IFS Logistics marks the joint objective of trade and industry to create transparency and trust across the entire supply chain. This IFS standard, specifically developed for storage, distribution, and transportation, as well as loading and unloading activities, is able to be implemented in environments managing both food and non-food products.

 

SCOPE

 

IFS Logistics is a standard for companies, offering logistics services like transport and storage.

IFS Logistics is a Standard for auditing companies whose activities are logistics oriented for food and non-food products, such as transport, storage, loading/unloading, etc. It applies to all types of transport: delivery by road, rail, ship or plane; frozen/refrigerated products or ambient stable products (different states of matter: liquid, solid or gas). This standard also applies to (un-)freezing service providers as well as for logistics companies using service providers for their transport and/ or storage activities.

IFS Logistics audits are carried out by qualified auditors of independent accredited and approved certification bodies. The requirements of the IFS Logistics are divided into six chapters:

• Senior management responsibility
• Quality and product safety management system
• Resource management
• Realization of the service
• Measurements, analysis, improvements
• Product defense and external inspections

 

OBJECTIVES

 

The objectives of the IFS Logistics are:

• To ensure comparability and transparency throughout the entire supply chain
• To establish a common standard with uniform evaluation systems
• To reduce costs and time for both suppliers and retailers
• To work with accredited Certification Bodies

 

BENEFITS

 

IFS certification can offer a number of key benefits to companies striving for excellence in quality and customer satisfaction, and seeking a competitive advantage in their marketplace:

• Improved confidence in suppliers and products
• Reduced time spent on supplier screening
• Due diligence defense
• Ability to reduce individual audit costs by combining a variety of different audits at the same time.
• Improved understanding between management and staff related to standards and procedures
• Monitoring of compliance with food / non-food regulations
• More effective use of resources
• Reduction in the need for customer inspections
• Independent third party audits
• Improved business reputation as a supplier of high-quality and safe products
• Ability to trade with customers insisting on third party audits
• Use of the IFS logo and certificate to demonstrate compliance with the highest standards.