Certificate of conformity

[Ash James]

Hi there,

I manufacture small-batch ice cream powder and I have been asked by one of my buyers for a certificate of conformity. I am a UK based manufacturer selling to UK based customers. I have not been asked this before but can someone clear this up as I can't see how this applies to my product?

Thanks
Ash

 

[Scalloway]

A quick google shows a few ice cream manufacturers that do hold certificates of conformity. There is more detail on the process here.

https://quality.eqms.co.uk/blog/brc-global-standard-for-food-safety-explained

 

[Ash James]

Thank you for the information however I can't see why I need this documentation for selling in the UK?

I have googled and I can't find much information on CoC at all with manufacturing ice cream, can you provide some links?

Does a CoC apply for manufacturing ice cream powders? Would a specification document suffice including nutrition, microbiology testing results, allergens etc?

Thanks
Ash

 

[CVRO]

Could it be that your buyer is exporting it and need it to prepare the required documentation?

 

[Mr D]

If you cannot supply it then will one of your competitors?

 

[prophet01]

I suspect that your buyer is asking for a "certifcate of conformance" for one or both of two reasons.

1. To satisfy themselves that your product conforms to specific standards.
2. To be able to demonstrate to their customers that your product conforms to specific standards.

What you need to establish is precisely what standards your buyer seeks evidence, by way of certification, of the conformity of your product to those standards.

You might then need to to have your product independantly tested and certified for compliance with those standards.

You need to communicate with the buyer requesting a "certificate".

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Talk to your local trading standards for advice

 

[Ash James]

I have asked the buyer what they require and I was asked this:

"Basically we need a certificate that proves your product is in line with the UK regulations.
Hope that makes sense"

I am not sure how this makes sense?

 

[prophet01]

You manufacture a product for human consumption yet have no idea what standards you need to comply with.
Staggering!

 

[Mr D]

I have asked the buyer what they require and I was asked this:

"Basically we need a certificate that proves your product is in line with the UK regulations.
Hope that makes sense"

I am not sure how this makes sense?

The same regulations you needed to make sure you complied with before you started selling?
Testing, labelling etc?
Is your product safe for humans?

 

[Ash James]

Yes our company has HACCP and GMP and the product in mention has Allergen testing and nutritional testing by an accredited company.

All of the products ingredients have their own MSDS sheets which provide the info that they are safe for human consumption.

I have not heard of certificate of conformity before so I am looking for someone to assist me on how I can obtain one rather than riddle me.

 

[MOIC]

If you have HACCP, GMP & MSDS reports, you can supply your own Certificate of Conformity with your company name on to say that your product satisfies those standards and are fit for human consumption.

 

[Ash James]

Thank you!