Certification Quote & Certification Contract

After reviewing your certification application, we will create a non-binding quote, which you will typically receive within 24 hours.

Please return the signed quote to us if it meets your requirements. After receiving and verifying your confirmation, we will also sign the quote. Only with our signature does the quote become a binding contract.

Pre-Audit (Optional)

The pre-audit offers you the opportunity to check in advance whether your food safety management system complies with HACCP guidelines and whether your company is ready for certification.

The pre-audit lasts one day. This voluntary review helps identify and address potential weaknesses early.

Certification Audit (Stage 1 and Stage 2)

The certification audit is divided into two phases: system analysis (Stage 1) and practical implementation (Stage 2).

Stage 1 - System Analysis: In this part of the audit, we review:

• The documentation of the management system
• Site-specific conditions
• The customer's understanding of the standards
• The scope of certification
• Applicable legal and regulatory requirements
• Conduct of internal audits and management reviews
• Availability of resources for the Stage 2 audit
• Readiness for the Stage 2 audit

Stage 2 - Practical Implementation: In this phase, it is checked whether:

• The organization meets the standard requirements
• The management system is effective
• All relevant legal, regulatory, and customer-specific requirements are met

Certificate Issuance

As part of a technical review by the PIAQ Certification Committee, it is determined whether the audit was conducted properly, whether all required documents are complete, and whether it has been shown that the standard requirements for the management system are adequately met. Only then can the certificate be issued.

The issued certificate is valid for three years. However, an annual surveillance audit confirms the maintenance of the certificate.

Surveillance Audit 1

To ensure continuous compliance with certification standards and confirm the effectiveness of the management system, two surveillance audits are conducted in the following two years after the certificate issuance.

The first surveillance audit takes place nine months after the certificate issuance date.

The first surveillance audit ensures that the organization continues to meet the established requirements and that the implemented systems and processes remain effective after the initial certification.

Surveillance Audit 2

The second surveillance audit takes place 12 months after the first surveillance audit.

The second surveillance audit ensures that the organization continues to meet the established requirements and that the implemented systems and processes remain effective after the initial certification.

Recertification

To renew your certificate after three years, a re-certification audit is required. This usually takes place four months before the certificate's expiration date and is similar in scope to the Stage 2 audit.

With recertification, a new certification process begins. Upon successful certification, a new certificate is issued.

The issued certificate is valid for three years. However, an annual surveillance audit confirms the maintenance of the certificate.