In the fourth version of the doctrine, we specify the following topics: 

• Situations where a remote follow-up audit is acceptable
• Situations where a follow-up audit can be performed in less than 6 weeks
• Missing audit time due to missing scopes
• Situations where an audit is considered cancelled
• Clarification about the head office/central management information on the certificate
• Clarification on the definitions of dates on the certificate

The doctrine is a normative document complementing the standard. Accordingly, companies, certification bodies and auditors must be aware of its content. 

Make sure to download the new Food 8 Doctrine version 4 in English before your next audit.

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.