GLOBALG.A.P and GRASP Checklist for African Fruit Exporters
Buyers expect GLOBALG.A.P certificates, GRASP social add-ons, and packhouse food safety such as BRCGS or ISO 22000. Keep certificates current, share lot-level traceability, and document MRL compliance. View compliant exporters at https://awasam.com/african-fruit-exporters.
GLOBALG.A.P and GRASP Checklist for African Fruit Exporters
African fruit exporters selling to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia must meet strict safety and social-responsibility standards. GLOBALG.A.P and GRASP certifications are now mandatory for most international buyers, especially supermarkets, importers, distributors, and online retailers. Understanding these requirements helps exporters maintain compliance, gain market trust, and secure long-term contracts.
This checklist explains what buyers look for, what documents you must maintain, and how to stay compliant year-round.
✅ What is GLOBALG.A.P and Why Is It Important for Exporters?
GLOBALG.A.P is an internationally recognized certification for Good Agricultural Practices. It assures buyers that your fruits were produced safely, sustainably, and in accordance with strict farming standards.
GLOBALG.A.P covers:
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Farm management and production processes
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Soil and water protection
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Safe use of pesticides and fertilizers
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Worker health & hygiene
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Harvesting and post-harvest handling
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Traceability and record-keeping
Most EU and Middle-East buyers will not buy produce unless the exporter has a valid GLOBALG.A.P certificate. It is now the entry point for markets such as Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Netherlands, and the UK.
✅ What is GRASP?
GRASP (GLOBALG.A.P Risk Assessment on Social Practice) is an add-on to GLOBALG.A.P focusing on workers’ welfare, safety, and ethical treatment.
GRASP ensures:
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Fair wages and lawful employment
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No child or forced labor
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Safe working conditions
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Functional worker committees
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Proper grievance and communication channels
Retailers in Europe consider GRASP very important when choosing long-term suppliers.
📋 Complete GLOBALG.A.P & GRASP Checklist for African Fruit Exporters
Use the checklist below to ensure compliance throughout the season.
1. Farm Registration & Documentation
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Updated GLOBALG.A.P certificate & GGN number
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Farm maps showing plots, boundaries, water sources
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List of crops, varieties, and production volumes
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Legal land-use documents
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Worker training records
2. Farm Hygiene & Safety Measures
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Clean and functioning hand-washing stations
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Safe chemical and fertilizer storage
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Proper waste disposal procedures
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Clean harvesting tools and crates
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Toilet facilities maintained per GLOBALG.A.P standards
3. Pesticide & Fertilizer Management
Buyers inspect strict compliance with MRL (Maximum Residue Limits).
Checklist:
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Approved pesticides list
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Spray records with date, product, dosage, PHI
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Calibrated spraying equipment
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Secure chemical storage room
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PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) available for workers
4. Traceability & Record Keeping
Traceability helps link every carton back to the specific plot.
Ensure:
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Lot numbers for each harvest batch
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Farm-to-packhouse movement records
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Daily harvest logs
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Packhouse processing and grading records
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Export documentation linked to lots
5. Packhouse Compliance
Packhouses must meet food-safety standards equivalent to BRCGS, FSSC 22000, or ISO 22000.
Checklist:
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Clean sorting, washing, and packing areas
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Stainless steel equipment in good condition
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Pest-control program
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Daily cleaning schedules
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Temperature-controlled storage
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Worker hygiene procedures
6. Worker Health & Safety (GRASP Requirements)
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Valid employment contracts
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Social security or national insurance registration
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Worker onboarding training
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Wage payment records
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First-aid kits and trained staff
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Functioning worker grievance channel
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No record of underage workers
7. Environmental Responsibility
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Water management plan
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Soil testing records
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Biodiversity protection measures
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Wastewater disposal procedures
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Energy-saving programs where possible
8. Annual Internal Audit
Exporters must conduct an internal audit before the certification body visits.
Review:
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Documentation completeness
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Field inspections
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Worker interviews
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Chemical-storage checks
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Packhouse hygiene compliance
🌍 Why GLOBALG.A.P and GRASP Compliance Helps African Exporters Win Buyers
Benefits include:
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Access to premium markets (EU, UK, GCC, Asia)
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Higher prices and long-term contracts
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Increased trust from international supermarkets
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Reduced rejection rates at destination
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Strong brand reputation as a certified exporter
Buyers want consistency, safety, and transparency—certified exporters perform better and retain more clients.
🔍 Get Listed as a Compliant Exporter on AWASAM
Once your certification is ready, list your company on AWASAM — Africa’s Exporters Marketplace to attract verified buyers.
👉 Browse compliant exporters:
https://awasam.com/african-fruit-exporters
📌 Final Notes for Exporters
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Keep documents updated quarterly.
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Train your workers at least twice per season.
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Always maintain pesticide records and ensure MRL compliance.
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Ensure your GRASP audit is renewed before expiry to keep your profile reliable.
African exporters who stay compliant gain better contracts and build strong global market relationships.