Red Tractor Sanctions
Sanctions include deadlines for resolving non-conformance, spot checks, suspension and revoking membership
At Red Tractor, we take compliance seriously, because it protects the integrity of our standards, the reputation farmers and the trust consumers place in British produce.
Working with our certification bodies we have clear, consistent procedures in place for situations where a member does not meet the requirements of Red Tractor’s standards. These processes are designed to be fair, transparent, and proportionate, ensuring that issues are addressed without placing undue risk on the farm business.
Actions such as temporary suspension, and in rare cases, revoking membership, are only taken after a careful, thorough assessment. Every step is designed to ensure members are aware of the expectations and are able to maintain the expected standards.
Key sanctions and what they could mean
28 days to demonstrate compliance
- What it is: If you have a non-conformance, something that doesn’t meet the standard but isn’t reported as a major non-conformance against a key standard, you’ll usually be given 28 days to address it.
- Example: Paperwork missing or a cleaning schedule not updated.
- What you need to do: Review the detail of the non-conformance and send evidence to your Certification Body (CB) to demonstrate compliance.
Extensions can be granted
- What it is: If it’s genuinely not possible to address something within 28 days, say, structural work needs undertaking, you can ask for more time.
- Who decides: It’s at the discretion of your CB, and you’ll need a valid reason.
Additional visits or spot checks
- What it is: If there are ongoing concerns, the CB can carry out additional checks or adjust your assessment cycle.
- What to expect: This might mean more frequent assessments or short notice visits to ensure compliance is being maintained.
Suspension of your certificate
- What it is: If there’s a serious breach, recorded as a major non-conformance against a key standard, or you do not meet deadlines, your certificate can be suspended.
- What it means: You cannot claim your produce or livestock is assured while suspended. This can impact your ability to trade.
- How long does it last: In most cases the suspension will be lifted once all required evidence, showing compliance, has been accepted by the CB. If the suspension is for not allowing an assessment to take place it will likely remain in place until at least the assessment has been completed.
Risk-based assessments
- What it is: In the pigs, poultry, and dairy sectors, if compliance is poor, Red Tractor may step in with additional spot checks, sometimes unannounced.
- Why it matters: It’s a warning. If standards don’t improve, tougher sanctions may follow.
Special conditions
- What it is: If there’s been an issue, such as legal action or unacceptable behaviour, special conditions may be added to your membership and/or certification.
- What it means: These could be time-bound requirements or ongoing checks until the matter is resolved.
Certificate withdrawal
- What it is: If your certificate is suspended for more than three months, it will be withdrawn. You’ll have to reapply for membership of the scheme and would not be deemed assured until an assessment has taken place and compliance with all standards can be demonstrated.
- Also applies: In rare cases where serious evidence comes to light that damages the scheme’s reputation.
Revoking membership
- What it is: If you can’t (or choose not to) meet the standards or membership rules, your Red Tractor membership may be revoked.
- What happens: You’ll lose all scheme benefits and will not be certified for a set period. The Red Tractor appeals process can apply.
Understanding standards classification
During the assessment, compliance is measured against the full suite of Red Tractor standards, which vary by sector.
Regardless of sector, the standards are classed as different categories, such as key or normal. The assessor will explain these during the assessment opening meeting.
| Rating/Detail on report | Definition | Impact | |
| Key Standard | Major Non-conformance | Total disregard for requirements of standards. | Certification may be suspended immediately. |
| Minor Non-conformance | Compliance with some elements of standard not able to be demonstrated. | Corrective evidence will be required to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the standard. + | |
| Normal Standard | Non-conformance/Non-compliant | Compliance with all or some elements of standard not able to be demonstrated. | Corrective evidence will be required to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the standard. + |
| Recommendation | Not met/Non-conformance | This is not a standard and a non-conformance raised will not affect your certification. | Will not affect your certification.* |
+ Certification body retain the right to suspend the certification if the number of Non-conformances raised is deemed to be unacceptable to the issuing certification body.
* May impact Tesco score in Fresh Produce.
Red Tractor appeals procedure
