Control Union – QS

QS

QS – Qualität und Sicherheit is the leading German standard for food safety, ensuring quality from farm to shop. It is designed for producers and processors in the fruit, vegetable, potato, and meat supply chains. Control Union offers comprehensive certification services for the QS scheme, enabling access to the German and broader European retail markets by verifying compliance with these essential standards.

Control Union – QS

    What is QS?

    This quality assurance certification is a critical requirement for suppliers, as major European retailers widely expect it. The QS scheme covers all stages of the food chain, enhancing transparency and safety for consumers. For businesses, it is a robust framework that supports and strengthens an internal quality management system. By enabling the recognition of other key standards, QS contributes to a uniform level of food safety across Europe, simplifying market access for international producers.

    QS applications!

    Why choose Control Union as your certification partner?

    • Global and local customer-focused employees with broad knowledge and years of (practical) experience. We guide you through the changing world of certifications.

    • We conduct audits and certifications with a human touch. We enjoy contributing ideas on how to take your company to the next level and communicate clearly about the certification process.

    • Control Union understands the importance of acting quickly, which is why our auditors will visit you for the audit as soon as possible after your request, always in consultation with you, of course.

    Features of QS

    Control Union – Biosuisse
    1.

    Meet retailer demands

    Gain access to key markets by meeting the requirements of major German and European food retailers.

    2.

    Comprehensive food safety

    Ensure food safety and quality assurance with a standard that covers the entire supply chain, from farm to shop.

    3.

    Enhanced transparency

    Benefit from the recognition of other major standards, which facilitates a uniform level of safety in Europe.

    4.

    European market integration

    Benefit from the recognition of other major standards, which facilitates a uniform level of safety in Europe.

    5.

    Efficient certification paths

    Streamline processes with combined audits, such as the CoC add-on, to avoid redundant certification efforts.

    Commodities

    This certification applies to a wide range of organic products, including:

    • Potatoes, vegetables, fruit

    Control Union – agri
    In a constantly changing environment, we are working with supply chain partners to create a demonstrably more sustainable future.
    Vincent van Tol – Control Union Certifications
    Request QS now!

    .

    This is how certification with Control Union works

    In outline, we go through these 6 steps. We’ll tell you all about it at the start of the project.

    Applying for certification

    Apply by using the contact details at the bottom of this page

    Determining scope of certification

    Together, we discuss the details and scope of your application. Which processes, products and/or locations would you like to have certified?

    Quotation & contract

    After establishing exact scopes and auditing times, you’ll receive our quote.

    After agreement, you may start the preparation phase.

    Audit planning, preparation, execution and reporting

    You will be assigned one of our qualified and independent auditors. We’ll reach out to you to check if you’re ready for the initial audit. If needed, we’ll provide additional information to help to prepare.

    Good to go? The initial audit is planned, carried out and reported.

    Review

    During the audit, we will assess if you meet the requirements. After that, we will confirm if you’ve fully complied, if there are things to improve, or if there are any non-conformities.

    Together, we will discuss our findings, plan of action and planning in case of non-conformities. In case your chosen program includes a logo, we will discuss this too.

    Receiving your certificate

    If all non-conformities are resolved and everything has been assessed positively, the certification decision follows.

    Depending on the type of certification:
    • you are allowed to trade using the certificate
    • you are executing the process according to the guidelines
    • you are allowed to name the certificate on your website
    Some certificates allow you to use the certificate’s logo. We will provide you with guidelines for this.

    The certification process does not end here, annual audits ensure consistent quality!

    Global coverage, local knowledge

    Control Union provides peace of mind in supply chains worldwide. Thanks to our up-to-date knowledge and experience, we cover all aspects of the supply and value chain in various industries. We think along, communicate clearly and offer concrete solutions. As a ‘one-stop shop’ for international and local certificates, we make certification more efficient. Want to know more about our independent, accredited audits and certifications? Whether you are certifying for the first time or have been around for years, we help!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    offices and labs worldwide in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Proud colleagues
    Control Union – Agri, Horticulture & Organic

    QS request or no-obligation consultation?

    We are ready to assist. Contact us using the form below or call us on +31 38 42 60 107

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    Independent tailor-made services

    What makes you unique, we make demonstrable

    Does your organisation have specific certification or audit requirements that are not covered by the certification programmes? For example developing a new standard? Control Union also provides independent customised services.

    Read more about our customised solutions
    Control Union - supply chain