Since 1923, the inspection of flower bulbs has been the core task of the foundation that is the BKD (the Bloembollenkeuringsdienst / the Flower Bulb Inspection Service). We perform this work for both quality defects and quarantine defects such as pathogens. We carry out quality inspections and import & export inspections on behalf of the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority), as well as laboratory research.

The BKD supports market access by inspecting flower bulbs up to a leading level of quality and provides national and international guarantees for the quality of flower bulbs. We carry out these inspections independently, trustworthy and efficiently, which makes us an important link in the quality assurance chain for both the businesses themselves and for the flower-bulb sector as a whole.

The BKD is an NDPB (non-departmental public body) and carries out its statutory duties by order of and under the supervision of the Dutch LNV Ministry (Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality).

The BKD is your ‘link to quality’, i.e. your link in the quality assurance chain. Our integrity and our professional skills help to make the BKD the respectable and trusted partner within the bulb sector.

Our integrity and our professional skills help to make the BKD the respectable and trusted partner within the bulb sector. Our three core values of quality, integrity and reliability are deeply embedded within our organisation and serve as the starting point for everything we do. They represent our experience, expertise and professional skills in the field of flower-bulb inspection, as well as our independent and responsible attitude that is a prerequisite for the role we play as an authoritative body. They also stand for our commitment to the sector, which we are an integral part of.

Developments in both the global market and in the sector itself require agility on the part of both the BKD and its clients. Issues that the BKD is currently discussing with the sector include risk-based inspections and aligning growth with demand and accordingly responding in advance and in a targeted way to that country’s requirements. The further digitalisation of the chain – thanks to registration in MijnBKD/MyBKD (growers) and working with Ketenregister (chain register), along with certification via e-CertNL – result in efficiency gains and at the same time certainty about the phytosanitary status of bulb lots.

The BKD is working hard to carry out its duties with CSR (corporate social responsibility). Since 2014, we have been in possession of a self-declared CSR and in doing so are complying with the NEN-ISO 26000:2012 guideline.