QS. Quality scheme for food.

QS and Vegaplan (Vegaplan vzw) mutually recognise their standards for the production of fruit, vegetables and potatoes as well as for residue monitoring. Producers with a valid Vegaplan audit certificate can deliver into the QS scheme if they can provide evidence of individual Vegaplan certification. For this purpose, they are registered in the QS database. They are primarily coordinated through Vegaplan. Their delivery eligibility can be accessed in the QS database. In return, businesses with a QS audit certificate are also eligible to deliver into the Vegaplan scheme.

The mutual recognition between QS and Qualimat Transport refers to the transport of feed.

QS companies can deliver into the Qualimat scheme based on their QS certification. For this purpose, the companies log in to the QS database, select the appropriate location, click on Recognition by third party systems via the tab Recognitions and place a tick at Qualimat. The precondition for the recognition by Qualimat Transport is an annual QS audit.

Qualimat certified companies can become QS scheme participants based on their audit. For this purpose, they register directly in the QS database. After signing a scheme agreement, the companies are published in the scheme participant search of the QS database as eligible to deliver.

Further information can be found in Annex 9.1 to the Guideline Feed Sector.

QS recognizes QM milk certified businesses for the delivery of their cows into the QS scheme, provides they are registered in the QS database with the production scope 1320 (Cows QM milk).

For processing purposes, QM milk businesses contact their regional QM milk organization.

Based on their certification, feed producers with QS eligibility of delivery can deliver to dairy farmers who work in compliance with the requirements of QM milk. For this purpose, the companies log in to the QS database, select the appropriate location and place a tick at Participation QM milk via the tab Recognitions. Afterwards, the companies are published in scheme participant search of the QS database as QS locations participating in QM-Milch.

Further information can be found in Annex 9.1 to the Guideline Feed Sector.

The mutual recognition between the standard FCA and QS refers to the scopes production, trade, private labelling, transport, storage and transhipment of feed.

QS companies can deliver into the OVOCOM scheme based on their QS certification. For this purpose, the companies log in to the QS database, select the appropriate location, click on Recognition by third party systems via the tab Recognitions and place a tick at OVOCOM. The precondition for the recognition by OVOCOM is an annual QS audit.

In return, FCA certificated companies can become QS scheme participants based on their audit. For this purpose, the companies register directly in the QS database. After signing a scheme agreement, the companies are published in scheme participant search of the QS database as eligible to deliver.

Further information can be found in Annex 9.1 to the Guideline Feed Sector.

The temporary mutual recognition between the standard RCNA International and QS refers to the production, trade and private labelling of compound feed and feed premixes. Thereby, trade is recognized only in combination with a certification for production of compound feed and feed premixes. The mutual recognition is valid until 31.12.2020.

QS companies can deliver into the Oqualim scheme based on their QS certification. For this purpose, the companies log in to the QS database, select the appropriate location, click on Recognition by third party systems via the tab Recognitions and place a tick at Oqualim. The precondition for the recognition by Oqualim is an annual QS audit.

All Oqualim certified companies who comply with the standard RCNA International and the additional module Annex 1: Purchase requirements for goods and services and wish the eligibility of delivery in the QS scheme will be published on the website of Oqualim (www.oqualim.fr) and as recognized Oqualim locations (France) in the scheme participant of the QS database.

Further information can be found in Annex 9.1 to the Guideline Feed Sector.

QS certified compound feed producer can deliver to laying hen farmers who work in compliance to KAT requirements based on their QS approval. For this purpose, the companies log in to the QS database, select the appropriate location and place a tick at participation in KAT in the location data via the tab Recognitions. In addition, an agreement must be concluded with KAT e.V. After conclusion of the agreement with KAT and assent to the declaration of consent in the QS database, the locations then appear in the scheme participant search as QS locations participating in KAT.

Further information can be found in Annex 9.1 to the Guideline Feed Sector.

QS recognizes the audits of the Dutch standard IKB-Varken (Kiwa VERIN) for pig farming businesses and slaughtering and deboning businesses. Pig farming businesses can deliver into the QS scheme based on their IKB certification. For this purpose, they are registered in the QS database by the Dutch standard owner. All businesses with delivery eligibility are listed in the QS database. Slaughtering and deboning businesses certified in accordance with IKB-Varken can also become QS scheme participants based on this audit. For this purpose, they register directly in the QS database, where their eligibility to deliver is listed.

Conversely, Kiwa VERIN recognizes the QS audits with additional requirements for both pig farming and slaughtering and deboning businesses. Interested companies should contact the QS office.

QS recognises the audits of the Dutch standard IKB Nederland Varkens (De Groene Belangenbehartiger b.v.). The businesses can become QS scheme participants based on their IKB certification. For this purpose, they are registered in the QS database by the Dutch standard owner. All businesses with delivery eligibility are listed in the QS database.

