Agreement with QS on Unannounced Audits

In general, we see a tendency towards more demands for unannounced audits. In most Food schemes (FSSC22000, IFS, BRC) it is already common practice for almost all scopes. Also in Feed Schemes (OVOCOM, QS, FAMI-QS, EFISC), unannounced audits for producers are already mandatory. The pressure for this from both national governments/authorities and the retail is becoming more and more tangible. Unannounced audits are already ‘business as usual’ in our world of schemes and certification.

As GMP+ International, we value the mutual recognition with QS. It is very important for a lot of our customers. A lot of stakeholders and involved companies urge us to come to an understanding with QS. Therefore we will implement unannounced audits as follows: 

• GMP+ International will make the unannounced audit mandatory for companies with a production scope (GMP+ B1 and GMP+ B2) for Germany and the rest of Europe. Therefore GMP+ C6 will be updated. In the Netherlands the unannounced audit is already mandatory.
• The unannounced audit has to be implemented in the certification cycle of the GMP+ certified companies for Germany by 31-12-2019 and for the rest of Europe by 31-12-2020 at the latest.
• The implementation of unannounced audits for producers outside Europe will be discussed with QS in a later phase.
• GMP+ FSA certified companies do not need to send a special declaration / additional agreement to QS anymore. QS will terminate the additional agreements.

Together with QS we will align a smooth implementation. Therefore we will have a meeting with QS in January 2019.