Understanding Certificates: ISO 22000, HACCP, Organic, and Phytosanitary Explained

Certificates are more than paperwork — they’re the backbone of trust in international trade.For global buyers, proper certification means safety, traceability, and compliance.At Tuna Sourcing, we make sure every shipment meets global standards through a fully documented and verifiable process.

Why Certificates Matter in Global Trade

The Foundation of Trust

In the agricultural and food export industry, certificates prove that products are safe, authentic, and produced under regulated conditions.They protect both importers and consumers from quality and safety risks.

Common Buyer Requirements

Importing authorities and clients often demand:

• Food safety certification (ISO 22000, HACCP)

• Organic proof for natural products

• Phytosanitary inspection documents

• Certificate of Origin for customs clearance

These documents serve as the “passport” of every shipment leaving our facility.

ISO 22000 – Food Safety from Farm to Fork

What ISO 22000 Ensures

ISO 22000 certifies that every stage — from cultivation and processing to packaging and shipping — follows strict food safety protocols.It guarantees:

• Controlled hygiene standards

• Traceability across all supply stages

• Risk prevention instead of correction

Tuna Sourcing’s Commitment

We partner exclusively with ISO 22000-certified facilities to ensure global buyers receive compliant, safe, and export-ready ingredients.

HACCP – Preventing Hazards Before They Happen

The Principle of Hazard Control

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) focuses on identifying contamination risks before they occur.This includes biological, chemical, and physical hazards that can affect herbs and spices during processing.

Our Quality Assurance System

Tuna Sourcing applies HACCP checkpoints across:

• Cleaning and sorting lines

• Drying and sterilization processes

• Packaging and storage areasThese controls ensure every batch meets international safety standards.

Organic Certificates – Verifying Natural and Sustainable Production

Certified Organic Integrity

Organic certification verifies that no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or GMO materials are used during cultivation.This is especially important for products like oregano, thyme, and bay leaves sold to the EU and North American markets.

Transparency Through Accreditation

We collaborate with recognized certifying bodies such as ETKO, CERES, or Ecocert, providing fully traceable organic documentation for each shipment upon request.

Phytosanitary Certificates – The Passport of Plants

Purpose and Process

Before export, every batch of plant-based goods must pass a phytosanitary inspection issued by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture.This confirms the shipment is free of pests and diseases and safe for entry into the destination country.

Required Export Documents

A standard Tuna Sourcing export file includes:

• Phytosanitary Certificate

• Certificate of Origin

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)

• Bill of Lading (B/L)

This complete set ensures smooth customs clearance and professional documentation consistency.

Certificates are not just formalities — they are proof of commitment to quality, safety, and transparency.Through disciplined compliance and continuous verification, Tuna Sourcing guarantees that every herb, spice, or natural ingredient meets the highest international export standards.