AC/GL 26-1997 Guidelines for the Design, Operation, Assessment and Accreditation of Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems
SECTION 1 – OBJECTIVES
1. These guidelines provide a framework for the development of import and export inspection and certification systems consistent with the Principles for Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification.1 They are intended to assist countries2 in the application of requirements and the determination of equivalency, thereby protecting consumers and facilitating trade in foodstuffs.3
2. The document deals with the recognition of equivalence of inspection and/or certification systems and not with standards related to specific food products or their components (e.g., food hygiene, additives and contaminants, labelling and quality requirements).
3. Application by governments of the guidelines presented in this document should help build and maintain the necessary confidence in the inspection and certification system of an exporting country and facilitate fair trade, taking account of the expectations of consumers for an appropriate level of protection.
