The GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody (CoC) certification is a crucial tool for ensuring the integrity and traceability of products bearing the GLOBALG.A.P. label throughout the supply chain. It guarantees that any product sold with the GLOBALGAP claim or displaying the logo with the GGN number genuinely originates from a GLOBALG.A.P.-certified production process. 

 
The GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody (CoC) allows stakeholders in the supply chain to demonstrate management systems that protect the segregation, identification, and traceability of products derived from GLOBAL GAP certified production processes. 

What is GLOBALG.A.P. IFA Chain of Custody (CoC)? 

The CoC is an essential tool for any company handling or trading products from GLOBALG.A.P.-certified production processes. The standard applies to a wide range of company types and sizes in the supply chain (producers, packers, brokers, processors, logistics companies, retailers, restaurants) that sell products with a GLOBALG.A.P. claim, including subcontractors handling the products. The CoC certification is available for companies (legal entities) under Option 1, meaning that if a company operates multiple facilities, all facilities must be individually audited. 

Requirements of the Standard Include: 

  • Full traceability of products during transport and processing. 
  • Strict product segregation protocols to prevent mixing with non-certified products. 
  • Continuous monitoring and documentation at each supply chain point. 
  • Ensuring transparency and product safety for consumers. 

The CoC standard is suitable for all involved entities in the supply chain, such as producers, distributors, processors, and traders, adding value and trust to their products and enhancing access to international markets. 

The CoC Certification Does Not Apply to: 

  • Stakeholders to whom the CoC certification is not relevant. 
  • Producers with certified production processes under IFA. Retailers who purchase, handle, and sell products derived from GLOBALG.A.P.-certified production processes only in consumer-ready packaging. 
  • Transport companies (including sea/air transport) that do not own the products derived from GLOBALG.A.P.-certified production processes. 

Why You Need GLOBALG.A.P. IFA Chain of Custody Certification (CoC): 

With the GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody certification, companies can: 

  • Ensure transparency and traceability of products throughout the supply chain. 
  • Demonstrate their commitment to high standards of sustainability and responsible production. 
  • Strengthen the trust of partners and customers by ensuring product quality and legitimacy. 
  • Increase access to markets that require stringent traceability and certified product standards. 

Benefits of CoC Certification: 

  • Increased Consumer Trust: CoC certification assures consumers that the products they buy are certified and reliable. 
  • Access to International Markets: Enhances companies’ ability to penetrate new markets with strict traceability and quality requirements. 
  • Compliance with International Standards: Helps businesses meet international regulatory requirements and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable management. 

GLOBALG.A.P. IFA CoC Certification Process 

The certification process includes the following steps: 

First Year 

  1. Initial Review: Review of the producer’s application, acceptance, and registration in the GLOBALG.A.P. database. 
  2. Audit Scheduling: Setting the audit dates. 
  3. Audit: On-site audit of facilities, personnel, quality system, records, and procedures according to the standard requirements. For a producer group, the quality system is reviewed, along with the square root of producers by type of crop (annual, under cover, and perennial) and the square root of the packing houses. 
  4. File Review and Certification Decision: Technical review of the audit file and decision on certification. 
  5. Certificate Issuance: The certificate is valid for one year, with a possible four-month extension under condition. 
  6. Surveillance Audit: In the case of group certification, 50% of the square root of producers per crop type (annual, under cover, and perennial) is inspected to maintain certification. 

Each Subsequent Year 

  1. Initial Review: Review of the producer’s application, acceptance, and registration in the GLOBALG.A.P. database. 
  2. Audit Scheduling: Setting the audit dates. 
  3. Audit: On-site audit of facilities, personnel, quality system, records, and procedures according to the standard requirements. For producer groups, the quality system is inspected, along with the square root of producers per crop type, minus the number of producers checked in the previous year’s surveillance audit (reduction applies only if no non-conformities were found), and the square root of the packing houses. 
  4. File Review and Certification Decision: Technical review of the audit file and decision on certification. 
  5. Certificate Issuance: The certificate is valid for one year, with a possible four-month extension under condition. 

Target Audience and Industry Needs GLOBALG.A.P. CoC certification is aimed at: 

  • Distributors and Exporters: Seeking to ensure high safety and quality standards. 
  • Retail Businesses: Requiring certified suppliers to meet consumer demands. 
  • Processing and Manufacturing Companies: Wanting to demonstrate supply chain transparency and reliability. 
  • Cooperatives and Producer Groups: Looking to add value and competitiveness to their products. 

Frequently Asked Questions about GLOBALG.A.P. CoC Certification 

What does CoC certification cover?

It covers all supply chain processes, ensuring traceability and quality from production to the final product. 

How can certification benefit my business?

It provides a competitive advantage, increases customer trust, and enhances the business’s reputation. 

What are the main requirements for obtaining certification?

They include implementing traceability, documentation, and quality assurance management systems. 

How long does the certification process take?

It typically ranges from a few weeks to months, depending on the complexity and size of the business. 

How long is the certificate valid?

The certificate is valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits. 

Q-CERT is an accredited certification body by ESYD for GLOBALG.A.P. standards and offers comprehensive certification services throughout Greece and internationally. 

For more information or any questions, please contact our certification body Q-CERT or visit the official website of GLOBALG.A.P. 

Audit Information & ExpectationsApplication Form
F-2711F-2514