2.1 Introduction

A Benchmark Committee is a committee, which is formed to carry out a benchmarking process for a scheme that has applied to the GFSI for formal recognition. A Benchmark Committee will be formed for each accepted application following the decision by the GFSI Executive Director to proceed with the application. The Committee membership will be determined by the GFSI Executive Director having taken advice from an appointed GFSI Benchmark Committee Leader.

The Benchmark Committee shall be made up of suitably qualified persons or organisations that are independent, impartial and technically competent from organisations such as retailers and manufacturers and other appropriate experts.

The Benchmark Committee shall undertake its duties in accordance with the Terms of Reference (Annex 2 - GFSI Benchmark Committee Terms of Reference).