How do I become a KAT member?
Where can I find information?
You can find the necessary information and requirements on participation in the KAT system in the current KAT guidelines, which can be downloaded from our website or requested from the office by post or e-mail.
What is the procedure?
If you would like to participate in the KAT system send the application form containing your details to the KAT office. Within a few days you will receive confirmation of your application as well as the contact details of the relevant inspection institute.
The inspection institute will contact you to arrange an appointment. During the initial inspection the establishment will be checked for compliance with KAT criteria. If everything is in order, a certificate will be issued and sent to you.
This procedure from the application to the initial audit and any required improvements up to the final certification can take about 4 to 6 weeks. Therefore please send your application to the office in good time.
What happens when shortcomings are found?
During the audit of your establishment the auditor will examine compliance with KAT requirements based on a checklist. If shortcomings are discovered you will be granted a reasonable period for remedying them, after which a follow-up audit will be carried out where applicable.
From when will I be allowed to supply KAT eggs?
Following a successful audit you will obtain your certificate. Eggs may be marketed under the KAT logo only from the first day of the certificate’s validity.
How much will participation cost?
For participation in the KAT system an entry fee is levied per hen kept.
The annual system fee for packing stations is calculated based on egg sales. Sales outlets and agents pay a flat charge. Laying establishments do not pay annual system fees (rules governing membership fees).
For the goods reports, which are sent at least weekly, an amount of €0.40 per report is levied for the database operator Qualitype.
There are also the costs of the neutral inspections conducted by the relevant inspection institute, which are invoiced directly via the certification bodies.
What are the benefits of KAT?
Assurance of origin and traceability are highly rated in food production as well as being a legal requirement. The KAT requirements substantially surpass the legal criteria. Moreover, animal welfare considerations play a major role, with great importance also being attached to quality, security assurance, level of freshness and the registration of residue analyses.
By participating in the KAT system as a KAT member your sales opportunities in the food retail trade will be greatly enhanced with increased scope for attracting new customers. Supplying other KAT members is also allowed. In conjunction with the KAT logo a comprehensive traceability and quality assurance system is guaranteed, creating confidence and trust among both buyers and final consumers in the product purchased.
Via the enquiry mask on the www.was-steht-auf-dem-ei.de website every customer can call up the details of the relevant producer establishment together with pictures and further information.
