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Certifications & Standards

We work exclusively with suppliers that meet the highest international food safety and sustainability standards.

Food Safety Standards (GFSI-Recognized)

BRC Global Standards
British Retail Consortium

The most widely required food safety standard for suppliers to European and UK retailers. Mandatory for Tesco, Sainsbury's, ALDI, Lidl, and most major chains.

Audit cycle
Annual
Grading
AA, A, B, C, D
Timeline
3-6 months
Recognized by
GFSI
IFS Food
International Featured Standards

Dominant standard in Germany, France, Italy, and Southern Europe. Required by REWE, Edeka, Carrefour, Auchan, and Coop. Score-based assessment with Higher Level distinction.

Audit cycle
Annual
Scoring
Foundation / Higher Level
Timeline
3-6 months
Recognized by
GFSI
FSSC 22000
Food Safety System Certification

ISO-based food safety management system. Increasingly preferred by multinational food companies. Combines ISO 22000 with sector-specific prerequisite programs.

Audit cycle
Annual surveillance + 3-year recertification
Base standard
ISO 22000 + PRPs
Timeline
6-12 months
Recognized by
GFSI
HACCP
Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points

The foundation of all food safety systems. Required by law in the EU (Regulation 852/2004). A systematic approach to identify and control biological, chemical, and physical hazards.

Legal basis
EU Regulation 852/2004
Principles
7 core principles
Prerequisite for
BRC, IFS, FSSC 22000
Scope
All food businesses in EU
ISO 22000
Food Safety Management Systems

International standard that maps requirements for a food safety management system. Applicable to all organizations in the food chain, from farm to fork.

Audit cycle
Annual surveillance
Version
ISO 22000:2018
Scope
Entire food chain
Certification
3-year cycle

Organic Certifications

EU Organic
European Union Organic Certification

The Euro-leaf logo is mandatory for all pre-packaged organic food produced in the EU. Guarantees compliance with EU Regulation 2018/848 on organic production and labelling.

Legal basis
EU Reg. 2018/848
Inspection
Annual by approved body
Scope
All organic products in EU
Label
Mandatory Euro-leaf
SKAL Biocontrole
Dutch Organic Certification Authority

The sole designated authority for organic certification in the Netherlands. All organic products imported into or produced in the Netherlands must be SKAL-certified.

Country
Netherlands
Inspection
Annual + unannounced
Code
NL-BIO-01
Mandatory for
Dutch organic market
USDA Organic
United States Department of Agriculture

Required for organic claims in the US market. Products must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. Relevant for suppliers exporting to the United States.

Country
United States
Threshold
95% organic ingredients
Equivalence
EU-US organic agreement
Label
USDA Organic seal

Sustainability & Social Standards

Fairtrade
Fairtrade International

Guarantees fair prices and premiums for smallholder farmers and workers. Covers social, economic, and environmental standards. Widely recognized by European consumers.

Focus
Fair pricing & social impact
Premium
Additional community premium
Audit
FLOCERT (annual)
Recognition
Global consumer trust
Rainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance Certified

Focuses on biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience. Merged with UTZ in 2018. Covers nuts, cocoa, coffee, tea, and other commodities.

Focus
Sustainability & biodiversity
Standard
2020 Sustainable Agriculture
Audit
Annual by approved body
Coverage
70+ countries

Why certifications matter

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Market access

European retailers and food manufacturers require specific certifications. Without BRC or IFS, your products won't reach their shelves.

Consumer trust

Organic, Fairtrade, and Rainforest Alliance labels directly influence purchasing decisions. Certified products command premium prices.

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Risk reduction

Certified supply chains have fewer recalls, rejections, and quality issues. Certification is an investment in long-term reliability.

Need certified suppliers?

We maintain a verified supplier network across 25+ origin countries. Tell us what you need - we'll match you with certified partners.

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