relevant to the scope of the certification in respect of legal compliance;
  9. Confirmation that the GMP+ Certified Company has no unfulfilled contractual obligations with the departing Certification Body.

5.4.2. Certification process during transfer

After successful pre-transfer review the following conditions apply:

  1. The accepting Certification Body, Critical/Non-Critical Location, Outsourcing Party has to conclude a GMP+ Certification Agreement with the applicant organization (see article 5.1.3.) before submitting the business request “Change of Certification Body” to GMP+ International. A new certification cycle must be started. An Initial certification audit must be carried out.
  2. Open non-conformities issued by the departing Certification Body should be closed before transfer, otherwise the non-conformities must be closed by the accepting Certification Body/Critical Location during the Initial certification audit.
  3. A new certificate must be issued. It is not allowed to transfer a GMP+ Certificate from the departing Certification Body to the accepting Certification Body. A Certification Body is not allowed to accept transfer of a Company which GMP+ Certificate has been suspended or withdrawn. Except for withdrawn on “cancellation of agreement”.

5.4.3. Cooperation between the departing and accepting Certification Bodies

Relevant requirements must apply

IAF Mandatory Document for the Transfer of Accredited Certification of Management Systems – IAF MD 2:2017

Article 2.4

6. Exclusion of GMP+ International liability

GMP+ International has no liability whatsoever with respect to the assessment of applicant organizations/GMP+ Certified Companies through the Certification Bodies. The Certification Bodies in question will indemnify GMP+ International in this respect.

7. Tariffs

The Certification Body will use its own tariff. On behalf of GMP+ International, through the Certification Body, relevant tariff as listed in GMP+ CR4.0 Tariffs are charged.

8. Disputes between Certification Bodies and GMP+ certified companies

Disputes between Certification Bodies and applicant organization/GMP+ Certified Companies with respect to the assessment will initially be handled in accordance with the disputes regulation of the Certification Body. If this does not lead to a solution then the dispute can be handled in accordance with the F0.5 Disputes procedure.

Appendix 1: Assessment criteria and Sanctions for audits GMP+ FSA

Non-conformities are to be classified based on:

  • The general assessment criteria as mentioned in this Appendix
  • The specific assessment criteria as shown in the checklists.

The sanctions specified must be imposed as a minimum. Through the Certification Body it is allowed to impose stricter sanctions.

If in this table is mentioned certificate it also applies for the temporary acceptance.

Classification: Minor non-conformity

Description

Consequences

Period to close


ICA/RCA

SA

GMP+ Certified Companies:

  • · do not comply with GMP+ requirements, incidental nature and feed safety is not adversely affected.

< 10 non-conformities

Certificate can be issued

Certification can be continued

during next on-site audit

≥ 10 non-conformities

Certificate cannot be issued

Certification can be continued

within 6 weeks

Classification: Major non-conformity

Description

Consequences

Period to close

ICA/RCA

SA

GMP+ Certified Companies:

  • cannot close previous minor nonconformity within the deadline as agreed with Certification Body;
  • structural minor non-conformity and feed safety is not adversely affected;
  • do not comply with legislations;
  • do not comply with GMP+ requirements and feed safety may be adversely affected.

Certificate cannot be issued

Certification can be continued but a stricter supervision audit may be performed (see Art. 5.2.2.1)

within 6 weeks

Classification: Critical nonconformity

Description

Consequences

Period to close

ICA/RCA

SA

GMP+ Certified Companies:

  • cannot close previous major nonconformity within the deadline as agreed with Certification Body;
  • structural major non-conformity and feed safety may be adversely affected;
  • do not comply with GMP+ requirements incidental nature and feed safety is adversely affected;
  • under impending prosecution resulting in direct/possible feed safety hazard.
  • reasonably assumed to commit gross negligence, fraudulent actions or economic malpractice and feed safety is/can be adversely affected.

Certificate cannot be issued

*Level 1. Certification can be continued but stricter supervision audits must be performed (see Art. 5.2.2.1)

Within 2 weeks

*Level 2. Certificate must be suspended: maximum 3 months

Lifting of *level 2: Certificate can be continued only possible if the Certification Body can close the critical non-conformity during stricter supervision audit (see Art. 5.2.2.1)

*Level 3. Certificate must be withdrawn at least 1 year excluded from participation in the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme, as well as all Gatekeeper Options

GMP+ Certified Companies:

  • do not cooperate in (planning/conducting) audits by Certification Bodies and/or GMP+ International (not applicable for ICA)
  • do not comply with GMP+ requirements structural nature and feed safety is adversely affected

Certificate cannot be issued

*Level 1. Certificate must be suspended: maximum 3 months

Lifting of *level 1: Certificate can be continued only possible if the Certification Body can close the critical non-conformity during stricter supervision audit (see Art. 5.2.2.1)

*Level 2. Certificate must be withdrawn at least 1 year excluded from participation in the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme, as well as all Gatekeeper Options

* Sanctions can be applied starting at any level.

