Across Italy and Europe, demand for higher animal welfare standards is growing—driven by consumers, regulators and the food industry. To meet these expectations, livestock and food production companies must go beyond the minimum legal requirements to demonstrate transparency, sustainability and ethical practice.
SQNBA is a voluntary certification system that helps you do just that. Covering all stages of the animal supply chain—from breeding to distribution—it sets rigorous standards for animal health, biosecurity and environmental impact. Certification demonstrates your commitment to responsible, cruelty-free animal treatment and positions your business as a leader in conscious food production.
Discover the benefits of SQNBA certification
- Communicate your values to consumers
Demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare and sustainable production practices.
- Meet growing industry and retail requirements
Ensure alignment with evolving expectations across the food and distribution sectors.
- Strengthen traceability and trust
Enhance transparency and traceability throughout your supply chain.
- Go beyond compliance
Adopt standards that exceed EU and national animal welfare legislation, including emission controls.
What does SQNBA cover?
SQNBA defines welfare standards by species, production type and farming method, covering both animal health and facility conditions. Certification is available to individual or grouped operators throughout the supply chain—from breeders and farmers to food processors and distributors.
Certification is available for the following categories:
- Dairy cattle in stables (over 50 animals)
- Beef cattle in stables (over 50 animals)
- Cattle in family farming (up to 50 animals), with or without grazing
- Dairy or beef cattle raised entirely or partially on pasture
- Outdoor pigs for fattening (over 50 kg)
Each category includes assessment criteria related to animal health and welfare, use of veterinary drugs, farm biosecurity, facility conditions and, where applicable, plant emission management.
Animal welfare expertise you can trust
As a world leader in animal welfare auditing and certification, we work with livestock and food producers across Italy and beyond. Our auditors are trained in species-specific welfare requirements and understand the practical challenges of implementing SQNBA standards.
We are accredited by Accredia and listed by MASAF to provide third-party certification under the SQNBA scheme. Our experience spans cattle, swine and poultry sectors, and we support you with clear guidance throughout the certification process—so you can focus on delivering high-quality, humane and responsible animal production.