What is the difference between Synergy 22000 and “classical” ISO 22000 certification ?

The main difference is that Synergy PRP 22000 specifies the applicable PRPs for all food chain categories – whereby ISO 22000 only specifies requirements on how to establish these PRPs.
Synergy 22000 certification scheme also clarifies such issues as:

	definition of major and minor non-conformity
	management of PRP conditional clauses
	auditor competence assessment and personal certification
	audit duration, frequency and minimal plan
	repeat audits in specific cases
	audit report and follow-up (managed via a centralized data base, where each certified client has access)

What are the advantages of Synergy 22000 for the certified company ?

	Predefined and validated PRPs (efficiency and consistency gain in establishing and auditing)
	Common culture with suppliers (scheme applicable for the entire food chain)
	Scheme acceptance by retailers (addressing GFSI requirements)
	Competence assessment and continuous training of the auditors
	Standardised audit report with added value and links with useful knowledge bases and tools

Why chose Synergy PRP 22000 rather than PAS 220 as PRP standard ?

Synergy PRP 22000:

	covers the entire food chain (ISO 22003 categories A to M)
	allows a common culture along the supply chain
	covers all PAS 220 requirements
	is downloadable free of charge (in English and French) for any interested company

Is a Synergy 22000 certification more expensive than an ISO 22000 certification ?

Basically not, because the required audit time is the same (as defined by ISO TS 22003).
PRPs shall be established, implemented and audited for any ISO 22000 certification.
Therefore, auditing against ISO 22000 + Synergy PRP 22000 doesn’t require any additional time.
In contrary, the fact that applicable PRPs are already predefined and validated for the corresponding food chain category could justify a (slight) audit time reduction.
The only additional cost is the 150 € annual fee .

How much does Synergy charge for Synergy 22000 certification ?

Synergy 22000 standards are downloadable for free.
Following annual fees applicable:

	for certification bodies: 3000 €
	for certified company: 150 €

Which services are provided to the certified company for that price ?

	Certified companies directory
	Competence assessment and continuous training of the auditors
	Standardised audit report with added value and links with useful knowledge bases and tools
	Opportunity to apply for access to the knowledge bases, tools and distance learning sessions that provide precious implementation, self-assessment and improvement help
	Interactive online non-conformity manager
	Scheme endorsement, promotion and maintenance

Which services are provided to the certification body for that price ?

	Scheme maintenance, promotion & endorsement (GFSI)
	Certified companies directory
	Dematerialised audit report form (time saving: in edition)
	Access to adding value knowledge bases and tools
	Audit finding database (consistency and efficiency in finding writing and interpretation)
	Interactive online non-conformity manager (with easy follow-up)
	Training material for basis + continuous training of auditors

What are the requirements for the auditors ?

The requirements applicable to auditors are specified in chapter 5 of Synergy 22000 certification scheme (to download on page Publication). Main requirements are:

	Competence assessment and personal certification
	Continuous training
	Working and reporting language

Which auditor certification schemes are accepted by Synergy ?

Synergy 22000 certification scheme requires (clause 5.1):
The applied personal certification scheme shall be based on a written and/or oral competence assessment (8 hours) addressing the following key competences and skills:

a)	FSMS audit principles and procedures according to applicable clauses of ISO 17021, ISO TS 22003 and ISO 19011;
b)	writing of factual and verifiable audit reports;
c)	understanding and control of the HACCP systematic according to ISO 22000;
d)	PRP adequacy & implementation assessment;
e)	understanding of MS principles.