Appendix 2: Frequency and Audit times

Frequency

Audits must be carried out in accordance with the following cycle.

This is a qualitative representation of the audit cycle for executing GMP+ audits.

The audit times are expressed in days, one day is eight hours. On-site audit times includes stage 1 & 2 for initial certification audit. The tables in this Appendix provide mandatory minimum audit times including preparation and reporting of the audit. The audit time on site must at least be 80% of the total audit time for all types of audits (excluded the cases of not on-site Stage 1 audits and Appendix 6 of this document). When properly documented and justified a reduction to the minimum obliged audit times can be issued to a less complex organization measured by a simple production process, size of the organization, product volume (including a limited number of products), seasonally being active, etc. The GMP+ Certified Company must receive an adapted offer/certification agreement. GMP+ International will check the reasoning and assess this during the annual Certification Body audit.

The Certification Body cannot issue audit time reduction if:

  • It exceeds more than 30% of the minimum obliged audit time.
  • During the validity of the GMP+ certificate an audit time reduction already exists and no changes in activities have occurred.
  • During the last 3 audits at the GMP+ Certified Company 1 Critical non-conformity was established.
  • During the last 3 audits at the GMP+ Certified Company 1 Major non-conformity was established with a structural character or the Major non-conformity resulted in feed safety hazard.
  • During the last 3 audits at the GMP+ Certified Company 20 or more Minor non-conformities were established.
  • Audit time is reduced for a combined audit.
  • Table 2 of this appendix is applied.

In addition, audit time reduction cannot be issued on the audit times of Appendix 4 of this document.

Through the Certification Body audit time reduction can only be granted on the initial certification audit if the Certification Body can demonstrate that they certified the company for another scheme as mentioned in this Appendix and/or an equivalent scheme as mentioned in TS1.2 Purchaseand properly documented and justified. Audit time reductions are not allowed to be used for re-calculation of the minimum obliged audit times, except when during the initial certification audit as stated above.

This temporary deviation from the audit time is valid as long as:

  1. no changes take place in the activities and organisation of the GMP+ Certified Company
  2. no changes are made to this Appendix regarding audit times.
  3. The GMP+ Certified Company does not transfer to another Certification Body. If the GMP+ Certified Company transfers to a new Certification Body, the Certification Body has to assess if an audit time reduction can be issued.

In the event of repeat audits and stricter supervision audits as specified in article 5.2.2, the period of time will apply which is considered necessary through the Certification Body or GMP+ International. The audit times may increase if EWS, complaint, exemptions, incidents, etc, have to be investigated through the Certification Body.

The ranking must be applied as follows:

  1. Production of compound feed
  2. Production of premixtures
  3. Production of feed additives
  4. Production of feed materials
  5. Production of Pet food
  6. Trade in feed
  7. Storage and Transshipment of Feed
  8. Transport of feed
  9. Affreightment

For the calculation of the minimum obliged (Initial Certification audit (ICA); (Un)Announced Surveillance audit (USA/ASA) and Recertification audit (RCA)) audit time for a single site the following formula will be used:

Ts=TD+ TH1 (if applicable)+TFTE

Where:

Ts: minimum audit time

TD: is the basic audit time, in days;

TH1: is the number of audit days for additional GMP+ scopes;

TFTE: Is the number of audit days per number of employees;

Table 1

Minimum obliged audit times : Ts=TD+TH1 (if applicable)+TFTE


Basic audit times in days

N° audit days for each additional GMP+ scope

Total no. of employees (FTE relevant for personnel related to all GMP+ activities, expressed in audit days )

Deductible GMP+ audit times in case of a combined audit with a valid version of equivalent schemes/scopes as mentioned in GMP+ TS1.2 Purchase Deductible GMP+ audit times in case of a combined audit with non-equivalent scopes and schemes

GMP+ scopes

TD

TH1

TFTE



Production of compound feed + +

1,75

0,1875

1 to 19 = 0


20 to 49 = 0,125


50 to 79 = 0,25


80 to 200 = 0,375


>200 = 0,5

Reduction of maximum 75% of the minimum obliged audit times. Reduction of maximum 50 % of the minimum obliged audit times.

Production of premixtures

1,75

0,1875

Production of feed additives

1,75

0,1875

Production of feed materials +

1,125

0,1875

Trade in feed

1,00

0,1875

Storage and Transshipment of feed

1,00

0,1875

Transport of feed

1,00

0,1875

Affreightment

0,70

N.A.

Table 2

Additional requirements for audit time calculation

Each additional production site1 audited

1 day per type of audit.

Each additional production site1 audited, producing compound feed with the use of critical feed additives and/or critical veterinary medical product

1,25 day per type of audit.

