Broker

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 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:

• Download the updated IFS Broker 3.2 Audit Protocol for Remote Auditing in English.
• Download the updated IFS Broker Guideline in English.

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.