Logistics

The IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine

The doctrine provides answers to frequently asked technical questions and clarifies specific requirements. Among other topics, it specifies: 

• Which IFS Logistics version to apply in particular situations;
• The requirement for logistics companies organising transport without their own trucks;
• The 50% on-site duration rule for companies organising transport/storage;
• The case of a suspension or withdrawal of a certification body’s accreditation; 
• The requirement regarding using interpreters and other professional services; 
• Requirements regarding the approval of auditors and auditor conversion training;
• The types of audits not accepted as sign-off audits, witness audits and for auditor scope extensions; as well as
• The extraordinary information that certification bodies need to provide to IFS.

The IFS Logistics Multi-site Guideline

We updated this guideline to align with version 3 of the IFS Logistics Standard and accreditation requirements (IAF MD1:2023). 

It applies only to companies with headquarters and multiple sites that fulfil specific criteria regarding the number of sites, activities, and other parameters. The guideline explains the requirements these companies must meet for a multi-site certification. It also describes the aspects certification bodies and those companies need to consider during the initial and recertification audits. 

Download the Documents 

Discover the essential information and valuable insights these documents provide:

• Download the IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine version 1 in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish.
• Download the updated IFS Logistics Multi-site Guideline in English.

[Updated on 18 November 2024]

IFS Logistics evaluates the quality and safety of logistics operations encompassing transport, storage, distribution, loading and unloading, and more. Certification bodies providing certification to this standard must be accredited by IAF MLA signatories, offering confidence that the above operations meet prescribed criteria.

Under the Agreement, IFS Logistics will be recognised by IAF as an IAF MLA sub-scope under the main scope of Product Certification - ISO/IEC 17065. This recognition will ensure mutual recognition of accredited certification for the standard by IAF MLA signatories, allowing for the acceptance of accredited certificates in many markets based on one accreditation.

“IAF is excited to announce the recognition of IFS Logistics as an IAF MLA sub-scope,” said IAF Chair Emanuele Riva. “This recognition will streamline market access and reduce trade barriers for companies holding IFS Logistics certification, aligning with our commitment to promoting safety and quality across various industries. With IFS Logistics joining IFS Food as a recognised scheme, we further advance our mission of facilitating global trade while upholding stringent requirements for the benefit of consumers and businesses alike.”

“Over 3,300 companies, including large international logistics services providers, hold IFS Logistics Certifications. Many retail, wholesale and food services companies trust IFS Logistics Certificates as they show that the company has established robust procedures and processes to deliver safe products to customers. With the IAF and its members, an independent body verifies that our standards meet all the required criteria. The recognition of IFS Food version 8 and IFS Logistics version 3 under the IAF MLA contributes significantly to our certificates being recognised and trusted worldwide,” said Stephan Tromp, IFS Managing Director. 

The current scopes of the IAF MLA can be viewed here.

About IAF:

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is a global association of accreditation bodies, conformity assessment body associations and other organisations involved in conformity assessment in fields including validation and verification and the certification of management systems, products, processes, services, and persons.

IAF promotes the worldwide acceptance of certificates of conformity and validation/verification statements issued by conformity assessment bodies accredited by IAF MLA signatories and seeks to add value for all stakeholders through its activities and programs.

About IFS:

IFS Management GmbH, owned by the French retail association FCD and the German retail association HDE, develops globally recognised product quality and safety standards and development programs for companies within the food and consumer goods supply chain companies. IFS comprises six different food and non-food standards and four development programs. These assess whether private label and branded product suppliers can deliver safe, quality products in line with regulations and customer specifications. In this way, IFS helps ensure that consumers can trust that the products they find on retail shelves are safe and of excellent quality.

“With IFS Logistics version 3, we present a standard updated to current regulations, market expectations and the latest trends. IFS has developed this version with international experts from the logistics sector, food industries, retail and wholesale companies, and certification bodies. Their input and expertise ensure that the requirements meet the market’s needs. I thank everyone who has contributed to realising this new version”, says IFS Managing Director Stephan Tromp.

Optimised certification processes with IFS Logistics version 3

IFS Logistics version 3 has fewer requirements and an optimised protocol and structure. Further updates concern the scoring system, extensions and clarifications in the scopes, and the introduction of the star status to indicate an unannounced audit. It is now aligned with the IFS Food Standard version 8, which is relevant for combined audits.

“We took many suggestions from the logistics industry to make it more efficient for all stakeholders to work with the IFS Logistics Standard. I am positive that the optimised processes, workflow, and other updates will contribute to that”, states Mariana Estrada, IFS Logistics Standard Manager, about the new standard version.

IFS Logistics version 3 audits are possible starting 1 June 2024 and become mandatory on 1 December 2024.

IFS Logistics is widely used and accepted

Many retail, wholesale and food services companies trust IFS Logistics Certificates as they show that the company has established robust procedures and processes to handle their products professionally and responsibly. Over 3,300 companies, including large international logistics services providers, hold IFS Logistics Certifications.

IFS-certified companies benefit from a unique support package

IFS offers guidance, like guidelines and various tools, to support suppliers in reaching IFS Logistics 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.

The IFS Global Markets Logistics program helps logistics companies develop product safety and quality processes gradually.

International recognition

The IFS Logistics 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 Logistics version 3 is currently available in English only. Translations will come later, and we will inform you about them as soon as they are available.

For more information about the IFS Logistics Standard, please visit the IFS Logistics webpage.

For all significant information about IFS Logisitics version 3, read the whole newsletter here.