Trade in feed ≤ 2 TFTE

Reduction of maximum 0,1875 day per type of audit.

Trade in feed, “forage trade”, ≤ 5 products

Reduction of maximum 0,5 day per type of audit.

Trade to livestock farms

Reduction of maximum 0,75 day per type of audit.

Storage and Transshipment of feed ≤ 5 TFTE

Reduction of maximum 0,1875 day per type of audit.

Road transport of feed, ≤ 2 TFTE

Reduction of maximum 0,63 day per type of audit.

Road transport of feed, 3 - 5 TFTE

Reduction of maximum 0,40 day per type of audit.

Road transport of feed, Tractionairs

Reduction of maximum 0,75 day per type of audit.

Rail transport of feed

Reduction of maximum 0,30 day per type of audit.

Antibiotic-free production line(s) (always additional)

0,50 day per type of audit

Antibiotic-free production site (always additional)

0,25 day per type of audit

Dioxin-monitoring in feed for laying hens (always additional)

0,125 day per type of audit

QM-Milch2 (always additional)

0,125 day per type of audit

Trade in feed, “PO Box”

0,125 day per type of audit

Trade in feed, “Invoicing address”

0,125 day per type of audit

1 Requirements for an additional production site : A site who has a legal or contractual link with the main office of the organization and be subject to a common management system, which is laid down, established and subject to continuous surveillance and internal audits by the main office. This means that the main office has rights to require that the sites implement corrective actions when needed in any site. Where applicable this must be set out in a formal agreement between the central office and the sites.

2 In addition, a deviation of the minimum obliged audit times, including Initial Certification Audit (ICA), can be applicable if the following requirements are met:

  • There is an organization consisting of a main office and sublocations who are all individually QM-Milch certified.
  • The QM-Milch certified sublocations must be subsidiaries of the main office or must have a legal contract with the main office.
  • The following information must be available at the main office:
    • An up-to-date list of QM-Milch certified sublocations resorting under the main office, including legal contracts (if applicable),
    • The centrally developed and maintained QM-Milch monitoring plan,
    • All analysis results,
    • Information of type and quantity of critical feed materials according TS 2.3 Country Note QM-Milch for each QM-Milch certified sublocation,
    • The annual internal audit reports of all locations. All other relevant procedures.
If all these QM-Milch requirements can be assessed at the main office the additional audit times in the table below are applicable for the main office.

0 – 25 companies

26 – 50 companies

51 – 100 companies

101 – 200 companies

> 200 companies

+ 2 hours extra at the main office ICA/RCA/SA)

+ 3 hours extra at the main office (ICA/RCA/SA)

+ 4 hours extra at the main office (ICA/RCA/SA)

+ 5 hours extra at the main office (ICA/RCA/SA)

+6 hours extra at the main office (ICA/RCA/SA)

Helpful tip

Example: A trader with 1 FTE and the additional scope Storage and Transshipment of feed with 2 FTE’s results in 3 TFTE related to GMP+ activities. As a result, the trader in not fitting the criteria Trade in feed ≤ 2 TFTE.

Additional audit times in days for assessing Gatekeeper files

No. Gatekeeper files

minimum of
files to be assessed per 3 years

TS1.2:
4.3.3 Purchase of feed additives, foodstuffs, pharma products, herbs and spices

4.3.4 Purchase of former foodstuffs

4.3.7 Purchase of processed feed materials

TS1.2:
4.3.1 Purchase of unprocessed agricultural products from grower for use in or as feed

4.3.2 Purchase of unprocessed grains, (oil)seeds and legumes out of a collect chain for use in feed

4.3.5 Purchase of palm oil

4.3.8 Purchase of feed for feed trial

4.4.1 Purchase of road transport

4.4.2 Purchase of inland waterway transport

4.4.3 Purchase of storage and transshipment

1 to 5

All

0,125 per file

0,063 per file

6 to 10

5

0,125 per file

0,063 per file

11 to 15

6

0,125 per file

0,063 per file

16 to 30

7

0,125 per file

0,063 per file

31 to 50

8

0,125 per file

0,063 per file

51 to 100

9

0,125 per file

0,063 per file

> 100

10

0,125 per file

0,063 per file

Appendix 3: Reporting Model or Audit report and Inspection checklist

Reporting Model A:

1 General details

Details of main location:

Name of the GMP+ Certified Company:

Address:

Postal code and location:

Telephone:

E-mail:

GMP+ registration number:

Legal business registration number:

Contact person:

Spoken with:

Name

Function







Assessment is performed in accordance with GMP+ Feed Certification scheme 2020.

