GlobalGAP has said it will be postponing inspections and audits, and bringing in temporary certificate extensions as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The certification body said that, due to movement and travel restrictions within some regions imposed by governments as a result of the coronavirus, its inspections or audits that become due could be postponed.

As already permitted under the current system, GlobalGAP certificates may be extended for up to four months.

For the Covid-19 pandemic, the body is now introducing a temporary rule: a maximum certificate extension of eight months, in order to allow GlobalGAP to delay an on-site inspection/audit if necessary.

The precondition for extension beyond four months is a completed remote inspection/audit, and during the extension period, a regular on-site inspection/audit shall take place. Certificates under extension are considered valid.

"We want to do our part to prevent the spread of the virus, to keep each other safe, and also to ensure that our members have access to products from certified farms," GlobalGAP stated.