ProTerra Standard V5 and GMP+ 2025 Benchmarking Results
ProTerra Standard version 5.0 (PTV5) requirements for Level II economic operators (Transport and Storage, Traders and Dealers), have been benchmarked against the 2024 updates of GMP+ requirements[1]. The results have demonstrated adherence between the two standards in several aspects, which allows the ProTerra Foundation to recognise a Level II organisation certified under GMP+ provided that the additional PTV5 requirements are met.
It is noted that PTV5 has increased the number of requirements applicable to Level II when compared to the previous version (PT V4.1), as part of the continuous improvement strategy of ProTerra Foundation. This has resulted in an increase in additional ProTerra requirements that must be met for a combined certification with GMP+. These additional aspects primarily relate to the management system, compliance with laws and international conventions, human rights and responsible labour practices and environmental conservation and protection.
ProTerra certification is contingent on adherence to the Technical Specifications MI5.4 – GMO controlled (Version EN: 1 July 2022), particularly with regard to the requirements for Transport and Storage, Traders and Dealers. Alternatively, organisations can also be certified under FoodChain ID Non-GMO Global Standard, the German VLOG “ohne Gentechnik” Standard or the Guidelines on the definition of GMO-free production of Food and its labelling according to the Austrian Codex Alimentarius, respecting their scope of applicability, to demonstrate their Non-GMO Status. The objective is to ensure adherence to the core aspects of ProTerra:
- No use of GMOs;
- Defining types of GMO substances that may be used, such as those that are necessary to produce food products or those used in food or animal feed that are required by regulation; and
- Full segregation from GMO products, with procedures and records in place to provide evidence that segregation is maintained.
A key aspect common to both standards is that both require organisations to maintain a Chain of Custody system and to ensure traceability.
Table 1 presents the additional efforts required for a GMP+ Certified[1] facility to be recognised under the ProTerra Standard V5.0 – Level II
Table 2 shows the additional requirements for GMP+ Certified[1] organisations to be recognised under ProTerra Standard V5.0 – Level II in the European Union, Norway, the UK, and Switzerland.
The adherence noted between GMP + and ProTerra V5 opens up the possibility to explore the synergies between the two standards, with positive outcomes for users such as reduced audit burden and lower costs while optimising the effort in terms of implementation, maintenance and demonstration of a sustainable, transparent and traceable supply chain.