IFS News

Discover what’s new in IFS Broker version 3.2

 

We have updated the IFS Broker Standard and are thrilled to introduce version 3.2 today. Audits to this new version will become mandatory from 1 July 2024.

More transparency through the IFS Star Status and updated Scoring System

In IFS Broker 3.2, we introduce the star status, signaling that an audit was unannounced. Also, you will find updates in the scoring system. In particular, the B-score is now a deviation again, requiring a correction or corrective action. 

These updates contribute to greater transparency as customers and other stakeholders of the audited company can easily recognise how the audit was carried out. Furthermore, the report shows which deviation led to the B-score and the action plan specifies what needs to be done to correct the deviation. This creates greater clarity for everyone involved.

The update facilitates combined audits 

As many IFS audits are combined audits with other IFS Standards, it was essential for us to align version 3.2 with the other updated IFS Standards, especially IFS Food 8 and IFS Logistics 3. The revisions significantly facilitate the performance of combined IFS Audits. 

Leading retail, wholesale and food service companies trust IFS Broker Certification

IFS Broker is the standard for auditing the service compliance of brokers, sales representatives, traders and importers of food, household and personal care products or packaging materials. It belongs to the leading standards for certifying quality and product safety in this sector. 

Many retail, wholesale, and food service companies trust IFS Broker Certificates as they show that the certified company has established robust procedures and processes to trade products professionally and responsibly. Over 2,500 companies worldwide hold IFS Broker Certificates. 

IFS-certified companies benefit from a unique support package

IFS offers guidance, like guidelines and various tools, to support suppliers in reaching IFS Broker Certification and further enhancing product safety and quality management processes. 

The IFS Software, auditXpress Neo, supports reporting the internal audit results. An update to IFS Broker 3.2 will become available before the audits to the new version start. 

Approved IFS Training Providers offer training based on official IFS Materials and recognised IFS Consultants support businesses in implementing the requirements and training their staff.

International recognition   

The IFS Broker accreditation process is in progress with the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) to be recognised under the sub-scopes of the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) product certification. IAF MLA signatories mutually recognise accredited certification. It helps to reduce barriers to trade as accredited certificates are recognised in many markets based on a single accreditation. Also, the benchmarking process with GFSI has started.  

More information  

IFS Broker version 3.2 is currently available in English only. Translations into our main languages will follow shortly. The doctrine for IFS Broker version 3.2 will also be published later. We will notify you of their publication in our newsletters, on our website or on LinkedIn. 

Stay up to date:


IFS PACsecure 3 – tailor-made for the packaging industry

We have published the newest version of the IFS PACsecure Standard. It aligns with the current market needs and comes with a new standard logo.

“Continuing our steadfast dedication to deliver standards of utmost value, we are pleased to introduce version 3 of the IFS PACsecure Standard. Our collaboration with industry experts, who rigorously review and enhance the information, ensures we are meeting the needs of our stakeholders. IFS PACsecure version 3 is aligned with the ever-changing market and is more user-friendly”, says IFS Managing Director Stephan Tromp. 

The IFS PACsecure Standard is for auditing packaging material manufacturing and converting processes concerning product safety, quality, and customer and regulatory compliance. The standard is applicable for the production, processing or conversion of packaging components and materials intended to be used as primary or secondary packaging for food products and other consumer goods.

Together with the packaging experts of PAC Global, IFS developed the first version of this standard in 2012, ensuring that it is tailor-made for the packaging industry. It has been the standard from the industry for the industry from the very beginning. 

Audits, according to IFS PACsecure version 3, are possible from 1 July 2024 and become mandatory on 1 October 2024.

IFS offers certified companies a unique support package

IFS offers guidance, like guidelines and various tools, to support suppliers in reaching IFS PACsecure Certification and further enhancing their product safety and quality management processes. Approved IFS Training Providers offer training based on official IFS Materials, and recognised IFS Consultants support businesses with implementing the requirements and training staff. 

Companies interested in gradually developing product safety and quality processes can start with the IFS Global Markets PACsecure Program. The program is built on standardised requirements and structured in two levels. It helps you progress towards IFS Certification within a defined time frame. 

International recognition

The IFS PACsecure version 3 accreditation process is in progress with the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) to be recognised under the sub-scopes of product certification of the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). IAF MLA signatories mutually recognise accredited certification. It helps to reduce barriers to trade as accredited certificates are recognised in many markets based on a single accreditation. Also, the benchmarking process with GFSI has started. 

More information

IFS PACsecure version 3 is currently available in English only. Translations will come later, and we will inform you about them on LinkedIn and in our regular newsletters. 

For more details: 

Berlin, 21 February 2024


New IFS Food 8 Doctrine and Audit Checklist Guideline

We are excited to share two new publications with you that will help you prepare for the IFS Food 8 Audit. Discover the essential information and valuable insights they hold.

IFS Food 8 Doctrine version 2 

We updated the IFS Food 8 Doctrine. It is a normative document complementing the standard. Accordingly, companies, certification bodies and auditors must be aware of its content before the next audit. The current update clarifies the following requirements:  

  • Part 1, 1.2.1.1 on the use of a professional interpreting service provider. 
  • Part 3, 3.1.1.1 on the suspension or withdrawal of the accreditation of a certification body. 
  • Part 4, 4.2.1.1 on using the COID for companies in some specific cases.

IFS Food 8 Audit Checklist Guideline 

This guideline enhances your understanding of the IFS Food Requirements as well as their intention and background. It gives you hands-on advice and contains valuable references. 

For every chapter, the guideline offers you a selection of 

  • applicable European legislation, 
  • references to legislation in other parts of the world, 
  • and other helpful documents. 

For each requirement according to part 2 of the IFS Food 8 Standard (Audit Checklist), you will find 

  • examples of good practices, 
  • typical auditor questions, 
  • elements an auditor should check, 
  • and examples of non-conformities, Majors and KOs.

The guideline has an explanatory, supportive character and is not normative. It will equip companies with the same know-how as the auditors. 

Download the documents 

Benefit from these sources of expertise and be well-prepared for your next audit. 

  • Download the IFS Food 8 Doctrine version 2 here
  • Download the updated IFS Food 8 Audit Checklist Guideline here

Berlin, 30 January 2024

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