IFS HPC 3 Doctrine version 2

We updated the IFS HPC 3 Doctrine. It is a normative document that complements the standard. Accordingly, companies, certification bodies and auditors must be aware of its content before the next audit. The current update specifies the following requirements:  

• Part 1, 2.2 Clarification on whether a textile-based HPC product falls within the scope of the HPC 3 audit
• Part 1, 2.3.3 Situations where a remote follow-up audit is acceptable and situations where a follow-up audit can be performed in less than 6 weeks
• Part 1, 4.2.1 Situations where an audit is considered cancelled
• Annex 1 Scope determination between IFS PACsecure and IFS HPC Standard

IFS HPC Product Example Chart

The chart provides examples to illustrate the appropriate allocation of IFS HPC Product Scopes. The product example chart helps you understand which IFS HPC Product Scope the certification body will select based on the final products manufactured by the production site. 

We have completely revised the structure and layout of this document to enhance its readability and usability. More product examples have been included to align with the updated clarification in the IFS HPC 3 Doctrine version 2.

The IFS HPC Product Example Chart is explanatory and supportive, not normative. It helps companies utilise audit-level knowledge within their processes.

Download the Documents

Discover the essential information and valuable insights that these documents provide: 

• Download the IFS HPC 3 Doctrine version 2 in English.
• Download the IFS HPC Product Example Chart 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.

IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry (C&C) is a standard for assessing the safety and quality of products and processes of wholesalers, cash & carry businesses and packing companies. Certification bodies providing certification to these standards must be accredited by IAF MLA signatories, offering confidence that the above operations meet prescribed criteria. 

Under the agreement, the Wholesale and Cash & Carry standard will be recognised by IAF as IAF MLA sub-scope under the main scope of Product Certification—ISO/IEC 17065. This ensures mutual recognition of accredited certification for this standard by IAF MLA signatories and allows acceptance in many markets based on one accreditation.

"This agreement marks another important milestone in strengthening global trust in accredited certification. By recognising the IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry Standard under the IAF MLA, we are reinforcing our shared commitment to food safety, quality and international market acceptance. Recognition as an IAF MLA sub-scope supports the global acceptance of accredited certificates, benefiting businesses, regulators and consumers alike," said Emanuele Riva, IAF Chair. 

"Major players in wholesale and cash-and-carry, along with companies that pack vegetables, fruits, and eggs, use this IFS Standard to have their sites audited and improve their service quality. These businesses are an essential link between growers, manufacturers, and the catering industry. IFS is known for its unique product and process approach, robust standards, high auditor qualifications, and strict quality assurance. We are proud that all six IFS Standards are now recognised under the IAF MLA. This means an independent organisation has confirmed that our standards meet the required accreditation criteria. This commitment enhances the confidence businesses can have in our certificates 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. It 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.