The new text responds to the main demands of the sector, harmonizes certification procedures and provides greater legal certainty for all operators
The protocol is the result of joint work between the ministry, the autonomous communities, the sector, the National Accreditation Entity (ENAC) and the certification entities
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, within the framework of the Iberian Quality Standard Coordination Committee, has promoted the approval of a new Iberian Certification Protocol . This document, agreed upon with the autonomous communities, the sector, and the relevant entities, updates the certification framework to strengthen legal certainty, traceability, and transparency throughout the value chain.
The new protocol replaces the previous one after an extensive technical review process and responds to the evolution of the sector and the needs identified in recent years. The text improves the structure and wording of the current protocol, eliminates potential ambiguities, harmonizes certification procedures, and facilitates the consistent application of the Iberian Quality Standard throughout the country.
The new Iberian Certification Protocol will be applied from April 1, 2027, after a nine-month transition period that will allow companies and certification bodies to adapt their procedures to the new requirements. Among the main new features it incorporates are:
- Optimizing mass balance by using the operator’s own records.
- Unifying and clarifying procedures and frequency for seal control.
- Promoting digitalization by directly integrating the management of cutting rooms into the Ítaca system to improve traceability and streamline procedures.
- Greater flexibility in management timelines to adapt the protocol to companies’ daily operations.
- Harmonizing procedures for managing commercial incidents, such as changes in certification bodies, certification withdrawals, or product returns.
- Strengthening legal guarantees for operators by incorporating, for the first time, an appeal period in the event of certification withdrawal.
These improvements will result in a more efficient, consistent, and transparent certification system. This will strengthen confidence in the Iberian Quality Standard and facilitate the work of companies, certification bodies, and the relevant authorities.
The new protocol is the result of a broad process of participation and consensus among all parties involved in the application of the Iberian Quality Standard.
In addition to the ministry, the autonomous communities, the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, the Interprofessional Association of Iberian Pork, the National Association of Large Distribution Companies, the Spanish Association of Distributors, Self-Service Stores and Supermarkets, the Spanish Confederation of Meat Retailers, the National Accreditation Entity and the certification entities have participated in its preparation.
This joint effort has resulted in a document widely supported by the entire sector, which addresses the main demands raised by operators and improves coordination among all agents involved in the certification system.
Products derived from Iberian pigs are a leading example of Spanish agri-food quality and form part of the national gastronomic heritage. Their prestige is based on a production model that combines tradition, innovation, traceability, and high control standards—values that this new protocol helps to reinforce.
