Logistics

The updated doctrines include errata and clarifications of specific requirements, such as extraordinary information that must be provided to the certification body, as well as requirements related to exceptional circumstances. In addition, the Food and Product Safety Culture definition has been clarified and includes further elements that suppliers need to consider.

These updates were necessary to comply with the 2024 GFSI Benchmarking Requirements and to prepare our recognition application. During this recognition process, the doctrines - as normative documents supplementing the standards - will be considered. Accordingly, publishing new versions of the standard is not required. This reduces the administrative burden for all stakeholders and supports the continuity of certification.  

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the updated doctrines thoroughly. Currently, these documents are only accessible in English.

Download the documents

Discover the essential information and valuable insights these documents provide:

Download the IFS Food 8 Doctrine version 5 in English.
Download the IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine version 3 in English.
Download the IFS Broker 3.2 Doctrine version 3 in English.
Download the IFS PACsecure 3 Doctrine version 3 in English.

IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine version 2

Among other topics, this doctrine specifies:  

• Situations where a remote follow-up audit is acceptable;
• Situations where a follow-up audit can be performed in less than 6 weeks;
• Situations in which an audit is considered cancelled;
• Various clarifications to Part 3 of the Logistics 3 Standard concerning training requirements for auditors and reviewers, the suspension or withdrawal of certification bodies, and the maintenance of auditor certificates, etc.; as well as
• Clarification on the definitions of dates on the certificate.

IFS Broker 3.2 Doctrine version 2

Among other topics, this doctrine includes these specifications:  

• Clarification about the extraordinary information to be sent to the certification body by the certified company;
• Situations where a follow-up audit can be performed in less than 6 weeks;
• Clarification about the use of a technical expert within an audit team;
• Situations in which an audit is considered cancelled;
• Clarification on the definitions of dates on the certificate;
• Various clarifications to Part 3 of the Broker 3.2 Standard concerning training requirements for auditors and reviewers, the suspension or withdrawal of certification bodies, and the maintenance of auditor certificates, etc.; as well as
• Management of COID for companies in specific situations.  

We published IFS Logistics 3 in December 2023 and IFS Broker 3.2 in February 2024 to align the standards with current market needs. The doctrines complement these standards and are essential for certified companies, auditors, certification bodies and other stakeholders to know. The documents are currently available in English only. 

Download the Documents 

Discover the essential information and valuable insights these documents provide:

Download the IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine version 2 in English.
Download the IFS Broker 3.2 Doctrine version 2 in English.

The IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine

The doctrine provides answers to frequently asked technical questions and clarifies specific requirements. Among other topics, it specifies: 

• Which IFS Logistics version to apply in particular situations;
• The requirement for logistics companies organising transport without their own trucks;
• The 50% on-site duration rule for companies organising transport/storage;
• The case of a suspension or withdrawal of a certification body’s accreditation; 
• The requirement regarding using interpreters and other professional services; 
• Requirements regarding the approval of auditors and auditor conversion training;
• The types of audits not accepted as sign-off audits, witness audits and for auditor scope extensions; as well as
• The extraordinary information that certification bodies need to provide to IFS.

The IFS Logistics Multi-site Guideline

We updated this guideline to align with version 3 of the IFS Logistics Standard and accreditation requirements (IAF MD1:2023). 

It applies only to companies with headquarters and multiple sites that fulfil specific criteria regarding the number of sites, activities, and other parameters. The guideline explains the requirements these companies must meet for a multi-site certification. It also describes the aspects certification bodies and those companies need to consider during the initial and recertification audits. 

Download the Documents 

Discover the essential information and valuable insights these documents provide:

• Download the IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine version 1 in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish.
• Download the updated IFS Logistics Multi-site Guideline in English.

[Updated on 18 November 2024]