Why GAFTA Certification Matters for a Laboratory

GAFTA certification is of strategic importance to laboratories involved in the international trade of grains, feed materials and plant-based commodities. For TLR International Laboratories, it serves as formal recognition as an accredited partner in a sector where reliability and compliance are essential.

What Is GAFTA?

GAFTA stands for the Grain and Feed Trade Association, a global trade organisation that defines contract standards, arbitration procedures and certification requirements for trade in grains, pulses, oilseeds and feed ingredients. GAFTA sets clear standards for sampling, analysis and reporting, and recognises only laboratories that meet its stringent quality criteria.

Why GAFTA Certification Is Relevant for Laboratories

GAFTA certification enables a laboratory to:

• Perform official analyses based on GAFTA contracts
• Issue recognised analytical certificates that are binding in trade disputes
• Participate in arbitration and certification processes
• Support importers and exporters with product acceptance at borders or storage facilities

Requirements and Scope

GAFTA certification covers requirements related to:

• Analytical methods (in line with ISO standards or GAFTA guidelines)
• Analyst training and professional competence
• Quality systems, including traceability and reporting protocols
• Control of sampling, transport and sample storage

This certification complements ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and is regularly verified through external audits.

TLR's Position

TLR holds GAFTA certification and performs analyses for:

• Moisture content, crude protein, crude fibre and ash
• Contaminants (such as mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides)
• Microbiological parameters (e.g. Salmonella)
• Genetic modification and residue detection

This certification allows TLR to operate as a fully recognised partner for traders, exporters, shippers and storage operators in over 80 countries.