How To Get Global G.A.P. Certified For A Food or Beverage Product 

Getting the Global G.A.P. Farm-assured certification for your food or beverage product can be done in these five simple steps. Let’s get started.

Download The Required Global G.A.P. Standards Documents

Since the Global G.A.P. body has made the certification process easier, the first step is to download the relevant standardized documents from the website. Log on to www.globalgap.org, locate the “Document Center” to get download access to the relevant documents and checklists.

These documents and checklists provide applicants with the requirements from the Global G.A.P. body on the certification process. The downloads are free and not expected to be on other platforms aside from www.globalgap.org. Ensure you understand you familiarise yourself with each phrase on the document after download.

Watch For Specific Requirements For Your Country

Since the Global G.A.P. certificate extends to food or beverage companies across the globe, watch out for your country’s specifications. Compare the offers provided by the different certification bodies in your country and choose your preferred C.B. (certification body).

Once you’ve chosen your preferred C.B., register your food or beverage product with them to get your designated Global G.A.P. Number (G.G.N.). The G.G.N. is a vital part of the certification process as it tags all activities, screenings, and checks done under your food or beverage product alias.

Practice Self-Assessment Using The Checklist

Not many know this, but the checklist was provided on the Global G.A.P. website to hint applicants on what to expect during an inspection. Since you have a layout of the inspection routine and requirements, you’d be aiding the certification process by preparing ahead of the visit.

The self-assessment presents your food or beverage production facility the opportunity to adjust its operations following the standards of Global G.A.P. Ensure your team assists with the preparation process, and everyone’s briefed on the changes and expectations during the inspection.

Schedule An Appointment With The Certification Body (C.B.)

Unlike other certifications, the C.B. is responsible for assigning qualified personnel for the production site inspection. After carrying the self-assessment and briefing your team on the expectations, schedule an appointment with the C.B. This is usually done by reaching out to the certifying body via email on your preferred date for the inspection.

The approved C.B. then assigns a certified inspector to carry out what’s considered to be the first on-site inspection of your product. There’d be a series of follow-up inspections in the future if your product gets the Global G.A.P. certification. However, this is the first from the certification body, and the inspector expects every detail to be perfect.

Receive Your Global G.A.P. Integrated Certificate

Once your food or beverage product meets the requirements and your facility complies with the standards from the C.B., you should expect to receive the certification. The Global G.A.P. integrated certification is proof that your products are farm-assured following the appropriate guidelines. Like most food or beverage certifications, this is also valid for one year, and the certification body expects you to reach out for renewal.