IFS Certificate

IFS Certificate

The IFS (International Featured Standards) certificate, also known as the IFS Food Standard, is a certification standard used to assess the product safety and quality management systems of food producers and supply chain operators.

Core Requirements of the IFS Food Safety Management System Standard

The core requirements of the IFS certificate can be summed up as follows:

• Management commitment: senior management commits to food safety and quality management and communicates that commitment to staff.
• Food safety and quality management system: the business sets up and runs a food safety and quality management system. The system assesses hazards, identifies critical control points, and includes preventive measures.
• Product and process requirements: the business defines requirements for food products and processing and manages them accordingly. This covers raw material selection, storage, processing, and product packaging.
• Resource management: the business manages staff, facilities, equipment, and other resources properly and provides the resources needed to meet food safety and quality requirements.
• Production process: the business defines, monitors, and controls production processes. The processes are designed to produce hygienic, safe, and quality products.
• Measurement, analysis, and improvement: the business monitors, measures, and analyses performance to drive continuous improvement. It takes the corrective and preventive actions needed to reach the targeted quality and safety levels.
• Traceability and recall: the business manages and applies product traceability and recall plans. That means carrying out recalls quickly and effectively when needed to protect consumer health.
• Services and suppliers: the business selects and assesses its service providers and suppliers and requires them to meet food safety and quality standards.

These core requirements cover the key needs a business has to meet to obtain the IFS certificate.

Benefits of the IFS Certificate

The IFS certificate delivers a set of benefits for companies:

Food safety and quality assurance: the IFS certificate proves that companies meet international standards in food safety and quality management, which builds trust with customers, suppliers, and other business partners.

1. International recognition: the IFS certificate is an international standard, recognised worldwide. That helps companies compete in international markets and access new business opportunities.
2. Customer satisfaction: the IFS certificate shows customers that the company's products are safe and of good quality. Customers trust IFS-certified companies more when buying from them and consuming their products.
3. Competitive edge: holding the IFS certificate provides a competitive edge. Business partners prefer to work with companies that meet IFS standards, which gives those companies a stronger position in the supply chain.
4. Internal process improvement: the preparation and audit work required for IFS certification gives the company a chance to review and improve its internal processes. That raises operational efficiency and tightens control.
5. Risk reduction: IFS standards provide specific criteria and controls for food safety and quality management. They reduce potential risks, prevent food safety problems, and prepare the business for crisis management.
6. Stronger partner relationships: the IFS certificate supports building trust-based relationships with business partners and suppliers. Partners trust certified companies more and commit to long-term cooperation.
7. Legal and regulatory compliance: IFS standards support companies in complying with legal regulations and food safety rules. That helps reduce legal and regulatory risks.

These benefits give IFS-certified companies a competitive edge, raise customer satisfaction, and put them in a stronger position in food safety and quality management.

IFS (International Featured Standards) covers different standards, including the IFS Food Standard for the food sector and the IFS Packaging Standard for the packaging sector.

IFS Certification Standards

• IFS Food Standard: covers food production and processing. The standard assesses the product safety and quality management systems of food producers. It focuses on hygiene, process controls, the production environment, product traceability, and similar areas in production facilities.
• IFS Logistics Standard: a standard for logistics and storage providers. It covers safety and quality management requirements for the transport, storage, and distribution of food products.
• IFS Broker Standard: a standard for broker firms that trade food products. It assesses the safety and quality management systems of brokers that connect producers with suppliers and manage trade transactions.
• IFS Cash & Carry / Wholesale Standard: a standard for wholesale and cash-and-carry outlets. It covers safety and quality management requirements for businesses that sell food products wholesale.
• IFS HPC (Home & Personal Care) Standard: a standard for the home and personal care sector. It covers safety and quality management in the production and processing of household cleaning products, personal care products, cosmetics, and similar items.
• IFS Food Standard: covers food production and processing. The standard assesses the product safety and quality management systems of food producers. It focuses on hygiene, process controls, the production environment, product traceability, and similar areas in production facilities.
• IFS Logistics Standard: a standard for logistics and storage providers. It covers safety and quality management requirements for the transport, storage, and distribution of food products.
• IFS Broker Standard: a standard for broker firms that trade food products. It covers the safety and quality management systems of brokers that connect producers with suppliers and manage trade transactions.
• IFS Cash & Carry / Wholesale Standard: a standard for wholesale and cash-and-carry outlets. It assesses safety and quality management requirements for businesses that sell food products wholesale.
• IFS HPC (Home & Personal Care) Standard: a standard for the home and personal care sector. It covers safety and quality management in the production and processing of household cleaning products, personal care products, cosmetics, and similar items.

These standards cover sector-specific requirements and focus on food safety and quality management. Each one is designed to meet the specific needs of the relevant businesses and is audited by certification bodies.

Our Other Food Certification Services:

• HACCP Certificate
• ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System
• BRC Food Safety Certification
• IFS Certificate
• GMP Certificate
• FSSC 22000 Certificate
• GFSI Certificate
• TS 13027 Hygiene Certificate
• Food Contact Contamination Certification
• Halal Certificate