IFS Wholesale & Cash & Carry 3
Introducing Version 3 of the IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry Standard
SCS announced at CB Conference 2024
IFS Supply Chain Solutions announced at the CB Conference
Broker 3.2 doctrine
Updated documents for
IFS Broker 3.2
IFS Food 8 gains GFSI recognition
IFS Food 8 gains GFSI recognition
IAF + Broker /PACsecure
IFS Broker and IFS PACsecure achieve recognition as IAF MLA sub-scopes
Logistics 3 Doctrine and Multi-site Guideline
New Doctrine and Multi-site
Guideline for IFS Logistics 3
PACsecure 3 doctrine
The PACsecure 3 Doctrine is published!
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The suspension of IFS as well as this week’s upholding of the suspension are unfounded and arbitrary.

We provided GFSI with all the necessary information on the case in Italy, underwent an audit with the GFSI benchmark leader on 3 March 2023 and always fulfilled the GFSI benchmarking requirements. We therefore welcome today’s decision of the GFSI Steering Committee to reinstate IFS as a GFSI-recognised CPO.

Nevertheless, IFS has considered the suspension of the benchmark by GFSI as unfounded and arbitrary. It has unsettled many IFS-certified companies and has not contributed to food safety. We have always worked to ensure that their customers continue to recognise IFS Certificates and are grateful for the trust placed in us by our global network.

In the interest of all CPOs, certification bodies, certified companies and other stakeholders, we would like to see GFSI revise its governance rules to ensure that basic democratic principles are respected, procedures are transparent and fair, and rules are adhered to by all participants in the future. We all want to work for the cause of food safety, taking into account the different needs and approaches of all stakeholders.

 

 

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About IFS

IFS develops globally recognised product quality and safety standards and development programs with the expertise of retailers, manufacturers, certification bodies and other experts. With our help, companies increase the trustworthiness of their products and brands through a practised product and food safety culture.

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2002
Foundation of IFS
> 40
Employees worldwide
2000+
Retail Accounts
> 30000
Certificates & LoCs

Quality Assurance and Integrity Program

The IFS Integrity Program ensures that our standards are properly implemented.

This is guaranteed by:

  • Integrity on-site checks,
  • Integrity witness audits,
  • and CB office audits.

In case of complaints, it is possible to reach IFS IP via the complaint-form or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Accreditation & Recognition

With the accreditation of the certification bodies working with us and the IFS Standards, we ensure that our work is based on uniform international norms and thus on objectively verifiable quality standards. For us, accreditation means security and trust in our products.

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Sustainability / ESG

Making processes, structures, and business models more sustainable is a constant challenge for many companies. To help especially small and medium-sized companies integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, IFS offers the ESG Check. With this tool, we support you on your way to a greener and more socially responsible future.

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Product integrity / PIA

Ensure product integrity with IFS. We help you better understand and control risks relating to product integrity and food fraud. With our IFS PIA Assessment, you show your customer that you deliver products to specifications and manage your integrity risks properly.

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IFS News

Introducing IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry version 3

We are pleased to announce the publication of version 3 of the IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry Standard.

    "After eight years, we decided it was time for an update. We consulted with the industry, retailers, and certification bodies to develop a standard tailored to the specific needs of this industry. We aligned it with the other IFS Standards, optimised the protocol, and introduced a new logo colour. I thank everyone who contributed to realising this new standard version," says IFS Managing Director Stephan Tromp. 

    The most significant changes in version 3 are the reduction of the modules from four to two, a leaner protocol with fewer requirements, an updated scoring system, the introduction of voluntary unannounced audits, and better-defined applicability.

    Audits to version 3 can start on 1 May 2025 and will become mandatory on 1 November 2025

     

    The wholesale industry’s preferred standard 

    IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry is our standard for assessing the safety and quality of products and processes of wholesalers, cash & carry businesses, and packing companies. These businesses are an essential link between growers, manufacturers, and the catering industry. The standard supports sites in meeting the growing transparency and traceability demands in the market and contributes to increased efficiency. 

