Fields of interest

Guide Self Checking G014

The Guide on Self Checking for wholesalers and processors of fruit, vegetables and potatoes is managed by FVPhouse, the umbrella association of Belgapom (potato trade and processing), Vegebe (trade and processing of industrial vegetables) and Fresh Trade Belgium. The Guide was written with support of Ghent University and is officially approved by the Belgian Food Safety Agency. The document is a reference for official checks on food safety and quality.

The Guide is regularly updated, version 6 is availiable on http://www.gidsac.be A next update is expected in the course of 2026 with updates on phytosanitary issues, marketing standards and a new annex on the control of environmental pathogens at wholesale level.

Combined audits with BRC and IFS are possible.

Operators with a validated self checking system recieve a bonus of 75% on their annual fee for the Federal Food Safety Agency. A validated system is obligatory for exports to specific markets such as Japan, Thailand, Mexico, Israël, Canada, Vietnam and Brazil.

Trainings and seminars

FVPhouse organises trainings and seminars on a broad range of topics such as food safety (self checking, allergene management), sustainability (CSRD, VSME/ Workable Method ...) that have an impact on the business of fruit and vegetables.

Together with Normec Foodcare Fresh Trade Belgium started an intensive course for Quality Inspector Fruit & Vegetables, in spring 2026 modules are organized on strawberries, cherries & berries/ citrus/ stone fruit.

Members are kept informed on new initiatives.

Imports from third countries

in 2019 the EU changed its policy on imports of fruits and vegetables. New measures were meant to avoid introduction of harmful organisms on the EU territory (f.i. non European fruit flies) and the phytosanitary certificate became the general rule (5 exceptions). A complete digitalization is the ultimate goal. During COVID several encouraging developments took place (TRACES/ EPHYTO) that will facilitate the business.

Fresh Trade Belgium is in contact with federal authorities to limit the impact on logistical processes within the legal framework.

Members can contact the secretariat with questions concerning EU import conditions and restrictions (phytosanitary, Mrl, microbial criteria, contaminants, novel food ...)

Exports to third countries

Fresh Trade Belgium helps operators to identify the export conditions of third countries (phytosanitary requirements, import duties ...) and, in coordination with the auctions and the food safety authority, keeps up to date the registers of exporters authorized to export towards specific markets (self checking and sector procedures).

Fresh Trade Belgium coordinates the sectoral monitoring scheme for the exporters active on the Japanese market. Operators can contact the association for the sector procedure on certified copies.

Brexit: since 2021 the UK has become a third country. FVPhouse kept its members up to date on new rules and arrangements. Thanks to the UK - EU trade deal import duties and quota are avoided for the moment but formalities and checks by customs and certificates for the marketing standard are required. UK legislation might diverge more and more from EU legislation. Changes in regulations and requirement are closely monitored.

Energy contracts

Together wiith Hellemans Consultancy, Fresh Trade Belgium helps its members to make correct and beneficial energy contracts. Several members made such contracts and already experience the benefits.

Promotion

Fresh Trade Belgium is member of the sector group fruit and vegetables of Vlam (Flemish Promotion Board) for promotion activities on foreign markets. In 2024 participation to following events is programmed: Fruit Logistica Berlin, Fruit Attraction Madrid, the fair in Hong Kong and different trade missions. As organic is playing an important role in the EU Green Deal, Fresh Trade Belgium took up a mandate in the sector group for organic in April 2022.

Sustainability

After the sector passport on sustainability, FVPhouse launched the project 'Together towards a circular and solidary agrofood chain in the sector of fruit, vegetables and potatoes'. This happened with the support of the Flemish Community. The sectorpassport was updated with the Sustainable Development Goals. 12 pilot companies implemented the vision and objectives at company level. Topics covered: prevention of food loss/ waste, sustainable water use, sustainable production and consumption patterns and social well being.

With the support of Flemish authorities and consultant Sliding Doors, FVPhouse and its participating members started working with the 'Sustatool'. Members benefit from support and professional advice to implement sustainability on the working floor.

In 2023 FVPhouse engaged in a new project on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence, this time with the support of the Federal Institute for Sustainable Development. The project has run for one year and focussed on the sustainability of the supply chain (environment/ human rights). Operators participated in a learning network or acted as a pilot company. Aim of the project was to deliver specific guidelines and instruments for the fruit and vegetable business to bring sustainability into practice. The result of the project is a possible basis for authorities to develop further measures of support and increase the sustainability in the fruit and vegetable sector.

In 2024 Fresh Trade Belgium and several members joined the CSRD project of Freshfel. In 2025, the European omnibus regulation brought about significant simplification. A very large proportion of companies now fall within the scope of the VSME, the voluntary standard for SMEs. Companies in the fruit and vegetable sector can make use of the “Workable Method”, an accessible reporting tool compliant with the VSME, initially developed by our sister federation Fenavian/Brema. Those interested can contact the secretariat. In the spring of 2026, FVP House organised an initial training session on this topic.

Topics requiring attention in 2026

VLAREMA 9 and the ban on fruitstickers (update legislation and protocol OVAM), Royal Decree on Unfair Trading Practicies (UTP), the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) that enters into force from August 2026 onwards, marketing standards and labelling (including evolution at the level of sustainability labelling and PEF), origin labelling, plant protection (MRL, active substances under pressure ...), phytosanitary measures applicable when importing from third counties (FCM, non European fruit flies, ...) and digitalisation of certificates.

Individual services

Individual members can contact Fresh Trade Belgium for first degree advices in different fields. The association has an extensive network including contacts with relevant authorities and other organizations. For further information please contact the secretariat, via veerle.vandersypt@fvphouse.be or tel +32.9.339.12.50