Steps into Certification


Gaining the status of 'Non-GMO' certification requires the interaction of certain steps to be accomplished by both the Client and by the certification body, CERT ID:

Certification - Step 1:
Application process - The Client

• The Client submits a questionnaire, the System Assessment Worksheet, with specific information and supporting documentation on input sources, quality control procedures and production processes.
• The Client receives & reviews the CERT ID standard and procedures.
• The Client then submits an Application form, which officially initiates the certification procedure.

Certification Step 2:
Application Process - Cert ID
Following receipt of the above documents, CERT ID:

• Reviews application materials;
• Schedules a Project Assessment (PA) to visit the Client's facilities.

Certification Step 3:
PA Inspection - The Client and Cert ID


A trained and authorized Inspector is assigned by CERT ID.

• An Inspector travels to the Client's site and conducts an inspection and assesses the entire operation.
• Afterwards, the Inspector prepares a detailed PA Report and identifies any non-compliances with the CERT ID 'Non-GMO' Standard

Certification Step 4: Processing resulting in a Certification Plan - Cert ID

• The evaluation decision by Certification Committee is based on information from the Inspector's PA Report, the Client's System Assessment Worksheet, and additional supporting data supplied by Client and Inspector
• The Certification Plan states the conditions required for certification approval by Certification Committee members.

Requirements of the Client and of CERT ID include the five aspects of witnessing, sampling, testing, monitoring, and decision-making. Each of these five aspects is fully defined to meet the individual needs of each Client's operation, yet conforming to the CERT ID 'Non-GMO' Standard.

• WITNESSING: The Certification Plan describes the need for third-party inspections. Each Client is provided with detailed information concerning the number of inspections required throughout the certification period.
• SAMPLING: Each Client is provided an individualized sampling protocol designed to best fit his needs and schedules and yet provide data for tracking input and output production of product activity throughout the Client's facility. The sampling protocol is one of the key elements in the certification program, providing monitoring capabilities to the certification department and reducing the number of PCR tests needed to assure 'Non-GMO' status.
• TESTING: Instructions for submitting samples for GMO testing and the testing methodology is provided to the Client. The number of tests to be performed throughout the certification term and the testing method is described for each product to be certified.
• MONITORING: As a certification body CERT ID is required to monitor the client for compliance to the standard and the Certification Plan. Through inspections, audits and monitoring test results, CERT ID determines if the Client is complying with their signed agreement(s).
• DECISION MAKING: Through the decision of a Certification Committee, the Client is granted or denied certification. Once the Client is accepted into certification and has completed all conditions and signed agreements the client is issued System Certification. This certificate states the Client's operational system meets the Standard of the CERT ID 'Non-GMO' Certification Program. For each shipment of certified product the client may request a Transaction Certificate of Compliance (TCC) for their certified product.

Certification Step 5:

The Client:

• Receives a Licensing Agreement to use the CERT ID Seal
• With CERT ID, agrees on a Certification Plan
• Submits proof of conditions for certification, the signed Certification Plan, the License Agreement and payment of the certification fee.

Certification Step 6:

• Licensing: The certification coordinator assigned to represent the Client submits all documents to the Certification Committee for approval into certification. The Committee determines if the Client has met the requirements stated in the Certification Plan and complies with the CERT ID Standards.
• Issue Certification: Once the Client receives approval from the Certification Committee a certificate for System Certification is issued in the name of the Client. This certificate states that the Client’s operation has System Certification according to the Cert ID ‘Non-GMO’ Certification Program and that it expires twelve months from the date of issue.

Maintaining Certification