Overview of all business locations (incl. head office) and GMP+ scopes

GMP+ registration number

Name

location

Address

Postal code, Place, Country

Applicable GMP+ scopes

Expiry date of current certificate or temporary acceptance:














List of locations in the event of multi-site certification (if applicable)

GMP+ registration number location

Name of location

Address

Postal code, , Place, Country

Applicable GMP+ scopes

Audit date







Audit details:

□ Initial certification audit – on si te

□ Initial certification audit – Full remote

□ Initial certification audit – Remote partially on site

□ Announced surveillance audit – on site

□ Announced surveillance audit – Full remote

□ Announced surveillance audit – Remote partially on site

□ Announced surveillance audit - Hybrid

□Unannounced surveillance audit – on site

□ Unannounced surveillance audit – Full remote

□Unannounced surveillance audit – Remote partially on site

□ Unannounced surveillance audit – Hybrid

□ Recertification audit – on site

□ Recertification audit – Full remote

□ Recertification audit – Remote partially on site

□ Expansion audit – on site

□Expansion audit – Full remote

□ Expansion audit – Remote partially on site

□ Repeat audit

□Stricter supervision

□ Documents assessment (in the event of a temporary acceptance)

□ Audit/Inspection* time (in days)

□ Combination audit yes/no applicable quality scheme:

□ Other;

Date of document assessment :

Date of audit :

Report date :

GMP+ Certified Companies representative including name and position:

Documents assessed :

Certification Body :

(Lead) Auditor(s) :

Co-auditor 1 :

Co-auditor 2 :

Technical expert(s) :

Name: ________________ Signature (Auditor) ______________________

2 Scope GMP+ Certified Company/locations.

Specify the type of GMP+ Certified Company and its activities. Describe the products and quantities. Specify the nature and the numbers of personnel (permanent, temporary) per location. Describe the organisational structure. Also take note of other companies on the same site or under the same holding (with similar names or incompatible activities). Provide a brief summary of the whole process and documentation of the management system, for example purchasing, production process, storage, sales and transport of main and subsidiary product streams (focusing on the relationship with the activities covered by the application). Also indicate whether the GMP+ Certified Company applies the Gatekeeper principle and describe the activities .

3 Audit objectives.

The audit objectives must describe what is to be accomplished by the audit and must include the following topics:

  1. Determination of the conformity of the client’s feed safety management system, or parts of it, with audit criteria,
  2. Evaluation of the ability of the Quality Management System to ensure the GMP+ Certified Company’s organisation meets applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements.
  3. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Quality Management System to ensure the GMP+ Certified Company’s organisation is continually meeting its specified objectives.
  4. as applicable, identification of areas for potential improvement of the management system.

4 Deviation from the audit plan/significant issues impacting the audit program.

Reason for deviation to be mentioned and significant issues impacting the audit program.

5 Which topics have been assessed and concluded.

In general, it must be clear in the report what has been assessed and what was the conclusion of the auditor.

Verification of effectiveness of taken corrective actions regarding previously identified nonconformities, if applicable.

Per audit objective a conclusion must be given.

6 Summary of the assessment and a general conclusion.

Start with a standard phrase such as “The GMP+ Certified Company was audited for a surveillance audit of the GMP+ requirements. The GMP+ Certified Company was assessed for the requirements of the applicable GMP+ scopes”.

Indicate whether the nonconformities observed in the previous audit have been resolved.

Make a summary per location and in total.

Give a brief summary of the general impression of the quality system of the GMP+ Certified Company.

Possible postscript after a final assessment by the technical reviewer: review of additional documents and follow-up.

Number of audit nonconformities observed

Location

During previous audit

During audit

At final assessment


Number of audit nonconformities

Number of audit nonconformities

Number of audit nonconformities


Critical

Major

Minor

Critical

Major

Minor

Critical

Major

Minor











Audit conclusion: the GMP+ Certified Company meets/fails to meet requirements of the GMP+ standard.

Measures and sanctions: conformity audit, repeat audit, stricter supervision (including period of time), suspension, withdrawal.

7 Appendices

Checklists used, report forms for audit nonconformities.

Note: non-conformities observed must also be recorded in the English/German or Dutch language.

Reporting Model B:

Audit Report/Inspection Checklist*

(This is an impression of the Audit Report/Inspection Checklist*, consult for the latest version always the Audit Report/Inspection Checklist* processed in the GMP+ Database/Audit app)

Certification Body

Certification Body


Company Details

GMP+ Registration Number


Company Name


Company Relation


Address


Postal Address


Legal Business Registration Number


Telephone 24/7


Email Address


Spoken with, name and function


Gatekeeper files


Number of gatekeeper files - TS1.2


4.3.3 Purchase of feed additives, foodstuffs, pharma products, herbs and spices

4.3.4 Purchase of former foodstuffs

4.3.7 Purchase of processed feed materials




Number of gatekeeper files - TS1.2


4.3.1 Purchase of unprocessed agricultural products from grower for use in or as feed

4.3.2 Purchase of unprocessed grains, (oil)seeds and legumes out of a collect chain

4.3.5 Purchase of palm oil

4.3.8 Purchase of feed for feed trial

4.4.1 Purchase of road transport

4.4.2 Purchase of inland waterway transport

4.4.3 Purchase of storage and transshipment


Number of FTE’s


Vessel Name


Vessel Owner


Vessel Registration Number/EU Number


Vessel Size in Tons


Total Cubic Content


Number of Holds


Type of Hatch Cover


Floor Type (steel, wood)


