COVID-19 GFSI
On-site audit
Is the on-site audit different in this crisis?
Valid for all standards
Answer
The official and company regulations are always observed during the audit (hygiene measures, minimum distance). This is in the audit:
1. The auditor and the audited persons are provided with masks, if available on site, as a precautionary measure.
2. The opening and closing discussion of the audit takes place in a small circle with a limited number of participants (max. 3-5 persons).
3. The audit sequences are carried out with a minimum of staff on site, keeping a distance of 2m.
4. For audit sequences in production: Interviews with employees on site are kept to a minimum. The safety distance is always maintained. We act on site according to the situation and with caution.
5. Lunch is organised on a small scale.
6. The rules of the standard owner are continuously observed.
7. Any deviation from normal practice is noted by the auditor the ProCert Portal (under changes to the audit plan).
Interruption, reduction or temporary cessation of production
FSSC 22000 Audit postponement and consequences
Postponement of the audit and consequences
The audit at my site is scheduled for the coming weeks, will ProCert postpone it?
Valid for all standards
Answer
Whenever possible, ProCert does not postpone audits on its own initiative. The workload of the auditors is very high, so postponement is the last possible solution.
We make every effort to ensure that planned audits can take place. At the same time, it is very important to us that everything necessary is done to prevent the risk of infection and spread of the coronavirus, respecting both official orders and your own access restrictions to your site.
What are the consequences if I want to postpone my audit until June or later?
Valid for all standards
Answer
In this case we offer you immediately a new audit date between July and August 2020. At this time it is most likely that your audit may successfully be postponed but if many customers wish to postpone their audit, we cannot guarantee that we will find a date in 2020. For FSSC Upgrade Audits a risk assessment must take place.
The audit at my site has been postponed, I have to comply with the requirements of the standard/ continue to meet standards at the moment?
Valid for all standards
Answer
YES. Continued compliance with the requirements of the standard(s) is essential to maintain certification as contracted. The measures specifically defined by your site during the coronavirus crisis will be pre-checked at the latest during the next audit, regardless of the type of audit.
The audit at my site has been moved, how is this handled and made visible in the standard owners' portals?
Valid for all standards
Answer
The standard owners have defined specific solutions that relate to the COVID 19 crisis. The ProCert back office ensures that the entry is correct and comprehensive. Thus, depending on access permission, your clients can see the audit postponement.
Expiry of the certificate validity
If my site cannot be audited due to COVID-19 and my certificate is about to expire, is it possible to renew the certificate without prior auditing/evaluation? (BRC GS Food, FSSC 22000 Food, Packaging, Feed, Transport & Storage)
Valid for BRC GS Food, FSSC 22000 Food, Packaging, Feed, Transport & Storage
Answer
YES. This is possible on request, unless your site has a C or D-rating for BRC. In addition. Your current certificate must be issued by ProCert. Without an audit, an extension for a maximum of 6 months can be proposed. However, a risk assessment must first be carried out, followed by an interview with ProCert.
Remote audit
Renewal of the certificate
Our site would like to extend the certificate. Will we automatically receive a new certificate? (BRC GS Food, FSSC 22000 Food, Packaging, Feed, Transport & Storage)
Valid for BRC GS Food, FSSC 22000 Food, Packaging, Feed, Transport & Storage
Answer
NO. A risk assessment is required to ensure that your system is functioning properly. ProCert has developed a procedure that is available to clients: The procedure consists of the following steps:
Risk assessment:
1.1 Partly carried out by you, with you also submitting documents and records to us
1.2 Part completed by ProCert (same document)
2. Preparation of the interview by ProCert
3. Telephone interview (approx. 2h)
4. ProCert decision: extension YES/NO
What is the purpose of the telephone interview? (BRC GS Food, FSSC 22000 Food, Packaging, Feed, Transport & Storage)
Valid for BRC GS Food, FSSC 22000 Food, Packaging, Feed, Transport & Storage
Answer
The purpose of the interview, based on the risk assessment carried out and the additional documents submitted, is to obtain assurance that ProCert can renew the existing certificate on a solid basis.
Unannounced audit
Extension of the scope of application
Initial certification or Phase 2 audit
We are planning the audit of the initial certification in April. Can we successfully pass the certification without conducting an audit on site, for example with a remote audit?
Valid for all standards
Answer
NO. GFSI states that a remote audit does not replace an on-site audit. You will therefore have to wait until the end of the crisis to perform the audit on site. ProCert can issue you with a certificate if you have passed audit phase 1 or explain the current situation to your clients.
Statement of compliance during the COVID-19 crisis
How can I show my customers that my site still meets the requirements of the standard(s) in this time of crisis? (IFS Food, IFS Logistics, IFS GM)
Valid for IFS Food, IFS Logistics, IFS GM
Answer
IFS now offers a new scheme to encourage your customers to get involved: The certification body can carry out a remote audit in the non-accredited area for your already certified site. This remote audit cannot be credited for future re-certifications. This solution does not allow you to extend the validity of the certificate.