Did everyone see the new buyer requirement for Costco? GMP unannounced audits (and there is talk it will go toward GAP, too).
GMP Audits are required to be unannounced. The audit must be conducted within a 90-day audit window from the date of the previous audit (45 days before/after audit anniversary date).
Audit companies will contact suppliers to schedule audits within the specified timeframe. During the scheduling process, the audit company will ask the site to provide blackout dates (if any). A blackout date is a period of time in which the site will not be operational or producing Costco product or like product.
Blackout dates are strictly limited to non-production days and will not be granted for any other reason. Unless blackout dates are provided by the site, all days within the 90- day audit window will be considered “audit ready” dates. If a site is not operational on an audit ready-date, the audit must be rescheduled within the original 90 day window at the supplier’s expense.
It is advisable to check with your audit company regarding their cancellation policy and associated fees. The majority of Costco GMP audits can be completed in a single audit day, though certain audits may require a second day due to the size, complexity, and readiness of a facility.