Technical news – Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) entries

Previously communicated on 10 November 2023

We hereby inform you that we decided to allow a transition period for the full implementation of IT systems’ smart process (i.e., issuing certificates in Validation Service-VS and uploading reports in Audit Online Hub).

GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat will allow from 1 January 2024 CBs to conduct the entire audit process for all the certification options for Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) version 6 Smart, IFA v6 GFS and the linked add-ons in the current GLOBALG.A.P. database. This will be allowed for a period and will be terminated with a new announcement by the Secretariat.

During this period, CBs will be able to register, accept and issue IFA v6 certificates for all certification options for the plants and aquaculture scopes, for both IFA v6 Smart and IFA v6 GFS, and for the linked add-ons’ versions in the GLOBALG.A.P. database, issuing their own paper certificates/letter of conformances by using the paper certificate templates that are available in CB Extranet.

CBs may use AOH to upload their checklists (when available) and database as well, following AOH upload rules for legacy process (now applicable for GLOBALG.A.P. database too) for all new standards and add-ons, obligatory from the 1 January 2024. CBs may still use AOH for the standards that do not change on the 1 January 2024, e.g., CoC, IFA v5.4-1 GFS and IFA v5.2 sub scopes CC or PPM.

CBs may choose to issue certificates via the VS or make the certification decision in the current GLOBALG.A.P. database and issue paper certificates.

View this technical news edition in full

As already communicated, IFA v5.2 sub scopes fruit and vegetables, flowers and ornamentals, the aquaculture scope, and both IFA v5.2 and IFA v5.3-GFS for hops will be phased out on 31 December 2023 and IFA v6 Smart will become mandatory on 1 January 2024. This date is linked to the audit date and IFA v5.2 and IFA v5.3-GFS for hops certificates issued after these audits will be valid until their “valid to” date, as usual.

Where the purpose of the audit/inspection is the extension or maintenance of valid existing IFA v5.2 certificates, further audits/inspections against this version are allowed in the following situations:

• Adding of additional products to the certificate of an IFA v5.2 certified producer/producer group

• Adding of new producer group members and/or production sites to the certificate of an IFA v5.2 certified producer group/multisite producer with QMS (within the 10% or above the 10%),

• Planning the 10% additional unannounced audits/inspections during the validity of IFA v5.2 certificates, as required in IFA v5.2.

For initial audits where no valid IFA v5.2 certificate already exists no audits against this standard are allowed anymore from 1 January 2024.

Please consider that the first audits of certificate holders (Option 1/Option 2) already certified to IFA v5.2/IFA v5.4-1-GFS against IFA v6 are considered subsequent (recertification) audits. This means that the rule requiring 10% of the subsequent audits to be unannounced applies to these certificate holders and CBs shall consider this new rule in their audit planning for year 2024.

The IFA v5.2 subscopes plant propagation material and combinable crops will remain valid and CB audits may be conducted against them after 1 January 2024.

IFA v5.4-1-GFS for FV and AQ will still be valid, and audits will be possible against this IFA version until GFSI benchmarking is achieved.

IFA v5.4-1-GFS will be replaced by IFA v6 GFS with a transition period allowed after the benchmarking process has successfully finished.

View this technical news edition in full

Previously communicated on 27 July 2023

We would like to remind you that CBs will need to get accreditation for IFA v6 at scope level. CBs shall be accredited for IFA v6 Smart by 31 December 2023 at the latest.

If not, after January 2024, the CBs will remain “provisionally approved” and will be allowed to issue a limited number of nonaccredited certificates (to a maximum of 20 producers per scope) starting the calculation from that date.

Both the IFA v6 Smart and IFA v6 GFS editions require accreditation, but both can be achieved in one audit. Accreditation body (AB) witness audits for IFA v6 GFS will also cover IFA v6 Smart.

The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat allowed CBs that are provisionally approved for IFA v6 Smart to issue an unlimited number of nonaccredited certificates for IFA v6 Smart until 31 December 2023.

The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat does not require a new office assessment from the AB as a precondition for the CB’s accreditation for IFA v6.

The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat will be applying for International Accreditation Forum (IAF) evaluation. The IAF mark cannot appear on the certificate until the IAF evaluation has been successfully completed.

