GMP+ transport and storage: requirements for logistics companies

Hauliers and storage companies that transport, handle or store animal feed can certify for GMP+. Transport and storage belong to the FSA module, the safety part of the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme . The transport scope is called B4. Storage and handling as a service for other companies fall under B3, the scope for trade, collection, storage and handling.

The general requirements are set out on GMP+ requirements per module. You can read the difference between the modules on FSA and FRA.

The scope you need depends on what you do. Transporting to the customer is different from storage that you sell to other companies.

Which scope fits which activity?

The scheme makes a distinction between transport to the customer and storage for other companies. Transport of feed to the customer falls under B4. Storage and handling that you offer as a service to other companies fall under B3.

Activity	Scope	Example
Transporting feed to a livestock farmer	B4 transport	A lorry that drives mixed feed to farms
Storage and handling for other companies	B3 trade, collection, storage and handling	A silo that stores raw materials for several customers
Transport by inland waterway or short sea shipping	B4, sub-scope B4.3	A cargo ship that carries feed over inland waters or on short sea routes

The B-documents contain the requirements per scope. Always check which version applies, because it differs per scope. You can find the list of B-documents on the GMP+ B-documents page .

What do you need to be able to demonstrate?

For a haulier, the focus is on demonstrating compliance. The B4 documents set out which records you must keep. The B3 documents for storage set out the same for storage. They also cover how you ensure traceability per load. Ask your certification body for these documents, so that you have the right version.

Why customers ask for it

A livestock farmer or feed manufacturer that only works with certified parties asks for the certificate. That is the customer’s choice.

Whether GMP+ is mandatory for your company depends on the rules for your activity. Ask your certification body about this. In practice, what your customers require often determines what you need.

An example: transport and storage in one company

Van Loon Transport B.V. is a fictional company with five lorries. It drives mixed feed to livestock farmers in the region. The company has no silos of its own. It therefore only needs the B4 transport scope.

Opslag Rijnhaven C.V. is a fictional company with three silos. It stores and loads raw materials for other feed companies. This company applies for the B3 scope for storage and handling. If it also transports feed to customers, it adds B4.

Both companies are business partners. Van Loon collects raw materials from Rijnhaven. Because both are certified, they work with each other within the same scheme.

Common mistakes

Seeing storage as transport. Storage that you offer as a service to other companies falls under storage, not transport.
Certifying only the vehicle. The requirements cover the whole process, from loading to unloading.
Using an old version of the document. Scope documents receive new versions. Always use the version your certification body applies.

Frequently asked questions about GMP+ transport and storage

Does a haulier need GMP+?

That depends on your customers and on the rules for your activity. Some buyers only work with certified parties. Ask your customers which requirements they set.

Do storage and transport fall under the same scope?

No. Transport to the customer falls under B4. Storage and handling that you offer to other companies fall under B3. You can hold both.

What does certification cost for a haulier?

That depends on your scope, the number of locations and the certification body. Read the explanation on GMP+ costs and timeline and request a quote.