Audit and Certification Process

How exactly does the audit and certification process work?

• Producers, storage intermediaries and packers will complete an enrolment form for the CanadaGAP program and submit it to the CHC National Office. The more information you are able to provide on the form, the more quickly your enrolment can be processed. You will be required to pay the Annual Program Enrolment fee to the CHC when you submit your enrolment form.

• The CHC will verify that enrolees are members of a CHC member organization. Non-members of the CHC will pay an additional fee. Enrolees who still need a copy of the CanadaGAP (OFFS) Manual(s) should obtain them from the website or their provincial member organization by this point. The Audit Checklist is publicly available on the website and should be downloaded in advance of your audit to help you prepare.

• Enrolment forms will be transmitted by the CHC to the Certification Body, who will contact you to book the audit. The scope and duration of the audit will be determined by the Certification Body in advance. Providing them with the most detailed possible information about your operation will allow your audit to be more cost effective and concise.

• After the audit, the auditor’s report is sent to the Certification Body for a decision on certification. The Certification Body will send you the final audit report and certificate.

• Audit fees, auditor travel expenses, and any follow-up time will be billed after the audit by the Certification Body.

• For answers to other frequently asked questions about audits, please see What to expect from your audit.