View this technical news edition in full

If a legal entity requests in parallel IFA v5.4-1-GFS and IFA v6 GFS certification for the same products, the IFA v6 certificate may be issued via Validation Service or GLOBALG.A.P. Database and the IFA v5.4-1-GFS certificate is issued in the GLOBALG.A.P. database.

In such cases (parallel certification of production processes for same products against IFA v5.4-1-GFS and IFA v6 GFS), CBs shall align the valid to date of both certificates (IFA v6 GFS certificate and IFA v5.4-1-GFS), to avoid double charge of GLOBALG.A.P. fees.

The Secretariat will cross check data of GGNs with double certification with same valid to date and will not charge IFA v5.4-1-GFS fees.

When we have parallel IFA v6 Smart and IFA v6 GFS certification or IFA v6 Smart and IFA v5.4-1-GFS certification for the same products, fees will be charged as described in GLOBALG.A.P. general fee table 2021.

View this technical news edition in full

Previously communicated on 14 February 2024

View this technical news edition in full

Previously communicated on 12, 18, and 29 January 2024

Due to the war in Israel and the Palestinian territories, and the dramatic earthquake that occurred in Japan early in January 2024 in the prefectures of Ishikawa, Fukui, Niigata, Toyama, and Nagano, the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat offered the possibility to activate the emergency procedure for certificate validity extension for a maximum period of six months.

In addition, certification bodies that are not able to conduct on-site inspections/audits due to the current official travel restrictions and state of emergency circumstances (“force majeure”) in Israel (including Israel and the Golan Heights; Israel and the West Bank), Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, and in Japan in the prefectures of Ishikawa, Fukui, Niigata, Toyama, and Nagano, are allowed to conduct inspections/audits remotely following the GLOBALG.A.P. Remote procedure (version 1.3)/GLOBALG.A.P. Full Remote procedure version 6 (for IFA v6 Smart audits).

The time frame for the application of the GLOBALG.A.P. Remote procedure is:

• Up to 30 June 2024 for Israel, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories

• Up to 30 July 2024 for Japan’s prefectures of Ishikawa, Fukui, Niigata, Toyama, and Nagano

If further extension of the time frame of validity for applying the GLOBALG.A.P. Remote procedure is required, it will be communicated in a timely manner by the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat.

The emergency procedure allowed for Ecuador was valid from 12 January 2024 to 15 February 2024.

The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat will continue to communicate updates on this topic and remains available to respond to questions or concerns.

View this technical news edition in full

Previously communicated on 11 January 2024

The GLOBALG.A.P. data access rules have been updated. Version 4.1 of the data access rules became mandatory on 1 February 2024 and is now available in GLOBALG.A.P. document center.

Changes made

• Revisions in the data access group for CBs: visibility of company master data to certification bodies added (for search options)

• New data access group for benchmarked certification system owners added and benchmarking added as a separate section (section 6)

• New section added for historical data in VS

• Removed: Produce Safety Standard (PSS) and product attribute “no use of antimicrobials” (IFA v6 for aquaculture)

• Added: “authorized by” in certification data

• For PHA and GRASP: minor updates

New search option for certification bodies/verification bodies

• After having accepted a company as their client, the CB or verification body (VB) will gain access to the company data registered in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems as well as to product and certification data (including the certification history). Once a CB/VB is linked to a GLOBALG.A.P. identification number to issue an Option 2/Option 4 certificate, all producer group members linked to this GLOBALG.A.P. identification number will be visible to the CB/VB.

• Accordingly, any references to “CB” in sections 3, 4, and 6 only refer to the CBs and/or VBs of which the affected company is a client.

Data access group: benchmarked certification system owner – new definition added

• This data access group exclusively represents benchmarked certification system owners (BCSOs). BCSOs are independent organizations which own a scheme/checklist that has been benchmarked by the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat and recognized as equivalent to a GLOBALG.A.P. standard or add-on. BCSOs only have access to data related to producers who are certified to their own benchmarked scheme/checklist.

Data access group: public user – clarifications added

• Any user of the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems without a personalized account is considered a “public user” and granted public access rights. Public users may apply for and be given accounts to use certain services, however, their access rights will not be changed.

About historical data

• The visibility of the data which is particularly required for integrity purposes, reports, or validations related to the consumer labeling is limited to a certain period of time as specified. This also applies to data related to companies that are suspended and/or have terminated their sublicense and certification/registration agreement(s) with their CB(s)/VB(s).

