GTAS - GAFTA TRADE ASSURANCE SCHEME

What is GTAS?

The Gafta Trade Assurance Scheme (GTAS) is a HACCP based scheme for all companies operating in the international grain and feed trades. It covers each stage in the trading and logistics supply chain from farm in the country of origin to delivery to the final end-user in the country of destination.

GTAS provides in one complete trading and logistics scheme the best professional practices designed to maintain consumer confidence concerning the handling and delivery of safe food and feed.

Any company - whether operating within their own country or in the wider international arena - may apply to become members of the Scheme.

The first version of the scheme was introduced in April 2006. Version 3 is scheme year 2009/10 and applies to any audits undertaken from 1st September 2009 onwards and until further notice. A review of the changes from scheme year 2008/9 is available by clicking here. The scheme documents are constantly under review by the GTAS Technical Advisory Committee and an updated version is expected annually to take into account changes in the trade. The scheme documents may be viewed and downloaded from here.

 GTAS structure

GTAS is structured in three parts: scheme overview,  scheme manuals and supporting information

 Application procedure

1. UK Companies
UK companies wishing to apply for certification under the Gafta Trade Assurance Scheme are required to complete an application form which should be forwarded with payment directly to the scheme auditors and certification body (CB), NSF CMi Certification. After receipt of payment and the completed application form applicants are contacted to arrange an audit.

2. Non-UK companies
Companies wishing to apply for certification under the Gafta Trade Assurance Scheme are required in the first instance to complete an enquiry/quotation form to enable a quotation to be given for the cost of audit and certification which is dependent on individual circumstances. After a quote is given and accepted a date will be arranged for audit by the CB.