    Major players in wholesale and cash & carry, as well as companies packing vegetables, fruits and eggs, use the standard to have their sites audited, thus raising the quality of their services to the next level. Last year, 805 sites passed the audit and received the IFS Certificate. The certificate shows that the certified site is a reliable business partner that handles products in a safe, responsible and professional way. 

     

    Offering a unique support package for certified sites 

    IFS offers guidance, including guidelines and various tools, to support businesses in reaching IFS Certification and further enhancing their product safety and quality management. Recognised IFS Consultants can help you implement the requirements and train your staff. Follow the link to the webpage below to learn more about the roadmap to certification and the support for IFS certified sites. 

     

    International recognition

    Accreditation is new for the IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry standard. The process with the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) for recognition under the sub-scopes of product certification of the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) is in progress. IAF MLA signatories mutually recognise accredited certification. This helps to reduce trade barriers, as accredited certificates are recognised in many markets based on a single accreditation. 

     

    More information 

    The standard is available in English on our website. Translations will follow, and we will inform you about them on LinkedIn and in newsletters.

    For more details, download the: 

    Stay up to date:


    IFS Supply Chain Solutions announced at the CB Conference

    The IFS CB Conference took place in Berlin on 10 and 11 October 2024. At this annual event, we update the certification bodies we cooperate with about the current market situation and our standards, programs and tools. 

      In a challenging market with ongoing consolidation in the European food industry, IFS has successfully maintained a high number of certificates. IFS remains the market leader in food certification in Europe and is expanding into new markets. Specifically, food retailers continue to choose IFS as the preferred standard for assessing the quality and safety of their private label products.

      The food industry will face more challenges in Europe and other countries and regions around the globe as new corporate sustainability and supply chain transparency legislation comes into force. The IFS Network, supported by major retailers and certification bodies, recognises the need for process validation to comply with the new regulations and stakeholder expectations.

      In this context, IFS Managing Director Stephan Tromp said, “We at IFS want to support businesses in creating and maintaining efficient management processes for sustainable and transparent supply chains. To this end, we will offer a portfolio of checks and supportive digital tools under the new IFS Supply Chain Solutions brand. These tools will support companies, particularly SMEs, to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in their supply chains. Through our practical checklists and tools, businesses can identify risks early, monitor their supply chains, and meet their obligations efficiently and reliably. “

      He expects the first checks belonging to this product line to be presented in early 2025. 

      We will keep our stakeholders updated through LinkedIn and our newsletters.


      Updated documents for IFS Broker 3.2

      We are excited to share two updated publications that will help you prepare for the IFS Broker 3.2 Audit. Discover the essential information and valuable insights they contain. 

        The IFS Broker Guideline 

        This guideline is designed to assist internal and IFS auditors in conducting audits and gaining a better understanding of the IFS Broker Requirements, including their purpose and background. It contains audit questions, documentation notes, and practical advice. The guideline has been updated to version 3.2, and its layout has been refreshed.

        The IFS Broker 3.2 Audit Protocol for Remote Auditing 

        This document is meant for certification bodies and auditors who are conducting an IFS Broker Audit using remote ICT. Certified companies can refer to this document to comprehend the process and get ready for the remote audit. We have revised this protocol to be in line with version 3.2 of the IFS Broker Standard and accreditation requirements (IAF MD1:2023). 

        The remote option is voluntary and must be agreed upon well in advance between the certification body and the company subject to IFS Broker Certification. Our broker fact sheet provides a brief overview of the remote audit option.  

        Download the Documents 

        Discover the essential information and valuable insights these documents provide:

        Further recommended documents for downloading

        IFS Broker version 3.2 – This is the current version of the standard.

        IFS Broker 3.2 Doctrine – The current document answers frequently asked technical questions and clarifies the intention of specific requirements. It is a normative document that complements the standard.  

        View all

        IFS Blog

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