• Historical data is available to BCSOs for only those periods during which the affected company had at least one product certified to the relevant BCSO’s scheme/checklist. Data regarding previous certification to other GLOBALG.A.P. standards and add-ons is not available to BCSOs.

• Personal data, if any, will be deleted in accordance with applicable data protection laws notwithstanding the periods defined.

About producer group members/production sites/product handling units (for IFA v6)

• Where the standard allows group certification, data is also visible for Option 2 producer groups (certificate holder), but not visible by default for producer group members. Producer group member data is only visible to the respective data access group unless access has been granted by the producer group member. For IFA v6: The producer group controls data access and visibility for the linked producer group member sites and product handling units (PHUs) (including central PHUs) jointly and uniformly.

Clarifications for GRASP

• Possible GRASP results: for GRASP v2: GRASP letter of conformance and the results of the GRASP assessment: conformance, non-conformance, and not applicable

• For GRASP v2: Public users can retrieve the information via the IFA certificate as it is identical.

• For GRASP v2: The GRASP assessment number is not available to public users.

New section for BCSOs (section 6)

• Section 3.2 (standard/company data) is copied to section 6; for BCSOs, read Option 3 instead of Option 1 and Option 4 instead of Option 2.

• Section 3.3 (product/certification data): If product data is not relevant to a benchmarked scheme/checklist, this data is not displayed at all for the respective scheme/checklist (e.g., parallel ownership).

• Audit checklist and results: Available and shared in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems if requested by the BCSO and released according to these data access rules as defined in the scheme rules (for benchmarked schemes) or GLOBALG.A.P. normative documents (for benchmarked checklists). If audit checklist data is not available in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems, agglomerated audit checklist data will be shared with the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat by the BCSO.

• Quantity data (availability to market participants): Configuration voluntary for the BCSO. If the BCSO makes it mandatory for their producers, the data will be available to market participants.

The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat recommended that CBs communicate this information to their producers.

View this technical news edition in full

There have been some updates to the GLOBALG.A.P. product list.

The latest versions of the GLOBALG.A.P. product list (v5.19 and v6.0_Mar24) are available on the GLOBALG.A.P. website:

GLOBALG.A.P. product list v5.19

GLOBALG.A.P. product list v6.0_Mar24

Added clarification in the GLOBALG.A.P. product list about ornamental classifications (potted plants and plants with/without fruits):

• Note 2: If fruit trees (e.g., olive trees, apple trees, etc.) and shrubs (e.g., blueberries, etc.) are produced as ornamentals (to be planted) and not as food (the plant, parts of the plant, or fruit), then these are classified in the product category flowers and ornamentals. If the tree or shrub bears edible parts at the time of sale (e.g., lemon trees), then IFA fruit and vegetable certification applies, and residue testing is required.

• Note 3: If potted (or bagged, or naked-root) fruit and vegetable plants are produced for human consumption in the first season of fruiting or harvest (the plant, parts of the plant, or fruit), then IFA fruit and vegetable certification applies, and the products shall be registered according to the edible part of the plant (e.g., tomato, cucumber, strawberry, etc.). If the edible part of the plant is not present at the time of sale, residue testing is not required. If potted (or bagged, or naked-root) plants are intended for ornamental use only, then IFA flower and ornamental certification applies.

View this technical news edition in full

The GLOBALG.A.P. educational video series is a free e-learning tool to support stakeholders in understanding risk assessments and their many benefits.

Developed in response to input and questions from our stakeholders, the six-chapter video series is tailored to producers and trainers who want to learn more about on-farm risk assessments. Each chapter tackles a technical topic in less than five minutes, providing key information in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.

1. Risk assessments – General introduction

2. Risk assessments – Preparing a risk assessment

3. Risk assessments – Preharvest water risks and mitigation

4. Risk assessments – Postharvest water risks and mitigation

5. Risk assessments – Food fraud risks and mitigation

6. Risk assessments – Food defense system risks and mitigation

CBs are encouraged to inform their clients directly about the availability of this free resource to support their adoption of GLOBALG.A.P. certification programs. The educational video series is now available on the GLOBALG.A.P. website.

View this technical news edition in full

GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations – rules for Certification Bodies clause 8.1.p, GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations – Rules for QMS clause 7.1.d and GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations – Rules for individual producers clause 7.1.d currently read:

“Where the country of destination (as registered in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems) includes the USA and/or Canada, the CB shall provide the final CB audit report including the completed audit checklist to the producer, at the latest by the time of the certification decision.”

