Schemes Renewals FAQs

QMS Assurance Scheme 2025 Membership Renewal FAQ’s

For members of:

Auction Markets and Collection Centre Assurance Scheme

Feeds Assurance Scheme

Haulage Assurance Scheme

Pig Assurance Scheme

Processor Assurance Scheme

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When should I expect to receive my renewal letter?

A: Renewal letters are being sent out the week commencing 4^th August. This is a pre-planned mailing date as part of a wider process, and you should receive your renewal letter shortly after this date.

Q2: When is the deadline for renewing my participation in the scheme?

A: The deadline for renewing scheme membership is 27^th August 2025.

Q3: What should I do if I encounter any issues or have questions about my renewal?

A: If you have any issues or questions about your renewal invoice, membership, or assessment please don't hesitate to contact our certification body Food Integrity Assurance (FIA) who will be able to assist you. FIA are contactable on info@foodassurance.co.uk 0131 609 0558

Remember too, that RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support (including counselling services) delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Their free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can reach them by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service available on RSABI’s website.

Q4: What should I do if I have any questions about the Assurance Schemes or the scheme standards?

If you have any queries about the Assurance Schemes, or any of the standards, please contact the QMS Brands Integrity Team directly on brandsintegrity@qmscotland.co.uk 0131 510 7920

The QMS team is always at the end of the phone to discuss any queries that you have about your quality assurance membership.

Q5: Where can I find more information about quality assurance?

A: You can visit our website to learn more about quality assurance here: https://qmscotland.co.uk/integrity-assurance/quality-assurance

Q6: How much have the fees increased?

The fee includes an inflationary increase of 2.5% which is based on average Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation during the past year.

Q7: What period does my renewal fee cover?

A: The membership year runs from January to December, with renewals going out in the middle of the year. The Assessment year runs from April to March.

Q8: I’m a member of the Pigs assurance scheme, how is my fee calculated?

A: Members of the Pigs assurance scheme pay a fixed fee. Farm businesses with more than one unit may be required to join as a separate member for each unit, subject to discussion and agreement with FIA.

Q9: I’m a member of the Auction Market and Collection Centre assurance scheme, how is my fee calculated?

A: Members of the Auction Market and Collection Centre assurance scheme, pay fixed fees. There is one fee for Auction Markets and one fee for Collection Centres.

Q10: I’m a member of the Livestock Haulage assurance scheme, how is my fee calculated?

A: Hauliers have a fixed fee which covers membership and two livestock haulage vehicles, and an additional fee for each additional livestock haulage vehicle. (Note: Wagon + Drag = one container, Artic Trailer = one container)

Q11: I’m a member of the Feeds assurance scheme, how is my fee calculated?

A: Members of the Feeds assurance scheme pay a fixed fee.

Q12: I’m a member of the Processor assurance scheme, how is my fee calculated?

A: There are 5 bands of membership in the Processor Assurance Scheme. Your banding is calculated by the number of slaughter units processed in the previous year from the start of April until the end of March. Membership renewal fees are based on the number of slaughter units processed.

Q13: How are Processor Slaughter Units calculated?

A: The figures are based on a carcase weight equivalent methodology of around 360kg for cattle, 90kg for pigs and 20kg for sheep.

Cattle are counted as 1 slaughter unit.

4 Pigs are counted as 1 slaughter unit.

18 Sheep are counted as 1 slaughter unit.

Q14: Why has the pig calculation changed from 4.5 to 4 pigs per slaughter unit?

A: The pig calculation has been updated to reflect the shift in average carcase weights for prime pigs from around 80kg in the 2010s to around 90kg in the 2020s. Previously, the conversion assumed 4.5 pig carcases per cattle carcase based on a 360kg cattle carcase and 80kg pig carcase (360kg / 80kg). With current carcase weights closer to 90kg, the ratio is now more accurately 4 pig carcases per cattle carcase (360kg / 90kg). This update ensures the calculation remains fair and representative of current industry standards.

Q15: What is Quality Meat Scotland's strategy?

A: Quality Meat Scotland's vision is to position Scotland as THE premium choice for red meat. QMS aim to lead the development of Scotland's red meat sector by driving demand from consumers who recognise QMS brands as a mark of integrity and quality. Read the strategy here -https://heyzine.com/flip-book/4ee0786293.html

Q16: Why is membership of an Assurance Scheme important?

A: Quality Assurance plays a critical role in supporting Quality Meat Scotland's strategy. Quality assurance has become increasingly important due to consumers' growing interest in food production methods. The scheme, with its whole chain assurance, underpins the integrity of Scotch UK GI brands. It provides consumers with reassurance regarding the provenance, highest standards of production, animal welfare, and overall quality of the red meat, ensuring a positive eating experience.