ProTerra Recognition of SGS NON – GMO Standard

November 2025

ProTerra Foundation has conducted a benchmarking exercise on ProTerra V5 PRINCIPLE 5: No use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) against the SGS NON – GMO IP Supply Chain Standard Revision: V 5.0. Results have shown full adherence. ProTerra Foundation will therefore accept certification under the SGS NON – GMO Standard as evidence of compliance with ProTerra indicator 5.1.1, which requires that genetically modified organisms and their by-products are not used in the production of ProTerra-certified products. 

The SGS NON – GMO Standard helps organisations to supply non-genetically modified products by providing a system to verify the process of preparing non-genetically engineered ingredients, feed, or food. Its scope. Like ProTerra V5, its scope may include one part of the supply chain, several parts, or even the entire supply chain. The aim is to ensure that the product of the certified organisation retains its original genetic characteristics and that the supply chain avoids GMO contamination. The SGS NON – GMO Standard also considers, in its own terms, the sampling of core suppliers. For example, if third-party contractors handle transport or storage, they must meet specific requirements relating to these activities.

The SGS NON-GMO Standard focuses on product traceability and controlling cross-contact or co-mingling of GMOs and non-GMO ingredients at different levels of the supply chain and manufacturing process. It includes a product market removal plan if cross-contamination is detected. The threshold tolerance levels align with ProTerra limits: 0.1% as “technically unavoidable” or “adventitious,” up to 0.9% for approved GMOs per feed material or ingredient. 

The SGS Standard was developed according to EU legislative labelling requirements for GMOs (EU directive 2001/18/EC and regulations 1829/2003 and 1830/2003). Its GMO definition matches the current EU regulation 2001/18/EC and the current ProTerra definition. Audits occur annually, similarly to ProTerra.

This recognition allows ProTerra-certified organisations, as well as those seeking certification, more opportunities to demonstrate compliance with ProTerra Principle 5.

ProTerra has announced its intention to incorporate the SGS NON-GMO IP Supply Chain Standard into ProTerra V6.