SATIVA general procedures, with the due adaptations, can be applied to all the schemes for which SATIVA is the inspection and/or certification body.

The SATIVA inspection and certification procedures are based on the assessment of each product chain and on the accomplishment of records that allow SATIVA to trace products from farm to final consumer.

An Inspection Plan is designed for each scheme. The general guidelines are defined for all the suppliers but as inspection work proceeds, suppliers can be categorised in different groups with common characteristics that imply specific inspection procedures.

In each scheme inspection plan a minimum verification frequency is programmed; beyond these SATIVA carries out extra inspections if needed to reach the inspection aims. These frequencies are determined by international sampling standards that consider the particularities of each scheme and supplier. Each inspection always results in a report that indicates any nonconformity found. The supplier reads and signs it and keeps a copy.

The information resulting from every inspection is recorded. On an annual basis SATIVA promotes internal audits to verify the inspection plans fulfilment.

In every inspection and in all kind of units, sampling could be made. Analyses are a control complement to inspections and are done to detect forbidden substances. Samples can be collected in any part of the unit.

Besides on-farm and processing units, routine visits are made to the shops where scheme products are sold. Most of the visits are carried out in an anonymous way as if the inspector was a regular consumer. Nevertheless the inspector makes the necessary observations and takes his notes. Only if needed or indicated in the inspection plan contact is established with the shop responsible.
The evaluation is also based upon appropriate records. These records are made throughout the products chain and allow traceability from production to consumption. Every controls and records required by SATIVA are, when enough, the ones already in use by each unit, in order to simplify and reduce costs. If these are not enough SATIVA will have to complement them.

Any identified entity (suppliers or other parties) can direct appeals, complaints and disputes to SATIVA. These could be related with the SATIVA working method, with the attribution of sanctions (made by suppliers), related with products found in market with the indication that have been controlled and certified by SATIVA (even so the responsibility for products in market is always on the suppliers) or other subject. The entity must present a written document to SATIVA’s Manager, which directs it to the respective department to record, study and follow it up.

SATIVA takes appropriate subsequent actions and documents the action taken and its effectiveness. Records are kept of all the appeals, complaints and disputes and of eventual remedial actions relative to certification.