Here we would like to inform you that the text is amended for IFA v6 GFS as following:

“CBs shall provide the final CB audit report including the completed audit checklist to producers registered for any GLOBALG.A.P. GFSI benchmarked standard, at the latest by the time of the certification decision.”

View this technical news edition in full

Herewith we communicate amendment of Rules for GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations – Rules for QMS point 5.2.4 clause 9.1 additional requirements for IFA V6 GFS and GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations–Rules for individual producers, clause 5.2.4 under 8.2 additional requirements for IFA V6 GFS.

CBs shall complete a risk assessment on producers that switch between any GFSI-approved Certification Programmes to any GLOBALG.A.P. GFSI benchmarked standard. This risk assessment shall consider, but shall not be limited to, such aspects as:

• Unannounced audits

• Suspensions

• Withdrawals

• Cancellations, etc., by the previous certification programme.

In all cases, audits of producers moving from another GFSI benchmarked Certification Programme to a GLOBALG.A.P. GFSI benchmarked standard shall always be considered as an initial audit and not a subsequent (recertification) audit.

View this technical news edition in full

We would like to inform you that P&Cs FV-GFS 11.01 and of AQ 17.02 are amended to include text:

“Where the root cause is related to significant food safety reasons, the procedure in place shall be implemented and maintained for the determination and implementation of corrective actions. Such actions shall aim to eliminate the cause of a nonconformity to prevent reoccurrence.”

View this technical news edition in full

As it reads in Rules for QMS point 6.1.2.1.e for v6 GFS “at least 25% of the sample shall be randomly selected from the actual number of producer group members/production sites.”

We would like to remind CBs to record in GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems (AOH) the producer group members/production sites randomly selected.

View this technical news edition in full

IFA v6 National Interpretation Guideline (NIG) templates were updated to include new point 7 about legal identification number. The new NIG templates were launched in document center on 13 September 2023. Registration of legal entities with their unique legal registration number is not mandatory. It is up to the NTWG of each country to decide on mandatory use of this number and include this requirement in the respective country's NIG.

View this technical news edition in full

We would like to remind all CBs to use the most recent version of the SLCA (latest version 5) that is available in CB Extranet. Current ones are with separate Privacy Notice except those for North America/Canada.

View this technical news edition in full

We have already communicated in the past that IFA v6 certificates issued in GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems following the smart IT process (in Validation Service-VS) are issued in English. CBs can download them and send to the producers. Until more languages are available in VS, CBs may translate the certificate in the local languages, including all information from the English one originated from VS. The same applies for certificates issued in GLOBALG.A.P. database.

A disclaimer shall be added to all certificates issued in VS and translated by the CBs to advise users to refer to the English certificate issued in GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems, that is the original one. CBs shall add in the translated certificate the “Certificate No.” number from the English certificate issued in VS.

CBs shall always share with producers together with the translated version the English certificate issued in GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems.

View this technical news edition in full

Previously communicated on 18 and 19 October 2023

As of Saturday morning, 7 October 2023, the security situation has worsened in Israel. The country is in official situation of war. This poses significant risk on producers, certification body auditors and other personnel involved in GLOBALG.A.P. certifications.

GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat therefore is from now offering the possibility to activate the emergency procedure for certificate validity extension for a maximum period of six months.

In addition, the certification bodies that are not able to conduct an on-site inspection/audit due to the current official travel restrictions and state of emergency circumstances (“force majeure”) in Israel (including Israel and Golan Heights -Israel; Israel and West Bank -Israel) , Lebanon and in the Palestinian Territory may conduct the inspection/audit remotely following the GLOBALG.A.P. Remote Procedure (ver. 1.3). The time frame for the application of GLOBALG.A.P. Remote Procedure starts with immediate effect and will terminate by 31 December 2023. If further extension of the validity of application of the procedure will be required, it will be communicated in a timely manner by the Secretariat.

GLOBALG.A.P. Remote Procedure was introduced as a response to the coronavirus crisis and was published in May 2020. The GLOBALG.A.P. Remote Procedure solution is applicable to the majority of GLOBALG.A.P. standards and add-ons, with the exception of GFSI-recognized editions.