Certification

Scope

Standard

Certified Since

Start Date

End Date






Company Relation

Connected To

Company Relation

Audit/Inspection* Details

Audit/InspectionDate


Report Date


Certification Body


Certification Body - GMP+ Registration Number


(Lead) Auditor/Inspector


Guide


Co-Auditor 1


Co-auditor 2


Reviewer


Observer


Technical/Material Expert


Remote

Yes/No Method

Audit/Inspection* Type


Audit/Inspection* times (in days)


Combined Audit


Certificate Combined Scheme

Yes/No Validity

* Initial Certification audit (ICA) Surveillance audit (SA) Unannounced Surveillance audit (USA) Recertification audit (RCA), Compliance audit (CA), Stricter Supervision audit (SSA), Repeat audit (RPA), Document assessment (DA)

Scopes and Standards of the audit


Audit Objectives

The audit objectives must describe what it is to be accomplished by the audit and must include the following topics:

a) Determination of the conformity of the client’s feed safety management system, or parts of it, with audit criteria,

b) Evaluation of the ability of the Quality Management System to ensure the GMP+ Certified Company’s organisation meets applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements,

c) evaluation of the effectiveness of the Quality Management System to ensure the GMP+ Certified Company’s organisation is continually meeting its specified objectives,

d) As applicable, identification of areas for potential improvement of the management system.

Deviation from the audit plan/significant issues impacting the audit program.

Reason for deviation to be mentioned and significant issues impacting the audit program.

General Information

The defined processes and documentation of the management system developed by the GMP+ certified company/applicant organization.

GMP+ Certified Company/Location

The defined processes and documentation of the management system developed by the GMP+ certified company/applicant organization.

Audit Requirements

Art. No

Scope/Activity

Standards

Audit Topic

Compliance

Verification of effectiveness of taken corrective actions regarding previously identified nonconformities, if applicable.

Audit Conclusion

Per audit objective an conclusion must be given.


Final Assessment

Approved/Not approved

Date, place

Signature Auditor,

Date, place

Signature Reviewer,

Date, place

Signature Client,

Appendix to the report NCR form yes/no

* When the terminology inspector / inspection / inspection checklist is used this refers to the scope Inland waterway transport and short sea shipping of feed as secured in CR 3.0.

Appendix 4A: Multi-site certification

Multi-site certification is possible:

  1. at a GMP+ Certified Company with a main office with 100% subsidiaries, or
  2. at a group of companies which have joined together as a quality community.

A multi-site organization does not have to be a unique legal entity, but all multi-site locations must have a legal or contractual link with the main office of the multi-site organization and be subject to a common management system, which is laid down, established and subject to continuous announced surveillance and internal audits by the main office. This means that the main office has rights to require that the multi-site locations implement corrective actions when needed in any multi-site location. Where applicable this must be set out in a formal agreement between the main office and the multi-site locations.

Multi-site certification is not to be used if various independent companies have joined together in a branch organisation, union, federation, association, via an independent consultancy office or similar.

Multi-site certification is not permitted for the scopes:

  • Production of Compound Feed;
  • Production of Premixtures;
  • Production of Feed Materials;
  • Production of Feed Additives.

Multi-site certification is permitted for all scopes of:

  • Trade in feed;
  • Storage and Transshipment of feed
  • Transport of feed;
  • Affreightment.

Helpful tip

If, for example, a group of companies consist of multiple production locations and storage locations, the production locations in this group cannot be certified under multi-site but for the storage locations this is possible.

1. General requirements

  1. The multi-site organization falls under the same quality system which is managed by the main office. This quality system complies with the relevant GMP+ standards and there must be compliance at all multi-site locations with the relevant GMP+ requirements (see also the helpful tip under Certification).
  2. The same methods and procedures are used at the multi-site organization.
  3. Corrective actions may be imposed from the main office on multi-site locations.
  4. There must be a written agreement between the multi-site locations the main office. This agreement must be signed by all the participating parties and the signed agreement must be present at the main office and available to the auditor. The agreement will include at least:
    1. a commitment by the multi-location to the main office that it will comply with the requirements set in the quality system.
    2. that corrective actions imposed by the main office are binding
    3. that the above applies to all feed activities (and therefore those which are carried out more or less independently).
  5. All the multi-site locations are included in the programme of internal audits. The internal audit must be performed 1 x per year at all multi-site locations.
  6. The main office must show that it is able to collect data from every multi-site location, to analyse the data and, where necessary, to implement changes with respect to:
    1. System documents and changes
    2. Management review
    3. Complaints handling
    4. Corrective actions
    5. Planning of internal audits and improvement measures.
  7. In case of unprocessed products all multi-sites locations must be located in the same country or in the bordering regions of neighbouring countries.