QS recognizes IFS Logistics IFS Food or IFS Cash&Carry/Wholesale certificates for logistics services in the QS scheme.

For the transport of unpacked, loose potatoes and onions as bulk goods or goods in bulk packs, the right to deliver into the QS system can also be obtained by a certification according to the QS guideline Feed Sector (production scope road transport) or certification according to GMP+ (scope road transport).

The participation via a recognized certificate takes place by the responsible certification body entering the runtime of the IFS or GMP+ certificate in the QS database.

Further information can be found in the document Steps to becoming a scheme participant - Logistics.

QS recognizes audits of the standards IFS Logistics /IFS Food/IFS Wholesale/ IFS Cash & Carry / BRC Global Standard for Storage and Distribution and BRC Global Standard for Food Safety as equivalent for the storage of meat and meat products in the QS scheme. Companies, that are not owner of the QS goods and store it on behalf of other QS scheme participants, can participate in the QS scheme on the basis of their valid IFS Logistics /IFS Food/IFS Wholesale / Cash & Carry or BRC Storage & Distribution certificate. Therefore the companies need to contact their certification body and need to sign a corresponding agreement covering the QS scheme participation. Subsequently the companies need to register themselves in the QS database as new QS scheme participants. As soon as the certification body inserts the data of the corresponding certificate in the QS database the companies will be QS approved. All QS approved companies can be found in the official QS scheme participant search. Own storage locations of existing QS scheme participants on the stages slaughtering/deboning and processing of meat and meat products can also be integrated into the QS scheme on the basis of their above mentioned certificate. Therefore the companies also need to contact their certification body and register themselves in the QS database.

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The mutual recognition between GMP+ International and QS refers to the scopes production, trade, private labelling, transport, storage and transhipment of feed as well as the QS inspection for Mobile feed milling and mixing plants.

QS companies can deliver into the GMP+ scheme based on their QS certification. For this purpose, the companies log in to the QS database, select the appropriate location, click Recognition by third party systems via the tab Recognitions and place a tick at GMP+ Int.. Afterwards, producers of compound feed or feed premixes must contact GMP+ directly in order to deliver into the GMP+ scheme. This does not apply to producers of feed material and additives, traders, private labellers, transporters and storages. The precondition for the recognition by GMP+ International is an annual QS audit. The responsible certification body deposits the recognition request for the recognition of small-scale feed material producers and for Mobile feed milling and mixing plants.

GMP+ companies that want to deliver into the QS scheme register in the QS database. Producers of compound feed and premixes are published in the scheme participant search as eligible for delivery after signing a scheme agreement. Producers of feed materials and additives, traders, transporters and storages do not have to sign a scheme agreement for this purpose.

Further information can be found in Annex 9.1 to the Guideline Feed Sector.

GlobalG.A.P and QS (with QS-GAP) have mutually recognised their standards. Producers with a QS-GAP certification must be registered in the GlobalG.A.P. database to be allowed to deliver into the GlobalG.A.P scheme. Businesses with a valid GlobalG.A.P. audit certificate can deliver into the QS scheme if they register through a QS coordinator and participate in mandatory QS residue monitoring.

Production businesses with several locations certified according to the GlobalG.A.P. standard in a multi-site procedure who would like to participate in the QS scheme must arrange for auditing and register of each site. For companies with a multisite with QMS, analogous requirements (see information sheet) apply as for companies with a GlobalG.A.P. Option 1-certificate.

Producers and certificate holders with a GlobalG.A.P. Option 2-certificate (group certification) can find more information on participation in the QS scheme here.

The mutual recognition between Fami-QS and QS refers to the production and trade of additives, premixtures, feed material as well as special compound feed (complementary/dietetic feed).

QS certified companies can deliver to the Fami-QS scheme based on their QS-certification. For this purpose, the companies log in to in the QS database, select the appropriate location, click on Recognition by third party systems via the tab Recognitions and place a tick at Fami-QS.

In return Fami-QS certified companies can receive the eligibility of delivery into the QS scheme. For this purpose, the companies register in the QS database and sign a QS scheme agreement. Afterwards, the companies are published in the scheme participant search of the QS database as eligible to deliver.

Further information can be found in Annex 9.1 to the Guideline Feed Sector.

The mutual recognition between European Feed & Food Ingredients Safety Certification - Good Trading Practice (EFISC-GTP) International and QS refers to the production of feed material from the oilseed, starch and biodiesel industry as well as the trade, transport, storage and transhipment of feed material of plant origin. Thereby, transport is recognized only in combination with a certification for trade and/or storage.

QS certified companies can deliver to EFISC-GTP certified companies without an additional audit. The EFISC-GTP certified company must be provided with the QS certificate at the time of delivery.

EFISC-GTP certified companies can deliver into the QS scheme without an additional audit. For this purpose, the companies register in the QS database. After signing a QS scheme agreement, the companies are published in the scheme participant search of the QS database as eligible to deliver.

