How Does CIPRS Work?

You’re thinking about seeking certification under the Canadian Identity Preserved Recognition System (CIPRS), but first you want to know a little bit more about how it works.

The Canadian Identity Preserved Recognition System certifies companies selling products through identity preserved programs that have effective quality management systems (QMS) for the production, handling, and transportation of specialty grains, oilseeds or pulses. These systems provide full documentation and traceability from seed to export vessel or domestic end-user.

CIPRS is based on quality management systems which document and itemize processes to control production from farmer right through to labelling and shipping. Third party audits ensure that participants are following the Standard. It is an integrated approach to ensuring a company has the systems to get the right product to the right place. CIPRS ensures a company’s QMS meets the Standard created by the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC). The Standard is designed to be compatible with quality management systems such as ISO.

Program Components

The following components are the building blocks of the system:

• The Canadian Grain Commission’s CIPRS Standard sets out what the quality management system (QMS) program must do, focusing on the need to identify and meet customer requirements.
• Third party audits are conducted on identity preserved programs by CGC-accredited auditors to ensure that the Standard is being met. CSI will be the first service body accredited.
• The Certificate of Recognition is the buyer’s assurance that the identity preserved process is operating as it should, and that it meets the CIPRS Standard.

Process

The CIPRS Standard for identity preserved programs is a national standard that can be applied to all crop types distributed through any Canadian supply chain. It provides the measuring stick against which identity preserved programs can be assessed. To become recognized:

A company develops an identity preserved quality management system that meets the requirements of the CIPRS Standard.

The company is then audited by a CGC-accredited auditor, such as one from CSI.

The auditor submits a report to the CGC.

The CGC reviews the audit report and recommendation and decides whether the program should be certified.

If the review indicates that the identity preserved Program meets the requirements of the CIPRS Standard, the company’s program will be certified.

Certification authorizes the company to use the CIPRS certification mark indicating they have met the CIPRS Standard.