1.1 Certification

Before an initial certification audit can take place, a unique certification agreement/certification agreement template including the main office and the multi-site locations must be concluded and also the internal audit report must be available to be handed over to the Certification Body for assessment.

Helpful tip

If the main office is certified for a production scope and the multi-site locations are certified for a transport scope and/or a trading scope, the main office must also be certified for this scope (transport and/or trade) because the management and control of the feed safety management system lies centrally at the main office.

Audit frequency for a multi-site organization:

  • With a main office and equal or less than 20 multi-site locations, all multi-site locations must be audited at least once during one certification cycle.
  • With a main office and more than 20 multi-site locations, all multi-site locations must be audited at least once during two consecutive certification cycles.

The main office must be audited annually.

If a new multi-site location joins a multi-site organization, an assessment of the relevant subjects must take place at the main office and the new multi-site location must be audited before adding the location into the multisite construction. When requirements are met, Appendix 5 is applicable.

Minimum obliged audit times in days per for multi-site organizations

Location

Number of FSA employees*/ products

Minimum time expenditure per FSA audit per location

Main office

Audit times as mentioned in Appendix 2 increased with extra audit times per included multi-site location of 0,251 day up to a maximum of 1,25 day.

Multi-site location Trade in feed

≤ 5 products

6-15 products

>15 products

0,25

0,375

0,50

Multi-site location Storage and Transshipment of feed


0,25

Multi-site location Road transport of feed.

≤ 5 FTE 2

6-15 FTE 2

>15 FTE 2

0,25

0,375

0,50

Multi-site location Road transport of feed, tractionair


0,125

Multi-site location Affreightment


0,25

Multi-site location with both Storage and Transshipment of feed and Road transport of feed.

≤ 5 products

6-15 products

>15 products

0,25

0,375

0,50

Multi-site location with Storage and Transshipment of feed and/or Road transport of feed and/or Trade in feed.


0.50

1 If the multi-site is a tractionair 0,125 day is applicable.

2By the number of employees is meant the sum of the number of employees (including part time employees as percentage of FTE) per audited multi-site location.

1.2 Additional requirement

A transport company/tractionair can only be certified under multi-site requirements if the transport company/tractionair carries out all the transport of GMP+ assured feed for the main office exclusively. If this is not the case the transport company/tractionair must be independently certified.

Appendix 4B: Multi-site certification for trade to livestock farms

TS 3.1 Trade to livestock farms

For companies which apply TS 3.1 and which have extra storage locations and/or extra sales points or sales outlets, it is possible to make use of this option of multi-site certification.

Two types are distinguished for Distribution Centre (DC):

  1. DC acts as the only supplier of the brokers. In this case DC can be seen as a part of the sales points and therefore falls under certification for TS 3.1. Multi-site certification is possible.
  2. DC is one of the suppliers of the brokers. DC acts much more independently with respect to the brokers (and vice versa) as mentioned under a. In this case DC is seen as an “ordinary” trader and must become certified for the scope trade in feed. Multi-site certification is not possible.

1. General requirements

To be eligible for multi-site certification under TS3.1 Trade to livestock farms the multi-site organization must comply with the following criteria:

  1. The multi-site organization has a main office from which activities are planned and directed
  2. The multi-site organization has a network of storage locations and/or sales points
  3. All storage sites and/or sales points fall under the same quality system which is managed from the main office. This quality system must be based on the GMP+ standard and all the multi-site locations must meet the GMP+ requirements;
  4. The same methods and procedures are used at all multi-site locations.
  5. All the multi-site locations are included in the programme of internal audits
  6. Corrective actions may be imposed from the main office on all storage locations and/or sales points
  7. The main office must demonstrate that it is able to collect data from every multi-site location, to analyse the data and, where necessary, to make changes with respect to:
    1. System documents and amendments
    2. Complaints handling
    3. Corrective actions
    4. Planning of internal audits and improvement measures
  8. If the main office is not the owner of the extra storage locations and/or extra sales points, the main office must have a written agreement with the multi-site locations (storage locations and/or sales points) in which they state:
    1. to sell GMP+ certified feeds directly to the livestock farmers. Selling to other GMP+ certified companies is not permitted;
    2. that the purchase of GMP+ certified feeds will only take place via the main office;
    3. to provide full cooperation to the main office with respect to the activities which are described in all the above points of this option.

This agreement must be signed by all the brokers participating in this Multi-site organization and the signed agreement must be present at the main office and must be available for assessment by the auditor.

