Author

Andrea Elvir
Associate
Honduras
E-mail

Honduras: New GMP Certification Framework for the Food and Beverage Industry

The Sanitary Regulation Agency (ARSA) has approved a new regulatory framework establishing recovery fees and requirements for obtaining the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certificate for the national processed food and beverage industry. This certificate is a key element in ensuring the safety, quality, and reliability of products manufactured in the country.

Scope and Obligated Parties

The regulation applies to all industries, establishments, and processing plants of processed food and beverages operating in Honduras. Each establishment must obtain its own GMP certificate, even when a single owner operates multiple facilities.

However, businesses registered under the ARSA Entrepreneurs Program are exempt from this requirement and will continue to be regulated under the applicable sanitary framework.

Entry into Force and Implementation Timeline

  1. Deadlines for ARSA
    ARSA has 60 days from publication to issue the protocols, guidelines, and internal regulations necessary to implement the GMP system.
  2. Already Licensed Establishments
    Companies with an existing sanitary license must apply for their GMP certificate within a maximum period of 12 months.
  3. New Establishments
    Businesses applying for a sanitary license for the first time will also have 12 months to obtain their initial GMP certificate.
  4. Consequences after 24 Months
    After 24 months, ARSA will not renew sanitary licenses of establishments that have not submitted a GMP certification application.

Evaluation Criteria and Certificate Validity

The GMP certificate will be valid for two years. To obtain or renew it, establishments must meet minimum compliance thresholds:

  • 60% compliance for initial certification
  • 81% compliance for renewal

These thresholds support a gradual implementation of the regulatory framework.

Sanctions for Non-Compliance

If an establishment fails to obtain certification after exhausting corrective periods and receives a negative resolution, ARSA will suspend the sanitary license. This results in immediate cessation of operations and may trigger additional administrative sanctions.

Recovery Fees

Category Resolution Time (Business Days) Recovery Fee
Category I 60 7/16 of average minimum wages
Category I 90 3/18 of average minimum wages
Category II 60 1 1/8 of average minimum wages
Category II 90 1 average minimum wage
Category III 60 1 2/3 of average minimum wages
Category III 90 1 1/2 of average minimum wages
Category IV 60 2 3/4 of average minimum wages
Category IV 90 2 1/2 of average minimum wages

Note: Categories are subject to future guidelines to be issued by ARSA, as classification criteria have not yet been defined.

For more information, please contact us at
[email protected].