Further information can be found in Annex 9.1 to the Guideline Feed Sector.

QS recognizes the Danish product standard of the DAFC in the agricultural sector for piglets and fattening pigs as well as the Global Red Meat Standard (GRMS) for pork in the field of slaughtering and deboning. Agricultural businesses holding this certification according to the Danish Product Standard may deliver into the QS scheme. Details of QS delivery eligibility are outlined on the Danish internet website. The required CHR number must be listed on the delivery confirmations.

Slaughtering and deboning businesses can deliver into the QS scheme based on their certification in accordance with the Global Red Meat Standard.
Businesses with delivery eligibility are listed in the QS database.

Neither agricultural businesses nor slaughtering and deboning businesses are entitled to use the QS certification mark.

The temporary mutual recognition of Charte de Sécurité Alimentaire – Good Trading Practice (CSA-GTP) by QS refers to the trade, storage and transhipment as well as transport of cereals, oilseeds and legumes (unprocessed products). Thereby, transport as well as storage and transhipment are recognized only in combination with a certification for trade. The recognition will temporarily run until 31.12.2020.

CSA-GTP certified companies do not have to register in the QS database in order to deliver into the QS scheme. It is sufficient to present a valid certificate, whereby the respective scope must be indicated on the certificate.

Further information can be found in Annex 9.1 to the Guideline Feed Sector.

An agreement on mutual audit recognition exists between the Irish Bord Bia Beef Standard and QS for the delivery of beef. QS businesses who are interested in acquiring eligibility to deliver into the Bord Bia scheme should contact QS head office.

The precondition for deliveries into the QS scheme is the registration of BordBia-certified slaughtering and deboning businesses in the QS database and the signing of a scheme agreement with QS. Businesses with delivery eligibility are listed in the QS database.

There is a mutual audit recognition between the Belgian standard BePork and QS. Pig farms, as well as slaughter and deboning companies that have been successfully certified according to BePork, can deliver live pigs or pork to the QS scheme.

The bilateral agreement replaces the previous Certus and CodiplanPlus standards. After a transitional phase in which the previous certificates will continue to be valid, slaughter and deboning companies will only be able to deliver into the QS scheme on the basis of BePork certification from January 1, 2022, and farms from January 1, 2023.

QS and Agrarmarkt Austria Marketing GesmbH, standard owner of the Austrian AMAG.A.P quality standard, mutually recognise their audits for the production of fruit, vegetables and potatoes. Producers with a valid AMAG.A.P certificate can deliver into the QS scheme if they register via a coordinator in the QS scheme. They obtain their eligibility to deliver following registration and through participation in QS residue monitoring. In return, businesses holding a QS-GAP certificate are also eligible to deliver into the AMA-Gütesiegel quality assurance scheme.

QS recognizes the Austrian AMA Gütesiegel (quality label) of AMA Marketing GesmbH for cattle production and transport. With a certification according to the AMA Gütesiegel regulations, the farms can, under defined conditions, supply into the QS scheme.

The businesses are bundled centrally by the standard owner (AMA) and are listed in the QS database. The eligibility of deliveries from the companies is represented in the QS database.

The mutual recognition between QS and Agrarmarketing Austria GesmbH refers to the scopes production of compound feed and feed material, trade, private labelling, storage and transhipment, road transport as well as mobile feed milling and mixing plants.

QS companies can deliver into the pastus scheme based on their QS certification. For this purpose, the companies log in to in the QS database, select the appropriate location, click on Recognition by third party systems via the tab Recognitions and place a tick at AMA. Afterwards, the companies must contact AMA directly in order to be contractually integrated into the pastus+ scheme. The responsible certification body deposits the recognition request for mobile feed milling and mixing plants. The precondition for recognition by the AMA is an annual QS audit.

Pastus+ certified companies that want to deliver into the QS scheme must register in the QS database. The registration of small-scale feed material producers and mobile feed milling and mixing plants in the QS database is carried out by AMA. After signing a QS scheme agreement, the companies are published in the scheme participant search of the QS database as eligible to deliver.

Further information can be found in Annex 9.1 to the Guideline Feed Sector.

The mutual recognition between QS and the UFAS/FEMAS/TASCC standards of Agricultural Industries Confederation Ltd. (AIC) refers to the scopes production, trade, transport, storage and transhipment of feed.

QS companies can deliver into the AIC scheme based on their QS certification. For this purpose, the companies log in to the QS database, select the appropriate location, click on Recognition by third party systems via the tab Recognitions and place a tick at AIC. The precondition for the recognition by AIC is an annual QS audit.

AIC companies can become QS scheme participants based on their audit. For this purpose, they register directly in the QS database. After signing a scheme agreement, the companies are published in the scheme participant search of the QS database as eligible to deliver.

Further information can be found in Annex 9.1 to the Guideline Feed Sector.