IFS Certification – International Featured Standards

What is IFS Certification?

IFS (International Featured Standards) Certification is a globally recognized food safety and quality standard used to evaluate suppliers and manufacturers of food and non-food products. It ensures that certified companies meet strict safety, quality, legality, and transparency requirements in their production and supply chain operations.

IFS Certification is often required by major retailers, wholesalers, and food service companies, especially in Europe and other international markets.

Why IFS Certification is Important

IFS Certification helps businesses demonstrate that their processes meet international standards for:

  • Food safety and hygiene

  • Product quality and compliance

  • Risk management and traceability

  • Export readiness and global trade

  • Customer and regulatory expectations

Types of IFS Standards

IFS offers several certification standards depending on your business activity:

IFS Standard Description
IFS Food For food manufacturers and processors
IFS Logistics For storage, transport, and distribution
IFS Broker For agents and importers without direct handling
IFS PACsecure For packaging material manufacturers
IFS HPC For household and personal care products
IFS Wholesale/Cash & Carry For large distributors and wholesale operations

Benefits of IFS Certification

  • Demonstrates strong food safety and risk control systems

  • Enhances brand reputation and customer confidence

  • Opens doors to global retail and export markets

  • Encourages continuous improvement across your operations

  • Meets requirements of GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative)

  • Increases transparency and trust in the supply chain

  • Helps fulfill regulatory and legal obligations

IFS Certification Process

  1. Gap Analysis – Evaluate your current systems and identify improvements

  2. Documentation & System Setup – Develop SOPs, hazard analysis, control plans

  3. Employee Training – Train staff on IFS requirements and food safety protocols

  4. Internal Audit & Management Review – Test readiness for official assessment

  5. Third-Party Audit – Conducted by an approved certification body

  6. Corrective Actions – Address any non-conformities identified

  7. Certification Awarded – Valid for 12 months with annual renewal

Who Needs IFS Certification?

IFS Certification is ideal for businesses involved in:

  • Food and beverage manufacturing

  • Bakery and dairy production

  • Canned and packaged foods

  • Private label and contract manufacturing

  • Food storage and logistics

  • Exporters to Europe, the Middle East, and North America

  • Suppliers to global retailers and supermarkets

Our IFS Certification Support Services

We offer comprehensive support for your IFS certification journey:

  • Gap analysis and readiness assessment

  • FSMS documentation and SOP development

  • Staff training and capacity building

  • Internal audits and mock inspections

  • Coordination with certification bodies

  • Post-certification monitoring and renewals

Achieve Excellence with IFS Certification

IFS Certification is more than a standard—it’s a mark of trust and commitment to delivering safe, high-quality products that meet global expectations. Whether you’re supplying retailers, expanding exports, or enhancing internal systems, IFS helps your business stand out in a competitive market.

Contact us today to get started with IFS Certification and grow your food or packaging business with confidence.