In addition, all multi-site locations which have signed an agreement must be known to the Certification Body. The size of the random sample can be determined based on this data.

1.1 Certification

In the event of Multi-site certification for TS3.1 the audit frequency for the extra storage locations or extra sales points (with the exception of the main office) may be reduced in accordance with the following schedule:

Initial certification-, recertification- and (un)announced surveillance audit

Number of multi-site locations /sales points (without main office)

1

2

> 3

Number of multi-site locations to be audited

100% / 3 years

100% / 3 years

33% / 3 years

Minimum audit time to be spent per audit in days:


Minimum audit times per audit

Extra storage location

0,125

Extra sales point

0.188

As all storage locations and/or sales points must work in accordance with the same methods and procedures and under the same quality system, the assessment of the documentation can remain limited to verification of the presence of up-to-date documentation and the completeness of the documentation with respect to the multi-site location.

Appendix 5: Audits – Not at GMP+ Certified Company location

Road transport of feed:

For the scope Road transport of feed the announced surveillance and recertification audit may also take place at another location than the registered offices of the GMP+ Certified Company.

The following requirements apply:

  1. The GMP+ Certified Company falls into the category: 1-5 FTE.
  2. The GMP+ Certified Company does not have its own working area.
  3. No changes are applicable to the company location and/or activities.
  4. The GMP+ Certified Company offers at least 1 loading compartment which is used for GMP+ transport (trailer / semi-trailer, etc.) for checking.
  5. The alternative location is suitable for carrying out audits:
    1. Checking of loading compartments causes no hazardous situations for those involved or bystanders.
    2. If there is a collective check (multiple companies are invited for audit at the same time) then the privacy of individual companies must be guaranteed.

Road transport of feed, tractionair:

For the scope Road transport of feed, tractionair the initial certification audit, announced surveillance audit and recertification audit may also take place at another location than the registered offices of the GMP+ Certified Company.

The following requirements apply:

  1. The GMP+ Certified Company does not have its own working area.
  2. No changes are applicable to the company location and/or activities.
  3. The alternative location is suitable for carrying out audits:
    1. If there is a collective check (multiple companies are invited for audit at the same time) then the privacy of individual companies must be guaranteed.

Trade in feed, “paper trade” and “invoicing address”:

For the scope Trade in feed “paper trade” and “invoicing address” the announced surveillance audit and recertification audit may also take place at another location than the registered offices of the GMP+ Certified Company.

The following requirements apply:

  1. The alternative location is suitable for carrying out audits.
  2. No changes are applicable to the company location and/or activities.

Trade in feed, “PO Boxes”:

For the scope Trade in feed “PO Boxes” the initial certification audit, announced surveillance audit and recertification audit may also take place at another location. During the initial certification audit the Certification Body has the responsibility to establish that the PO Box complies with the definition of a PO Box inF0.2 Definition list.

Affreightment of transport of feed:

For the scopes Affreightment of Inland waterway transport, short sea shipping, rail transport, road transport and sea transport, the announced surveillance audit and recertification audit may also take place at another location than the registered offices of the GMP+ Certified Company.

The following requirements apply:

  1. The alternative location is suitable for carrying out audits.
  2. No changes are applicable to the company location and/or activities.

Appendix 6: Remote audits

GMP + International establishes 3 types of Remote options of performing audits that can be used by certification bodies when fulfilling the following conditions:

1.1 Full Remote audit

1.1.1 Definition

See F0.2 Definition list.

1.1.2 Applicability

Performing an audit using the option Full remote is only applicable when all the below criteria are fulfilled:

  1. During an extraordinary event;
  2. For the scopes: Trade in feed (all products) and Affreightment (all scopes) in both GMP+ FSA and FRA modules (if applicable). These scopes cannot be combined with other scopes;
  3. For the Initial Certification Audit, Announced surveillance Audit, Unannounced surveillance audit, Recertification Audit, Expansion audit (within the 2 beforementioned scopes) and adding a multi-site location (within the 2 beforementioned scopes).

1.1.3 Specific requirements

Prior to the audit, the Certification Body must perform (optional for Hybrid audit) and document a risk assessment with at least the following risks that have a significant impact on the audit:

  • Use of the ICT tools: familiarity of the auditor, guide and the auditee with the communication application (Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.);
  • Possibility of using cameras during the whole audit (incl. plant tour) – live connection;
  • Availability of a secure ICT tool for transferring documents and screensharing;
  • Availability of FSMS documents/records in electronic format;
  • Forgery of the digital evidences;
  • Quality of the Internet connection between auditor, guide and auditee;
  • Impact on the audit planning;
  • Impact on the audit duration;
  • Impact on audit agenda;
  • Impact on audit preparation;
  • The way of performing a remote audit;
  • Auditor and auditee capability of communicating (incl. reading and understanding the FSMS documents);
  • Maturity of the certified organization’s FSMS and nonconformity history;
  • Time zone difference between auditor and auditee (when applicable);
  • The site’s operability (when feed is processed and/or physically handled);
  • Auditor has sufficient knowledge of the company (size, complexity, processes, interactions, etc.);
  • When applicable, Assessment of previous report.