The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat will continue to communicate updates on this topic and remains available to respond to questions or concerns. In the meantime, we call for peace.

View this technical news edition in full

We would like to remind the CBs approved for IFA v6 Smart/GFS for aquaculture that there is a relevant change in the food safety requirements for postharvest activities in IFA v6 Smart/GFS for aquaculture, when compared with IFA v5.4-1-GFS for aquaculture:

In IFA v5.4-1-GFS for aquaculture, the requirement is to have a Codex Alimentarius-based HACCP food safety system documented and implemented, while in IFA v6 Smart/GFS for aquaculture the criteria reads that the third-party certified Codex Alimentarius-based HACCP system shall be accredited.

View this technical news edition in full

Transition tool to IFA v6 FO now available

We are pleased to announce the launch of the IFA v6 FO transition tool for the flowers and ornamentals product category, a checklist designed to facilitate a smooth transition from the previous version of IFA v5.2 to IFA v6 Smart FO. This valuable resource will assist producers in aligning their current programs with the updated requirements outlined in the latest version of the standard.

What is the IFA v6 FO transition tool?

The IFA v6 FO transition tool serves as a support tool for producers as they navigate the transition to IFA v6 FO. By mapping the requirements in IFA v5 and IFA v6 FO side by side, this checklist enables producers to identify gaps in their current programs and make necessary adjustments.

What the transition tool is not

It is important to clarify that the use of the IFA v6 FO transition tool is not obligatory. While it displays aligned requirements side by side, it does not provide a comprehensive and detailed list of all the specific changes and differences between the versions. Additionally, it does not highlight specific differences in the requirements. The tool’s primary purpose is to assist producers in aligning their current programs with the new requirements and identifying areas of improvement during the transition process.

How can the transition tool be used?

Producers preparing for IFA v6 FO audits can leverage the tool to ensure a smooth transition. During internal audits, producers can use the tool to respond to the upcoming requirements of IFA v6 FO, identify gaps in their current programs, and take corrective actions to align with the new version. CBs are encouraged to inform their clients directly about the availability of this tool to facilitate a seamless transition.

The IFA v6 transition tool for flowers and ornamentals is now available on the GLOBALG.A.P. website.

Other transition tools to IFA v6 GFS/Smart

As previously communicated in TN 02/2023, the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat has launched the IFA v6 transition tools for other scopes/product categories, in order to facilitate a smooth transition from the previous IFA version to IFA v6.

CBs are encouraged to inform their clients directly about the availability of this tool to facilitate a seamless transition. All the IFA v6 transition tools are now available on the GLOBALG.A.P. website.

Fruit and vegetables, GFS edition – English

Fruit and vegetables, GFS edition – Spanish

Fruit and vegetables, Smart edition – English Fruit and vegetables, Smart edition – Spanish

Aquaculture – English

Flowers and ornamentals – English

View this technical news edition in full

This P&C can be non-applicable (N/A) when:

• The producer/the producer group only owns GLOBALG.A.P. products (no parallel ownership)

or

• When there is a written agreement available between the producer/the producer group and the buyer not to use the GGN on producer’s final product packaging

or

• When there is a market label specification that prevents the producer/producer group from using the GGN on the producer’s final product packaging

In all cases where the GGN is not used on final product when there is parallel ownership, there shall be at minimum a system in place to identify the product originating from certified production. There shall be written information in place between the buyer and the producer/producer group which explains the system. All agreements and communication shall be documented and available during the CB audits.

View this technical news edition in full

We would like to inform you that GLOBALG.A.P. General Regulations – Rules for Certification Bodies clause 14: Additional requirements for IFA V6 GFS 12.3.5 i) and 13.3.5 i) are to be replaced by the following text:

The CB shall have in place a procedure to ensure that annually every auditor conducts at least five on-site audits, at a number of different producers.

In the case of a CB auditor approved for GFSI recognized GLOBALG.A.P. standards, the five on-site CB audits required for maintenance of competency shall be against any GLOBALG.A.P. GFSI benchmarked GLOBALG.A.P. standards and at least one annual on-site audit against the respective GFSI recognized GLOBALG.A.P. standard.

If this requirement cannot be met, the CB auditors shall carry out 5 on-site audits against any GFSI-approved Certification Programmes (see list here) and at least one annual on-site audit against the respective GFSI recognized GLOBALG.A.P. standard.

