This benchmark code covers all guides pertaining to the placing on the EU market of processed and unprocessed feed ingredients as feedingstuffs or compound feed mixtures. This includes production, trade, storage, transport and handling activities. The standard covers also the feed parts of guides intended to cover both food and feed operations.

The benchmark code prescribes minimum requirements that sector guides to good practice should comply with. It encourages harmonization and guidance and thus supports the development of community guides to good practice in the feed ingredients sectors as specified in article 20 of the Feed Hygiene Regulation (Reg. (EC) No 183/2005). Any guide remains voluntary under the Feed Hygiene Regulation.

By jointly maintaining this benchmark code, the group of ingredients sectors aims at harmonizing feed safety efforts, encouraging cooperation and providing confidence to their partners in the feed chain such as the compound feed industry and the rearers of animals for food production (as direct consumers of feed ingredients) and to the official authorities involved.

Please click on the following link to find the latest version of the benchmark code:

While the harmonization of their respective codes is important for EFIP members, the harmonization of the certification rules under which their code are certified by independent third parties is also a priority for EFIP members. EFIP is currently benchmarking the certification systems developed by its members.