The Road to Certification

Gaining Non-GMO Certification requires
a series of six steps by the Client and GMO-ID

1. The application process – The Client

  • The Client submits our questionnaire, the System Assessment Worksheet, with specific information and supporting documentation on input sources, quality control procedures, and production processes
  • The Client receives & reviews theNon-GMO Standard and Procedures
  • The Client then submits an application form, which officially initiates the certification procedure

2. The application Process – GMO-ID

Upon receipt of the above documents, GMO-ID:
  • Reviews application materials
  • Schedules a Project Assessment (PA) to visit the Client’s facilities

3. The Project Assessment (PA) Inspection – The Client and GMO-ID

  • A trained and authorised Inspector is assigned by GMO-ID
  • An Inspector travels to the Client’s site and conducts an inspection and assesses the entire operation
  • Thereafter, the Inspector prepares a detailed PA Report and identifies any non-compliances with regard to the ‘Non-GMO’ Standard

 

4. Processing resulting in a Certification Plan – GMO-ID

  • The evaluation decision by the Certification Committee is based on information from the Inspector’s PA Report, the Client’s System Assessment Worksheet and additional supporting data supplied by Client and Inspector
  • The Certification Plan states the conditions required for certification approval by Certification Committee members
  • Requirements of certification include the five aspects of witnessing, sampling, testing, monitoring, and decision-making. Each of these five aspects is fully defined to meet the individual needs of each Client’s operation, yet conforming to the  ‘Non-GMO’ Standard.
1. WITNESSING: The Certification Plan describes the need for third-party inspections. Each Client is provided with detailed information concerning the number of inspections required throughout the certification period.2. SAMPLING: Each Client is provided an individualised sampling protocol designed to best fit his needs and schedules and yet provide data for tracking input and output production of product activity throughout the Client’s facility. The sampling protocol is one of the key elements in the certification program, providing monitoring capabilities to the certification department and reducing the number of PCR tests needed to assure ‘Non-GMO’ status.

3. TESTING: Instructions for submitting samples for GMO testing and the testing methodology is provided to the Client. The number of tests to be performed throughout the certification term and the testing method is described for each product to be certified.

4. MONITORING: The certification body , is required to monitor the client for compliance to the Standard and the Certification Plan. Through inspections, audits and monitoring test results, the certification body determines if the Client is complying with their signed agreement(s).

5. DECISION MAKING: Through the decision of a Certification Committee, the Client is granted or denied certification. Once the Client is accepted into certification and has completed all conditions and signed agreements the client is issued System Certification. This certificate states the Client’s operational system meets the Standard of the  ‘Non-GMO’ Certification Program.

5. Licensing – The Client

  • Along with GMO-ID, agrees on a Certification Plan
  • Submits proof of conditions for certification, the signed Certification Plan, the License Agreement and payment of the certification fee
  • Receives a Licensing Agreement to use the certification mark

6. Licensing

  • The certification coordinator assigned to represent the Client submits all documents to the Certification Committee for approval into certification. The Committee determines if the Client has met the requirements stated in the Certification Plan and complies with the  Standards.
  • Once the Client receives approval from the Certification Committee a certificate for System Certification is issued in the name of the Client. This certificate states that the Client’s operation has System Certification according to the  “Non-GMO” Certification Program and that it expires twelve months from the date of issue.