For example, a CB auditor may conduct 4 audits to any GFSI-approved Certification Programme and only one audit to IFA v6 GFS to maintain competency for IFA v6 GFS.

View this technical news edition in full

GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations – rules for Certification Bodies clause 8.1.p, GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations – Rules for QMS clause 7.1.d and GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations – Rules for individual producers clause 7.1.d currently read:

“Where the country of destination (as registered in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems) includes the USA and/or Canada, the CB shall provide the final CB audit report including the completed audit checklist to the producer, at the latest by the time of the certification decision.”

Here we would like to inform you that the text is amended for IFA v6 GFS as following:

“CBs shall provide the final CB audit report including the completed audit checklist to producers registered for any GLOBALG.A.P. GFSI benchmarked standard, at the latest by the time of the certification decision.”

View this technical news edition in full

Herewith we communicate amendment of Rules for GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations – Rules for QMS point 5.2.4 clause 9.1 additional requirements for IFA V6 GFS and GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations–Rules for individual producers, clause 5.2.4 under 8.2 additional requirements for IFA V6 GFS.

CBs shall complete a risk assessment on producers that switch between any GFSI-approved Certification Programmes to any GLOBALG.A.P. GFSI benchmarked standard. This risk assessment shall consider, but shall not be limited to, such aspects as:

• Unannounced audits

• Suspensions

• Withdrawals

• Cancellations, etc., by the previous certification programme.

In all cases, audits of producers moving from another GFSI benchmarked Certification Programme to a GLOBALG.A.P. GFSI benchmarked standard shall always be considered as an initial audit and not a subsequent (recertification) audit.

View this technical news edition in full

We would like to inform you that P&Cs FV-GFS 11.01 and of AQ 17.02 are amended to include text:

“Where the root cause is related to significant food safety reasons, the procedure in place shall be implemented and maintained for the determination and implementation of corrective actions. Such actions shall aim to eliminate the cause of a nonconformity to prevent reoccurrence.”

View this technical news edition in full

As it reads in Rules for QMS point 6.1.2.1.e for v6 GFS “at least 25% of the sample shall be randomly selected from the actual number of producer group members/production sites.”

We would like to remind CBs to record in GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems (AOH) the producer group members/production sites randomly selected.

View this technical news edition in full

Here we would like to share further clarification about the rule presented in the IFA v6 residue monitoring system (RMS) checklist:

“In the framework of GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody (CoC) certification for the plants scope, the supply chain actor (e.g., trader) has the option to participate in an RMS audited by a CB or to operate their own RMS. An RMS in the framework of CoC certification means the additional monitoring of maximum residue limits (MRLs) and does not replace the requirement for producers to demonstrate compliance with the P&Cs referring to residue analysis in the framework of IFA certification. Operating an RMS or participating in an RMS is not a requirement for CoC certification” (see the IFA v6 RMS checklist, “Rules” tab, “RULES FOR THE RESIDUE MONITORING SYSTEM”).

Where the supply chain actors (e.g., traders) offer an RMS for their suppliers to demonstrate compliance with P&C FV-Smart/GFS 32.07.02, this RMS shall be in compliance with IFA v6 RMS checklist requirements (site-based sampling). This is not a mandatory part of CoC certification.

Where the supply chain actors (e.g., traders) operate an RMS for their traded products, the samples are volume-based (tonnage) and the monitoring is an additional assurance for markets of destination. This is not a mandatory part of CoC certification. This does not replace the requirement for compliance with P&C FV-Smart/GFS 32.07.02.

View this technical news edition in full

Transition tool to IFA v6 FO now available

We are pleased to announce the launch of the IFA v6 FO transition tool for the flowers and ornamentals product category, a checklist designed to facilitate a smooth transition from the previous version of IFA v5.2 to IFA v6 Smart FO. This valuable resource will assist producers in aligning their current programs with the updated requirements outlined in the latest version of the standard.

What is the IFA v6 FO transition tool?

The IFA v6 FO transition tool serves as a support tool for producers as they navigate the transition to IFA v6 FO. By mapping the requirements in IFA v5 and IFA v6 FO side by side, this checklist enables producers to identify gaps in their current programs and make necessary adjustments.

