For store owners

Compliance checklist

To remain listed on City Farm, every store commits to meeting this checklist. We do not perform inspections; compliance is your responsibility and is supervised by the competent Dutch authorities.

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Provenance & traceability

You can demonstrate, on request, the full origin of every product (farmer, city, province, country, region in Europe).

  • Producer name and address available for each product.
  • Invoice, delivery note or contract with the producer can be shown.
  • Share of local origin (city / province / NL / EU) is clear per product.
  • No anonymous middlemen or wholesale without traceability.
  • Traceability compliant with EU Regulation 178/2002 (one step back, one step forward).
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Producers & production method

  • Producers are small or medium family businesses, farms or artisanal makers.
  • Preference for organic, biodynamic or natural cultivation.
  • No synthetic pesticides or herbicides along the chain.
  • No genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  • Respect for animal welfare and pasture access where applicable.
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Sustainability

  • Short supply chains and seasonal offerings whenever possible.
  • Reusable or compostable packaging; no unnecessary plastic.
  • Conscious energy and water use in the shop.
  • Active reduction of food waste (markdowns, donations, composting).
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No industrially processed products

  • No ultra-processed products (NOVA category 4).
  • No artificial preservatives, colourings or flavour enhancers.
  • No hydrogenated or trans fats.
  • Clear, short ingredient lists — readable for the customer.
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Hygiene & food safety (Dutch law)

Supervised by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Compliance is the exclusive responsibility of the store owner.

  • Registration with the NVWA as a food business.
  • Working HACCP plan or application of the sector Hygiene Code (Hygiënecode).
  • Compliance with EU Regulation 852/2004 (general hygiene of foodstuffs).
  • Compliance with the Dutch Warenwetbesluit Hygiëne van levensmiddelen.
  • Cold chain monitored: temperature logs for fridges and freezers.
  • Labelling per EU Regulation 1169/2011: ingredients, allergens, best-before, origin.
  • Allergen information available in writing and on request.
  • Cleaning and pest-control plan with a written log.
  • Personal hygiene and food-safety training for staff.
  • Separate storage of raw / prepared foods to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Products sold as 'organic' / 'biologisch': valid Skal Biocontrole certification.
  • Valid business liability insurance (recommended).
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Administrative

  • Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
  • Valid VAT number and correct invoicing.
  • Terms of sale and return policy visible to the customer.
  • GDPR-compliant processing of customer data.
  • Complete and up-to-date store information on City Farm.

Important legal notice

This checklist is a tool and does not replace legal or technical advice. Sole responsibility for legal compliance rests with the store owner. See our terms.

Questions? Email cityfarmnl@outlook.com.