IFS Packaging Guideline

Scope of the doctrine

The development of the IFS product packaging doctrine dates back to the year of publication of the IFS Food, Version 5 in 2007. The legislative changes in packaging, especially of the Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, were reason for the special attention to product packaging requirements of the IFS Food standard. The particular interest in the inclusion of requirements is to secure currently the private label products of retailers.

This doctrine is an interpretation of the existing requirements of IFS Food, Version 5 concerning product packaging and does not contain additional requirements.

The implementation of the requirements in the food business caused more questions and interrogations than expected. Indeed, apparently a need for differentiation of responsibilities within the supply chain is required. Some of the interrogations of the IFS working group have been directly passed to the packaging industry, without considering whether those issues fall within their area of responsibility.

The IFS Compendium of doctrine for product packaging provides help and support to implement the requirements of the IFS Food standard regarding the product packaging. First of all, this doctrine concerns food business operators (food manufacturers) for setting IFS Food certification, on the second hand it addresses concerns from auditors and Certification Bodies.

Furthermore, it shall help the understanding of the IFS Food requirements in the upstream and downstream sectors (suppliers in general, suppliers for packaging materials, retailer etc), including a clarification of responsibilities in various areas. The requirements of the IFS Food, version 5 related to the product packaging and the present doctrine concern the suppliers for packaging materials (hereinafter referred to as product packaging manufacturer) only indirectly.

The purpose of this doctrine is to increase the safety of product packaging in food manufacturers that are certified against the IFS Food standard. In addition, the professional knowledge around IFS Food shall be improved, so that product packaging is practical and meaningfully ensured.