GMP+ certification: what is GMP+ Feed Certification?
GMP+ Feed Certification is the certification scheme of GMP+ International for safety and responsibility in the animal feed chain. The Dutch feed sector set it up in 1992, after contaminated feed caused serious incidents. The scheme applies to companies from raw material to end product, from production to transport.
The scheme has two modules. GMP+ FSA (Feed Safety Assurance) covers animal feed safety. GMP+ FRA (Feed Responsibility Assurance) covers responsible production, such as sustainable raw materials and the origin of soya. A certified company is checked every year by an independent certification body.
Whether you need GMP+ depends on your role in the chain and on what your buyers require. Read this on Is GMP+ mandatory?. The European rules for animal feed are set out in Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 (EU Feed Hygiene Regulation) , and GMP+ builds on them.
GMP+ is a certificate for your company. It is not a legal licence. You also need a registration or approval from the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) if you make or trade animal feed.
GMP+ in brief
| What is it? | Certification scheme for animal feed safety and responsibility |
| Managed by | GMP+ International |
| Modules | GMP+ FSA (safety) and GMP+ FRA (responsibility) |
| Who is it for? | Animal feed producers, traders, storage, transport and suppliers of raw materials and additives |
| Mandatory? | Not by law. It is often a requirement from buyers in the chain |
| Certification bodies | Independent certification bodies, which also carry out the audits |
| Validity | Three years as standard, with an annual audit |
| Database | The GMP+ database shows certified companies and certification bodies |
On this page
Below are the main topics of the GMP+ section. Start with the question of whether GMP+ applies to you. After that, you can see who needs it and how to apply. The cards take you straight to the topic you are looking for.
What the law says and when buyers require GMP+.
Is GMP+ mandatory?Which link in the animal feed chain needs which scope.
Who is it for?From reading the requirements to holding the certificate.
Step-by-step planWhat the costs consist of and how to compare quotes.
Costs and timelineWhich documents and technical specifications apply.
Requirements per moduleThe difference between feed safety and feed responsibility.
FSA and FRAWhat the requirements mean for carriers and storage companies.
Transport and storageHow long a certificate lasts and what the annual audit involves.
Validity and renewalWhat the certification body checks and how to prepare.
Audit and assessmentHow to look up certified companies and bodies.
GMP+ databaseHow the scheme relates to HACCP systems.
GMP+ and HACCPRegulation (EC) No 183/2005 and what it requires of you.
LegislationShort answers to the questions that come up most often.
Frequently asked questionsSources
- GMP+ International - Feed Certification scheme
- GMP+ FSA-requirements
- GMP+ FRA-requirements
- Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 - EUR-Lex