Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost?
For pricing please refer to the NZGAP Fee chart . Once registered this will be invoiced alongside your next NZGAP annual renewal. If you require a standalone audit (not alongside a GAP audit), then an additional fee will apply for audit travel and administration.
Can a contractor impact on my audit outcome?
Yes. NZGAP strongly recommends contractors are certified to the NZGAP Social Practice add on module separately, to demonstrate compliance with their legal and social responsibilities. Alternatively, businesses will be required to follow more comprehensive due dilligence processes (Template H) plus the contractor business will be required to provide the necessary records, evidence and documentation to the grower to demonstrate that they meet the requirements.
Are there any exemptions for who requires NZGAP Social Practice certification?
If you are already assessed against either Sedex Members Ethcial Trade Audit (SMETA) or GLOBALG.A.P. GRASP, you are exempt from requiring the NZGAP Social Practice add-on audit, but may still need to register to demonstrate local market and regulatory compliance.
Does the NZGAP Social Practice audit result impact the outcome of the food safety NZGAP audit?
No. However, it may impact access to certain markets which require compliance to the NZGAP Social Practice add-on, regardless of whether or not you passed the food safety NZGAP audit.
How much time will the Social Practice add-on audit take?
It is estimated that social practice will add 1.5 to 3 hours in the first year, this is expected to decrease from year 2 onwards. The audit time is subject to a number of factors including business operations, whether all checklist questions are applicable, availability of records and relevant representatives at the time of the audit.
When will I be audited?
If you have registered for Social Practice you will be audited alongside your next NZGAP audit. Audits can also be completed as a stand-alone to meet a market deadline, however additional fees apply for travel and administration.
Do I need to complete the self-assessment before my audit?
Yes, the self-assessment (version 2.0) must be completed and submitted to NZGAP before an audit can be scheduled. If you have completed version 1.0 you must now complete version 2.0. The self-assessment is also required to be completed annually.
Do I need to register for the Social Practice add-on if I have no staff?
Some buyers are requesting confirmation of when Social Practice Certification is not applicable i.e. you do not employ workers or use contractors. If this is required and you don’t employ workers at any time of the year (either directly or via contractors), you can apply for Social Practice confirming you have no workers during the application process. Once your application is processed and approved your Social Practice status will be updated to “Not Applicable” on your certificate. This demonstrates to buyers, that you have confirmed you do not have workers and therefore do not need to be audited against the Social Practice standard. This information is shared back to markets on a regular basis.
What will my registration pack (manual) contain?
Once registered you will receive electronic copies and links to all relevant documents and tools via email. If requested a paper version will be posted to you and will contain the checklist, implementation guidelines and all supporting templates (see above).
How will my buyers and regulator know that I am certified to Social Practice?
Your certification status will appear on the NZGAP public register (www.nzgap.co.nz/checkregister). Social Practice will also be added to your standard NZGAP certificate (pdf and paper).
How will I be invoiced for Social Practice ?
The annual fee will be payable to NZGAP as part of your next renewal prior to your NZGAP certificate anniversary date (includes audit fee).
Is there a worker voice component?
The audit focuses primarily on the business's practices, policies and procedures, however links with worker voice initiatives including:
- Employment NZ contact centre