CORONAVIRUS: COVID 19 - Gafta Standard Audits
Gafta and NSF International have implemented live stream auditing to enable audits to continue during on-going restrictions. Click the links to read more:
Live Streaming Technology to be implemented for Gafta Standard Audits
Frequently Asked Questions
The deadline for compliance with the new requirements is 31 May 2021. Gafta will inform members should this change.
Changes to the Gafta Approved Register of Superintendents were announced on 1 October 2019.
Superintendents who are engaged in the profession of inspection of agricultural commodities and/or animal feedstuffs can apply to be listed on the Gafta Approved Register of Superintendents. Approved Superintendents undertake inspections, verifications, examinations, quality and condition assessments, and sampling and measurements of goods traded in accordance with Gafta contract terms and rules.
In order to comply with Gafta contract terms, parties to the contract must use the services of a Gafta Approved Superintendent. The Approved Register of Superintendents can be accessed here:
Gafta Approved Register of Superintendents
To become Approved a Superintendent must meet the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Gafta Approved Register of Superintendents which can be downloaded here. These new requirements come into effect from 1 January 2020. A grace period until 31 May 2021 is in place to allow existing Approved Superintendents time to comply with the new requirements. New applicants must comply with these requirements from 1 January 2020.
A Question and Answer document about the changes can be downloaded here: Supervision FAQ Oct 2019
Requirements:
A Gafta Approved Superintendent must:
- be an organisation or professional engaged in the testing of agricultural commodities and/or animal feedstuffs.
- be a member of Gafta in Category C – Superintendents
- hold a valid certificate of conformance to the Gafta Standard for Supervision, Sampling and Check Weighing OR hold a valid certificate of accreditation to the latest version of ISO17020, Type A Inspection Company, with the appropriate scope (see Code of Practice)
For an example of an appropriate ISO17020 certificate: ISO17020 Certificate Example
Gafta will no longer accept ISO9001 as a requirement for the Approved Register of Superintendents
- Carry out their operations in accordance with the Gafta rules: Gafta 123 Weighing Rules and Gafta 124 Sampling Rules
Click here to download: Superintendent Code of Practice 2021
Gafta Standard for Supervision, Sampling and Check Weighing
The Gafta Standard for Supervision, Sampling and Check Weighing 7.0 (2019) is a revision of the GTAS Supervision, Sampling and Weighing Manual 6.0 (2015). A summary of the differences between the two manuals can be downloaded here Supervision, Sampling and Weighing - What's Changed
The Gafta Standard for Supervision, Sampling and Check Weighing is provided for members who do not wish to or are unable to gain accreditation to ISO17020. Accredited members may also consider certification to the Gafta Standard as an alternative to an amendment to their accreditation.
The Gafta Standard was launched in October 2019. Audits to the new Standard for new and existing members will commence from January 2020.
Click here to download: Gafta Standard for Supervision 2019
Gafta Approved Superintendent Logo
Gafta Approved Superintendents are able to use the Gafta Approved Logos to promote their services applicable to their membership and Approved status. We are encouraging traders to ‘look for the logo’ so to apply to use the logo, please send your membership details to ApprovedRegisters@gafta.com
Sampling Rules Guides
The following Guides can be read together with the No. 124 Sampling Rules (applicable to contracts from 1st September 2018) as their aim is to provide helpful guidance as to how some clauses can be applied:
Sampling Guide - Standard Method
Sampling Guide - Pre-Reduction of bulk lot samples
Sampling Guide - Reduction of contractual samples for dispatch to analysts
Phytosanitary Inspections
For exports of grain from England, Wales and Scotland to countries requiring phytosanitary certificates, a special protocol applies. By joint agreement between Gafta and the official Plant Health Authorities a General Standard Operating Procedure (GSOP1) applies to such exports. Under this system inspectors are approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (www.gov.uk/apha) to complete application forms and undertake phytosanitary inspections.
The licensing arrangement involves attending (and the successful passing of) a training course in insect identification run by the Food and Environment Research Agency. Approvals are issued by APHA for a period of 5 years. Trade Approved Inspectors are not restricted to Gafta Superintendents but may also be those involved in storage and handling of grain for export (storekeepers/silo operators etc). The Register of Trade Approved Inspectors is maintained by APHA in close co-operation with FERA. Training courses are arranged by APHA annually.
The most up to date version of the GSOP 1 is available via the below link. Access to the application form HH 93 is also available through this link. Exports from Scotland follow the same procedure except applications are submitted to a different address. This is set out in Annex V of the GSOP1.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grain-for-export-application-for-certification
Complaints
A complaint regarding the accuracy of the Register and/or the entitlement of a firm to use the Gafta logo and/or the failure of a firm to act in accordance with any applicable Gafta standard and/or rule must be made, in writing, to Gafta’s Director General by email sent to ApprovedRegisters@gafta.com.
On receipt of the complaint, the Director General shall investigate and decide, in her absolute discretion, what, if any, action should be taken.