GTAS - GAFTA TRADE ASSURANCE SCHEME

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. The Assurance Scheme operates to the requirements of ISO/IEC Guide 65:1996, BS EN 45011 for the provision of certification against the scope of the scheme relating to bulk storage and transport by road. Accreditation for the other parts of the scheme is in process.

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: (click on the coloured tab Part 1,2 or 3 for more information)

Part 1: is the Scheme Overview. This contains the GAFTA International Standard of Best Practice for Combinable Crops and Animal Feed Materials and the Scheme Operating Protocols.

Part 2: comprises seven separate manuals which cover the trading and logistical stages and which are subject to the audit and certification process. Companies may seek certification for compliance to any or all of the manuals in this part of the scheme that are relevant to their business activities.

Part 3: is a range of guide notes, rules and annexes as additional supporting information.

GTAS SCHEME DATABASE SEARCH FACILITY

Information regarding the current status of members of the GTAS Scheme is available by using the GTAS Scheme Database Search facility “webchecker”. For each scheme member the database shows the company name and address, their unique scheme identification number, identification of the scope of the certification for which a company has been audited and certificated, and the expiry date of its current certificate. Access to information on individual members is by entry of the Company Name or GTAS Identification Number or by Post or Zip Code. The database is updated on a weekly basis. Click here for search facility

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 to scheme auditors NSF CMi Certification.

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.

WHO TO CONTACT

For any questions or information regarding GTAS please contact the Trade Assurance Manager Jeremy Smith
Email: JeremySmith@gafta.com

"The only comprehensive assurance scheme for trade and logistics in the domestic and international grain and feed trade."