What the transition tool is not

It is important to clarify that the use of the IFA v6 FO transition tool is not obligatory. While it displays aligned requirements side by side, it does not provide a comprehensive and detailed list of all the specific changes and differences between the versions. Additionally, it does not highlight specific differences in the requirements. The tool’s primary purpose is to assist producers in aligning their current programs with the new requirements and identifying areas of improvement during the transition process.

How can the transition tool be used?

Producers preparing for IFA v6 FO audits can leverage the tool to ensure a smooth transition. During internal audits, producers can use the tool to respond to the upcoming requirements of IFA v6 FO, identify gaps in their current programs, and take corrective actions to align with the new version. CBs are encouraged to inform their clients directly about the availability of this tool to facilitate a seamless transition.

The IFA v6 transition tool for flowers and ornamentals is now available on the GLOBALG.A.P. website.

Other transition tools to IFA v6 GFS/Smart

As previously communicated in TN 02/2023, the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat has launched the IFA v6 transition tools for other scopes/product categories, in order to facilitate a smooth transition from the previous IFA version to IFA v6.

CBs are encouraged to inform their clients directly about the availability of this tool to facilitate a seamless transition. All the IFA v6 transition tools are now available on the GLOBALG.A.P. website.

Fruit and vegetables, GFS edition – English

Fruit and vegetables, GFS edition – Spanish

Fruit and vegetables, Smart edition – English Fruit and vegetables, Smart edition – Spanish

Aquaculture – English

Flowers and ornamentals – English

View this technical news edition in full

Transition tool to IFA v6 FO now available

We are pleased to announce the launch of the IFA v6 FO transition tool for the flowers and ornamentals product category, a checklist designed to facilitate a smooth transition from the previous version of IFA v5.2 to IFA v6 Smart FO. This valuable resource will assist producers in aligning their current programs with the updated requirements outlined in the latest version of the standard.

What is the IFA v6 FO transition tool?

The IFA v6 FO transition tool serves as a support tool for producers as they navigate the transition to IFA v6 FO. By mapping the requirements in IFA v5 and IFA v6 FO side by side, this checklist enables producers to identify gaps in their current programs and make necessary adjustments.

What the transition tool is not

It is important to clarify that the use of the IFA v6 FO transition tool is not obligatory. While it displays aligned requirements side by side, it does not provide a comprehensive and detailed list of all the specific changes and differences between the versions. Additionally, it does not highlight specific differences in the requirements. The tool’s primary purpose is to assist producers in aligning their current programs with the new requirements and identifying areas of improvement during the transition process.

How can the transition tool be used?

Producers preparing for IFA v6 FO audits can leverage the tool to ensure a smooth transition. During internal audits, producers can use the tool to respond to the upcoming requirements of IFA v6 FO, identify gaps in their current programs, and take corrective actions to align with the new version. CBs are encouraged to inform their clients directly about the availability of this tool to facilitate a seamless transition.

The IFA v6 transition tool for flowers and ornamentals is now available on the GLOBALG.A.P. website.

Other transition tools to IFA v6 GFS/Smart

As previously communicated in TN 02/2023, the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat has launched the IFA v6 transition tools for other scopes/product categories, in order to facilitate a smooth transition from the previous IFA version to IFA v6.

CBs are encouraged to inform their clients directly about the availability of this tool to facilitate a seamless transition. All the IFA v6 transition tools are now available on the GLOBALG.A.P. website.

Fruit and vegetables, GFS edition – English

Fruit and vegetables, GFS edition – Spanish

Fruit and vegetables, Smart edition – English Fruit and vegetables, Smart edition – Spanish

Aquaculture – English

Flowers and ornamentals – English

View this technical news edition in full

News items from technical news editions published in Q4 2023 and beyond are published here. Please check the document center for technical news editions published prior to this.

News items from technical news editions published in Q4 2023 and beyond are published here. Please check the document center for technical news editions published prior to this.

News items from technical news editions published in Q4 2023 and beyond are published here. Please check the document center for technical news editions published prior to this.

As previously communicated, IFA v5.2 Livestock scope will not exist anymore after end of 2023.

The last possible date for audits/inspections against IFA v5.2 livestock scope is 31 December 2023.

CBs can take the certification decision and issue certificates to IFA v5.2 livestock scope during 2024 as long as the audits have been conducted until 31 December 2023, but the validity of those certificates cannot be longer than 31 December 2024.

For more information and the related section in full, please see the full TN 03 2023 newsletter

View this technical news edition in full