1.1.4 Audit Time

The audit time of an audit using the Full remote option must comply with the minimum obliged audit times as described in Appendix 2 of the GMP+ CR 2.0.

1.1.5 Auditor Competences

The competences of the lead auditor must comply with article 4.3.6.1 and Appendix 2 of the GMP+ CR 1.0.

1.1.6 General Requirements

The remaining requirements for the certification process (CR 2.0 - Chapter 5.2) must be followed as a regular on-site audit.

These remaining requirements are:

  • Requirements for Initial Certification Audit, Announced surveillance Audit, Unannounced surveillance audit, Recertification Audit and Expansion audit;
  • Requirements for conducting an audit: Opening meeting, Identifying and recording audit findings, Closing meeting.
  • Requirements for Audit report, Review, Certification decision and Certificate.

1.2 Remote partially on-site audit

1.2.1 Definition

See F0.2 Definition list

1.2.2 Applicability

Performing an audit using the Remote partially on-site option is only applicable when all the below criteria are fulfilled:

  1. During an extraordinary event.
  2. For scopes: Production of- feed materials, feed additives, premixtures and compound feed, Trade in feed (all products), Storage and transshipment of feed, Road Transport of feed, Rail transport of feed, Affreightment (all scopes) in both GMP+ FSA and FRA modules (when applicable).
  3. For the Initial Certification audit, Announced surveillance audit, Unannounced surveillance audit, Recertification audit, Expansion audit and adding a multi-site location.

1.2.3. Specific requirements

See GMP CR2.0 Appendix 6 §1.1.3

In addition: the impartiality of the guide must be secured.

1.2.4 Audit Time

The audit time of an audit using the Remote partially on-site option must comply with the minimum obliged minimum audit times as described in Appendix 2 of the GMP+ CR2.0.

1.2.5 Auditor competences

An audit using the Remote partially on-site option must be performed by a GMP+ auditor or an audit team containing at least a GMP+ lead auditor and the Guide (Definition F0.2).

The competences of the lead auditor must comply with article 4.3.6.1 and Appendix 2 of the GMP+ CR1.0.

During the audit, the Guide is under the responsibility of the Certification Body and must not draw conclusions during the audit. It is the responsibility of the Certification Body to determine if the Guide is competent.

1.2.6 General Requirements

The remaining requirements for the certification process (CR 2.0 - Chapter 5.2) must be followed as a regular on-site audit.

These remaining requirements are:

  • Requirements for Initial Certification Audit, Announced surveillance Audit, Unannounced surveillance audit, Recertification Audit and Expansion audit;
  • Requirements for conducting an audit: Opening meeting, Identifying and recording audit findings, Closing meeting.
  • Requirements for Audit report, Review, Certification decision and Certificate.

1.3 Hybrid audit

1.3.1 Definition

See F0.2 Definition list

1.3.2 Applicability

Performing an audit using the Hybrid option is applicable:

  1. For any Announced surveillance audit and Unannounced surveillance audit in a regular certification cycle;
  2. For scopes: Production of- feed materials, feed additives, premixtures and compound feed, Trade in feed (all products), Storage and transshipment of feed, Road Transport of feed, Rail transport of feed, Affreightment (all scopes) in both GMP+ FSA and FRA modules (when applicable).

This option of audit may only be used once per certification cycle (1 of the Surveillance audits).

1.3.3 Specific requirements

Before the audit using the Hybrid option is conducted, the decision with the reason(s) to perform the hybrid audit must be documented. The chapter §1.1.3 of this Appendix can be used for this decision.

1.3.4 Audit time

The audit time of an audit using the Hybrid option must comply with the minimum obliged audit times as described in Appendix 2 of the GMP+ CR 2.0.

The minimum time spent on-site must be 25% of the audit time and the Certification Body must document its decision. The maximum interval between the remote part and on-site part of the audit is one month.

1.3.5 Auditor competences

The competences of the lead auditor and auditor(s) (from the remote and on-site parts of the audit) must comply with article 4.3.6.1 and Appendix 2 of the GMP+ CR 1.0.

1.3.6 General Requirements

The remaining requirements for the certification process (CR 2.0 - Chapter 5.2) must be followed as a regular on-site audit.

These remaining requirements are:

  • Requirements for Announced surveillance Audit and Unannounced surveillance audit;
  • Requirements for conducting an audit: Opening meeting, Identifying and recording audit findings, Closing meeting.
  • Requirements for Audit report and Review.