Many entrepreneurs are excited when starting an online store. However, there are some important elements that are often overlooked. One of these is how the goods are stored. Each product group has specific conditions and requirements. When launching your webshop, you need to carefully determine which products you will sell. The question you should always ask yourself is: can I store my products in a regular way, or do I need certain permits? Below, we discuss two very important permits.
FAVV
When selling food, the rule is clear: no permit is required for food that is meant to be eaten. However, as soon as you start handling food in any other way, you need a permit. It doesn’t matter whether you manufacture, import, trade, package, store, or transport the food. The permit you need is determined by the FAVV (Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain). There are three types, each involving different controls and procedures: registration, authorization, and recognition.
Registration
This permit is sufficient when you sell prepackaged foods that are shelf-stable for at least three months and do not require refrigeration. The FAVV will then conduct a free administrative investigation. You will receive written confirmation, which you do not need to display.
Authorization
You need this permit when selling non-prepackaged products to customers. This applies to food trucks or restaurants, for example. The procedure is as follows:
After applying, the FAVV conducts an administrative investigation. Inspectors may visit unexpectedly. Fortunately, you can start your business right away!
Next, you will receive a provisional authorization or authorization for a certain period. This becomes final after 30 days, during which the FAVV must complete its investigation.
If everything is in order, you will receive an official blue document. This document must be displayed at your business.
Recognition
If you start an industrial food business, you will need recognition. This procedure is, of course, stricter than the previous ones.
The FAVV will visit unexpectedly. Inspectors will check whether your equipment and infrastructure are legally compliant. Only after this inspection can you begin operations.
You will receive a provisional permit, which is valid for 3 to 6 months. During this period, a second unannounced inspection will take place.
If you pass this second inspection, your recognition will become final. You will then receive an official document with a recognition number. Unlike the “authorization” procedure, this document does not need to be displayed at your business.
Organic
In the food sector, you can make further distinctions. For example, if you sell organic products, you not only need an FAVV permit but also an organic certificate. Since July 1, 2010, the recognized organic logo, the familiar “green leaf,” is used across Europe. Only certified organic companies that comply with organic regulations may use this logo on their products. If you want to start selling organic products, you must have your business inspected. In Flanders, three inspection organizations are active:
- Certisys: BE-BIO-01
- TÜV Nord Integra: BE-BIO-02
- Quality Partner: BE-BIO-03
If you want to start with organic products, you must submit a notification declaring that you will process products according to European organic regulations. You can find the notification on the website of the inspection organization. After receiving the notification and signed agreement, an inspector will schedule an initial inspection visit. During this visit, the inspector will verify that you comply with the various production rules. Subsequently, an inspector will conduct at least one physical inspection per year.
If you sell organic products, there’s a chance you’ll outsource certain activities. This could involve storage, transport, or actual preparation. Subcontractors handling only transportation don’t need to be inspected separately, as these activities fall under the control system of the main contractor. If other activities, such as preparation, are outsourced, the subcontractors must also be certified and able to present a certificate.
Outsourcing Inventory Management
Even if you’re in compliance with all the necessary permits, it might eventually make sense to outsource your inventory management to a fulfillment center. As an entrepreneur, it’s important to keep focusing on growing your webshop rather than spending all your time in the warehouse. A fulfillment center handles the entire logistics process for your webshop, from checking incoming goods to shipping packages to consumers. As a business owner, you value positive customer reviews because they are an excellent form of word-of-mouth advertising. To receive positive customer feedback, not only must the quality of your products be outstanding, but the products must also arrive in perfect condition.
Combining these two factors is not easy because as an entrepreneur, you’re specialized in everything related to your products, but not in logistics. By outsourcing inventory management to a fulfillment partner, you can be assured that your products are stored correctly. When searching for the ideal fulfillment center, you must always consider the requirements of your products. Do you need specific permits or certificates to store your products? Make sure to obtain these certificates to avoid surprises.
Looking for a fulfillment center for your products? Webship is your partner! In our warehouse, we can store both food, non-food, and organic products, as we hold both an FAVV permit and an organic certificate. Want to learn more about our approach? Contact Webship at hallo@webship.be or visit our website. You can also find our permits on the website!
