10 may 2024
RHP makes it possible for certified companies to have new, non-certified raw materials at their production site. To promote innovation, they can start testing with new materials. This is essential with the raw materials transition that is in full swing. RHP has drawn up a protocol on how companies can request it and how certified products remain safe at the location.
New raw materials refer to the materials that aren’t yet included in the RHP product certification scheme as A, B or C products. Due to risks, these may normally not be present at the production site of certified companies. According to a protocol, certified companies can now request RHP to have these new materials at their production site. The protocol for this gives them the opportunity to test with new materials for innovation purposes, without affecting the certified products.
After the request, certified companies provide information about the new raw material they want to test. Based on this, an RHP technical advisor, possibly with an expert, carries out a brief risk assessment. A great deal of attention is paid to the phytosanitary risks. Sampling of the new raw material and/or a visit to the production site may be necessary. In the event of a positive assessment, under certain conditions, the company is given the green light to have the new material present at the production site and to do tests with it.
The conditions imposed relate mainly to phytosanitary and chemical aspects. Particular attention is paid to processes like storage, processing and cleaning, registrations and mandatory analyses. Initially, application will take place on a small scale. This is called phase 1 and has a maximum duration of 6 months. If phase 1 has been successfully completed and evaluated, the technical advisor can give approval for the second phase, if there is a need for it. Phase 2 also has a maximum duration of 6 months. The use of larger volumes is possible. This is preceded by a more extensive risk assessment. The new raw materials and the growing media in which they are processed aren’t yet covered by the RHP quality mark. To do this, the route to certification must first be completed.
So it is important that new products without a status within the RHP certification are not stored and/or processed, before the above procedure has been started.
