What Is GlobalG.A.P. Certification?
GlobalG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) is an internationally recognized certification system for agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock production, focusing on food safety, sustainability, environmental protection, and worker welfare.
Certification to GlobalG.A.P. is mandatory for producers exporting to Europe, Asia, Africa, and other regulated markets. It demonstrates a producer’s compliance with stringent international standards, helping them access global supply chains and meet retailer requirements.
Why Is GlobalG.A.P. Important?
For retailers and consumers, the GlobalG.A.P. certificate provides assurance that food products are:
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Safe and traceable
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Produced sustainably
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Compliant with environmental and animal welfare standards
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Respectful of workers’ health, safety, and rights
Without GlobalG.A.P. Certification, producers may be denied access to key international markets.
What Does GlobalG.A.P. Cover?
GlobalG.A.P. standards include:
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Food safety and traceability
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Environmental protection, including biodiversity
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Workers’ health, safety, and welfare
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Animal welfare
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Integrated Crop Management (ICM)
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
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Quality Management Systems (QMS)
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Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
Benefits of GlobalG.A.P. Certification
Obtaining GlobalG.A.P. Certification offers several business advantages:
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Access to global and local markets
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Reduced food safety and reputational risks
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Improved farm management and operational efficiency
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Cost savings through reduced on-farm audits
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Legal compliance with food safety, labor, and environmental regulations
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Use of a simple and effective HACCP system
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Recognition from 145+ accredited certification bodies
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Free access to standard documents in multiple languages
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Easier access to financing and investment
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Contribution to the UN Global Compact’s food and agribusiness principles
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Participation in public consultations for standard development
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Global benchmarking as part of the world’s most widespread farm assurance program
Who Needs GlobalG.A.P. Certification?
GlobalG.A.P. Certification is essential for:
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Farmers and producers of crops, livestock, and aquaculture
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Suppliers exporting to Europe, Asia, and other regulated markets
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Companies aiming to stock their products in major retail chains
As GlobalG.A.P. becomes a compulsory requirement, certification is now a key step for global market entry and brand trust.
GlobalG.A.P. Certification Requirements
Here is a breakdown of the core requirements for obtaining GlobalG.A.P. Certification:
1. Legal, Administrative, and Structural Compliance
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Must be a legal entity capable of contracting with producers
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Maintain a producer registry and site-specific records
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Hold all necessary legal agreements with group members
2. Management and Staff Competency
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Maintain documented qualifications and training records
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Conduct regular staff training on QMS, HACCP, and relevant legislation
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Implement proper document control systems
3. Complaint Handling System
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Maintain procedures to register, investigate, and respond to complaints
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Must include complaints against the applicant and individual sites
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Available to customers and auditors
4. Internal QMS Audits
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Annual audits of the internal Quality Management System
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QMS checklist must be completed and ready for external review
5. Internal Producer & Site Inspections
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Conduct annual inspections for each registered producer/site
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Inspection reports must include producer identity, product list, inspector name, date, and findings
6. Non-Compliances and Corrective Actions
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Identify and document non-conformities (NCs)
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Define timelines for corrective action (immediate for serious threats)
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Record closure of NCs and notify the certification body of suspensions
7. Product Traceability
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Maintain detailed traceability records and segregation protocols
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Perform mass balance exercises
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Prevent misuse of the GlobalG.A.P. Number (GGN)
8. Product Withdrawal Procedure
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Document procedures for product recall or withdrawal
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Test the system annually for effectiveness
9. Subcontractor Compliance
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Maintain records demonstrating subcontractor competency
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Use formal service agreements
10. Adding New Producers or Sites
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Follow internal approval procedures
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Up to 10% of new producers may be added without external audits
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If more, external inspections must meet minimum sampling rules
11. Internal Auditor & Inspector Qualifications
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Must be trained in QMS, HACCP, food hygiene, and integrated pest/fertilizer management
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Minimum 16 hours of internal auditor training required
Additional Certifications Offered by TUV Austria BIC (Pvt.) Ltd.
We also offer a full range of internationally recognized management system certifications:
ISO Certifications
Other Certifications
Frequently Asked Question
Q. What are the costs of GlobalG.A.P. Certification?
Costs vary depending on farm size, production type, and the existing level of compliance. You may need to invest in policy development, infrastructure, and staff training to meet certification requirements.
Need Assistance with GlobalG.A.P. Certification?
Contact TUV Austria BIC (Pvt.) Ltd. to begin your certification journey. Our experts will guide you through every step — from system implementation to audit readiness — helping your business grow globally and sustainably.