Who needs GMP+? Production, trade and transport

GMP+ is intended for companies that work in the animal feed chain. The links that fall within the scheme are listed in the table below. The exact scope classification is set out by GMP+ International .

Not every link has the same requirements. A compound feed mill must demonstrate different things than a lorry driver who delivers feed. That is why GMP+ works with scopes and modules. What these mean for your company is explained below. Whether you actually need GMP+ is covered on Is GMP+ mandatory?.

A company that does not handle animal feed or animal feed ingredients falls outside this scheme. Think of a bakery that only produces for people.

The links in the animal feed chain

An animal feed chain runs from raw material to livestock farmer. Each link can have its own requirements. The table below shows which companies fall under GMP+ in practice.

Link	Examples	What you must demonstrate
Animal feed producer	Compound feed, premixes, pellets, pet food	Safety of the production process and the raw materials. Possibly also the FRA requirements if you claim sustainability
Supplier of raw materials and additives	Grain, soya, minerals, vitamins, animal feed additives	Origin, quality and control of the products you supply
Trade	Traders who buy feed and resell it without their own production	Traceability and control of the companies you trade with
Storage	Silos, warehouses and distribution centres for feed	Hygiene of storage and prevention of cross-contamination
Transport	Lorries, inland shipping and companies that transport feed	Clean and suitable vehicles, and documented cleaning procedures

The exact scope classification and the modules per link are set out by GMP+ International. Ask your certification body which scope applies to your activity. They know the rules best and can translate them to your company.

Example: a fictional transport company

Vrachtlijn Zuid B.V. (fictional) transports compound feed from two mills to livestock farms in Brabant. The company does not make feed itself and owns no silo. It does have four tanker trucks.

A large manufacturer asks Vrachtlijn to hold GMP+. The company therefore falls within the transport link and needs a scope that fits that link. The work consists of transport, cleaning of the tanks and keeping transport documents. These are the topics Vrachtlijn must sort out first before it can meet the requirements.

Vrachtlijn asks its certification body to confirm the scope for transport. This way the company avoids being given requirements meant for a factory.

When do you fall outside the scope?

You fall outside GMP+ if your company never comes into contact with animal feed or animal feed ingredients. A company that only works in human food does not need GMP+.

The in-between cases are harder. A company that buys feed, mixes part of it itself and sells it on usually falls under more than one link. In that case, have the scope determined per activity. A certification body can go through this with you.

Do not choose your scope based on the cheapest quote. A scope that does not fit your work gives you no usable certificate for your customers.

How do you determine your scope?

Start with a list of what your company does. Think of purchasing, production, storage, transport and sales. For each activity, note whether you do it yourself or outsource it. This is the basis for your conversation with a certification body.

Then ask your largest customers which scope they require. Sometimes this is set out in their purchasing terms. If it is not, simply ask.

It can help to look at what your neighbours in the chain do. A supplier that already holds GMP+ can tell you which scope it chose and why.

Frequently asked questions

Does a haulier that only transports feed also need GMP+?

If your customers require it, yes. Feed hauliers fall within the scheme. The requirements cover clean vehicles, cleaning and transport documentation. Ask which scope your customers expect.

My company makes feed and trades in raw materials. Which scope do I need?

You often need more than one scope. Determine which scope fits each activity. Ask your certification body to go through this with you, so you do not do double work.

As a livestock farmer, am I also obliged to hold GMP+?

This scheme covers companies that produce, trade, store or transport animal feed. Whether a livestock farmer falls under it depends on their own contracts and the rules that apply to their business. Ask your customer or the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) .