The doctrine is a normative document complementing the standard. Accordingly, companies, certification bodies and auditors must follow the clarifications contained therein. 

Among other topics, you will find more details regarding specific exceptional situations in which the audit to version 2 can be accepted after 1 September 2023.  

Make sure to download the doctrine for IFS HPC version 3 before your next audit. 

In these documents, we answer frequently asked technical questions and give clarifications about the requirements. The doctrines are normative documents complementing the standard. Accordingly, companies, certification bodies and auditors must follow the clarifications contained therein.

Among other topics, you will find more details regarding specific exceptional situations in which the assessment to version 7 can be accepted after 1 January 2024. Also, we clarified the information you need to provide in the extraordinary information form related to IFS Food 8 requirement 1.2.6.

Make sure to download the doctrine for IFS Food version 7 and for IFS Food version 8 before your next audit.

The new IFS Packaging Guideline helps food companies to identify potential risks and ensure their packaging is safe. It is a supporting document with the goal of improving the communication and cooperation between IFS certified companies and their packaging suppliers.

In this second updated version of the guideline, you can find a practical approach with:

1. A explanation of supply chain communication and responsibilities of the parties involved
2. An overview and update regarding EU legislation and general definitions
3. A explanation of related IFS Requirements and questions auditors might ask
4. A step-by-step guidance of the food manufacturer’s compliance work
5. New sustainability aspects following the European Union’s „Green Deal”
6. An updated detailed example checklist for the evaluation of the declaration of compliance

We thank our colleagues Irmtraut Rathjens de Suster, Konstantina Papastamopoulou and Cheryl Sullivan for their great and hard work in realising this new guideline version. Our special thanks go to Thomas Gude from SQTS, Switzerland, whose experience, knowledge, and insights have made this guideline possible. We would also like to thank the IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen e.V. and all other contributors for their valuable contributions and additional comments.

Get the new IFS Packaging Guideline. It is currently only available in English.