Applying for a GMP+ certificate: step-by-step plan

You do not get a GMP+ certificate from GMP+ International itself. You work with an independent certification body, which carries out the audit and issues the certificate. GMP+ International manages the requirements and the database that lists certified companies.

The process has four steps. First you read the requirements that belong to your scope. After that you work on them, choose a certification body and let the audit take place. You can read which scope you need on Who is GMP+ for?. You can read whether it is mandatory for you on Is GMP+ mandatory?.

The duration of each step differs per company. Ask your certification body about this. They can make a schedule based on your company.

The steps in brief

Read the requirements and define the scope

Read basic document R1.0 for animal feed safety or R5.0 for responsibility, together with the technical specifications that belong to your activity. Decide which module and which scope apply to you.

Work on the requirements

Set up your processes so that they meet the requirements. Think about tasks and responsibilities, production instructions, cleaning procedures and a quality manual.

Choose a certification body and sign a contract

Find an independent certification body in the GMP+ database. Request at least two quotes. You then sign the contract with the body, which becomes your fixed point of contact and carries out all audits.

Audit and certificate

The certification body assesses your documentation and visits for an on-site audit. After a positive outcome, you receive the GMP+ certificate. Certified companies are then listed in the GMP+ database.

Step 1: read the requirements and define the scope

The starting point is the documentation on gmpplus.org . For animal feed safety, that is R1.0 with the technical specifications TS1.1 to TS1.11. For responsibility, that is R5.0 with the Market Initiatives that belong to your raw materials and sectors.

Read the main document first. That text sets out which requirements apply to your company. You do not need to work through every part, only the parts that belong to your activity.

A fictional example: Brabantse Premix B.V. (fictional) makes premixes and supplies them to feed mixing plants. The company reads R1.0 and the specification on the product list. It sees that it only needs the requirements for production and delivery. That tells it what it needs to arrange.

Step 2: work on the requirements

Here you record who does what, write instructions for production and arrange cleaning. The purchasing of raw materials must also meet the requirements.

You do not have to do this alone. You can bring in a registered consultant. That costs extra money.

Brabantse Premix (fictional) chooses to go through the work instructions with a consultant. That way the company is sure the instructions cover the requirements before the auditor comes.

Step 3: choose a certification body

Certification bodies are independent. They are listed in the GMP+ database . You choose one and request a quote. The quote is based on the minimum audit duration, including preparation and reporting.

Request several quotes. Check what is included: travel time, accommodation costs and the number of locations. For less complex companies, the minimum audit duration can be reduced by up to 30 per cent. The conditions are set out in CR2.0. Companies with several locations may qualify for a scale discount.

Once you have chosen, you sign a contract with the body. It becomes your fixed contact person and carries out all later audits. For prices and rates, see costs and timeline.

Step 4: the audit and the certificate

The certification body first reviews your documentation. After that, an auditor visits your site. The auditor goes through the processes, looks at your administration and checks whether the work is done the way you have recorded it. You can read how this works on audit and assessment.

After a positive outcome, the certification body issues the certificate. A standard certificate is valid for three years. Each year, an interim audit takes place within a window of twelve to fourteen months. Read more on validity and renewal.

What do you need to arrange beforehand?

A short checklist before you start:

Decide which module and scope apply to your company.
Make sure there is a person responsible for the GMP+ requirements.
Gather your existing procedures, purchasing records and cleaning schedules.
Ask your buyers which scope they require.
Request quotes from at least two certification bodies.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a GMP+ certificate myself without a consultant?

Yes. A consultant is not required. GMP+ points out that a consultant costs extra. You must still be able to show that you meet the requirements. Ask your certification body whether it is feasible for your company without external help.

How long does it take before I have the certificate?

The duration depends on how far your processes are already in order and on how busy the certification body is. Ask your certification body about this. They can make a schedule based on your company.

Where can I find a certification body?

In the GMP+ database . It lists the certification bodies accepted by GMP+ International. Also check whether the body is active in your country and for your scope.