Search
Search
GFSI has received feedback from stakeholders expressing uncertainty about the recognition status of certificates issued against programmes during the period that such programmes were undergoing recognition. Certificates issued during this period are not yet GFSI recognised, and this lack of clarity has created challenges for sites in meeting supply chain assurance requirements.
To address these challenges and provide greater clarity and support to stakeholders, GFSI has introduced a solution to ensure continuity in recognition during programme transitions.
Read on for our FAQ on addressing this challenge and ensuring the integrity of the GFSI-recognised certification process.
FAQs
1. What Does “Undergoing Recognition” Mean?
A programme is “undergoing recognition” when it is in the process of being assessed by GFSI to determine if it meets the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements (BMRs). During this period, certificates issued following an audit against these programmes are not GFSI-recognised.
2. Why Are Certificates Issued During the Recognition Process Not GFSI-Recognised?
GFSI only recognises certificates issued under fully benchmarked and recognised programmes. Certificates issued following an audit against programmes undergoing recognition do not yet meet the criteria for GFSI recognition, as the recognition process is incomplete.
3. How Does This Affect Certified Sites?
Sites that rely on GFSI-recognised certificates for their supply chain assurance may face gaps in recognition if they are certified against programmes undergoing recognition. This can impact supply chain alignment or create the need for additional certification steps if customers demand it.
4. What Solution Has GFSI Introduced to Address This Issue?
GFSI allows certified sites to request an extension of their previously recognised certificate. This extension covers the period between the lapse of a previously recognised certificate and the issuance of a certificate following an audit against the newly recognised programme.
5. For Which Recognised Programmes Can Certificate Extensions Be Requested?
Extensions may be requested for certificates under these programmes, which have recently undergone and achieved GFSI recognition:
- BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety issue 9 – GFSI-Recognised 23rd August 2024
- FSSC 22000 V6 – GFSI-Recognised 23rd August 2024
- GLOBALG.A.P. – Harmonized Produce Safety Standard (HPSS) Version 1.2; Integrated Farm Assurance GFS – Principles and Criteria for Aquaculture – Finfish, Crustaceans, Molluscs, Seaweed – version 6.0 – GFSI-Recognised 6th August 2024
- GLOBALG.A.P. – Integrated Farm Assurance – GFS Plants – Principles and Criteria for Fruit and Vegetables – version 6.0; Produce Handling Assurance (PHA) Standard Version 1.2 – GFSI-Recognised 6th August 2024
- IFS Food Standard version 8 – GFSI-Recognised 12th September 2024
6. How Do I Know if My Certificate Is GFSI-recognised?
Review your certification documents and confirm the programme version and recognition status with your certification body (CB). If the certificate was issued following an audit undertaken against a programme undergoing recognition prior to the recognition date, it is not GFSI-recognised.
7. How Can I Request a Certificate Extension?
Contact your Certification Body (CB) directly and request an extension of your previously recognised certificate. This will ensure continuous GFSI recognition during the transition to the newly recognised programme.
8. Are Recognised Certificate Extensions Mandatory?
No, recognised certificate extensions are voluntary. However, they are recommended for sites that require uninterrupted GFSI recognition for supply chain alignment and assurance.
9. Will There Be Additional Costs for Requesting an Extension?
Any costs related to certificate extensions will depend on the policies of the CB for which GFSI plays no part. We recommend discussing this directly with your certification body.
10. What Happens if I Do Not Request an Extension?
If no extension is requested, your certification may experience a gap in GFSI recognition until a certificate is issued following an audit against the newly recognised programme. This could impact your ability to meet certain supply chain requirements if your customers require GFSI-recognised certification as part of their supply chain assurance programmes.
11. What Happens if I Changed to a Different Programme While the Programme Was Being Benchmarked?
A certified site cannot request an extension of its previously recognised certificate if it did not undertake an audit against a new version of the same certification programme whilst it was undergoing recognition.
12. What Steps is GFSI Taking to Prevent This Issue in the Future?
GFSI is working with the Benchmarking and Harmonisation Working Group to address challenges in the recognition process. Updates to the Benchmarking Requirements (BMRs) are expected in the v2024 release or shortly afterward to prevent future disruption.
13. Who Can I Contact for Further Guidance?
If you have additional questions, please reach out to your CB contact or contact GFSI for more information.
