ISO/TS 34700:2016 provides a set of technical specifications that outline the general requirements for implementing animal welfare management systems in organizations involved in the food supply chain. Based on the principles and recommendations of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE), this standard supports companies in demonstrating compliance with international animal welfare practices across the supply chain, from farm to slaughter.
ISO/TS 34700 establishes a process-based management system, meaning it focuses on systematically managing animal welfare outcomes rather than prescribing specific techniques.
If you are looking for compliance support aligned with ISO/TS 34700, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com
The purpose of ISO/TS 34700:2016 is to:
ISO/TS 34700 applies to all organizations within the food supply chain that handle animals bred or kept for food production. This includes primary producers, transporters, processors, traders, and retailers. The standard is applicable across different animal species and production systems, provided they are part of a supply chain intended for human consumption.
Applicability:
If your operations involve animals in the food supply chain, ISO/TS 34700 provides an internationally aligned animal welfare management framework.
ISO 34700 is rooted in the following five animal welfare freedoms, as originally defined by the OIE:
These principles guide the development of internal policies, performance criteria, and controls related to animal welfare across the supply chain.
Clause | Title | Overview |
1 | Scope | Defines the applicability of the technical specification to organizations involved in food animal handling. |
2 | Normative References | Lists other relevant standards (ISO 22000, OIE Codes). |
3 | Terms and Definitions | Clarifies technical terms such as “animal welfare,” “stakeholder,” “control point,” etc. |
4 | Context of the Organization | Requires identification of internal and external factors affecting animal welfare performance. |
5 | Leadership | Addresses the role of senior management in setting an animal welfare policy and ensuring accountability. |
6 | Planning | Involves setting animal welfare objectives, identifying risks and opportunities, and defining performance indicators. |
7 | Support | Covers resource provision, staff competence, awareness, and documentation. |
8 | Operational Planning and Control | Details the procedures for managing animal handling, care, transport, housing, and slaughter. |
9 | Performance Evaluation | Requires monitoring, measurement, analysis, and internal audits of animal welfare performance. |
10 | Improvement | Covers corrective actions, nonconformity handling, and continual improvement. |
To implement ISO 34700, organizations should:
For organizations looking to establish a robust animal welfare management system, ISO/TS 34700 provides a practical, globally relevant approach, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com to know more!
Animal welfare policy and scope statement
If you aim to demonstrate animal welfare compliance through a credible management system, ISO 34700 can provide the framework. Contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com for support!
Many organizations seek conformance assessments or integrate it with certifiable standards such as ISO 22000 (food safety) or ISO 14001 (environmental management).
A conformance assessment timeline is approximately 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the supply chain and documentation readiness.
Week | Activity | Details |
Week 1 | Scope definition and gap analysis | Identify animal welfare risks and compliance gaps |
Week 2–3 | Documentation review | Examine welfare policies, procedures, and training systems |
Week 4 | Site audit planning | Prepare for onsite assessments or interviews |
Week 5–6 | Onsite assessment (farms, transport, slaughter) | Verify handling practices, facilities, and welfare controls |
Week 7–8 | Report submission and follow-up actions | Address findings and prepare conformance report or certificate of alignment |
For a customized certification timeline or compliance evaluation, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com.
The cost for ISO 34700 conformance assessment or integration into other ISO systems depends on:
To request a cost estimate for ISO/TS 34700 conformance or integrated certification, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com
Pacific Certifications, accredited by ABIS, offers independent conformance assessments and audit services for ISO 34700 and related food chain standards.
We provide:
If you are looking to demonstrate compliance with ISO 34700, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com!
is a technical specification, but many certification bodies offer conformance assessments or integrate it within a certifiable system.
Any organization involved in the handling, transport, or processing of food-producing animals, including farms, transporters, and abattoirs.
It focuses on management systems and process control, not product labeling or branding.
Yes. It integrates well with ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, or sustainability standards.
Organizations receive a report of conformance or a statement of alignment, which can be shared with regulators, customers, and supply chain partners.
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