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New IFS Food 8 Doctrine
New IFS Food 8 Doctrine
HPC 3 Doctrine & Product Example Chart
New IFS HPC 3 Doctrine and HPC Product Example Chart
Logistics 3 Doctrine and Multi-site Guideline
New doctrines for IFS Logistics 3 and IFS Broker 3.2
IAF + Wholesale and Cash&Carry
IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry Standard achieves recognition as IAF MLA sub-scope
Tackle ESG-related supply chain risks with the IFS ESG Compliance Check
Tackle ESG-related supply chain risks with the IFS ESG Compliance Check
Introducing IFS SCPC
Introducing IFS Supply Chain Processes Check
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About IFS

IFS develops globally recognised product quality and safety standards and development programs with the expertise of retailers, manufacturers, certification bodies and other experts. With our help, companies increase the trustworthiness of their products and brands through a practised product and food safety culture.

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2002
Foundation of IFS
> 40
Employees worldwide
2000+
Retail Accounts
> 30000
Certificates & LoCs

Quality Assurance and Integrity Program

The IFS Integrity Program ensures that our standards are properly implemented.

This is guaranteed by:

  • Integrity on-site checks,
  • Integrity witness audits,
  • and CB office audits.

In case of complaints, it is possible to reach IFS IP via the complaint-form or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Accreditation & Recognition

With the accreditation of the certification bodies working with us and the IFS Standards, we ensure that our work is based on uniform international norms and thus on objectively verifiable quality standards. For us, accreditation means security and trust in our products.

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Sustainability / ESG

Making processes, structures, and business models more sustainable is a constant challenge for many companies. To help especially small and medium-sized companies integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, IFS offers the ESG Compliance Check. With this tool, we support you on your way to a greener and more socially responsible future.

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Product integrity / PIA

Ensure product integrity with IFS. We help you better understand and control risks relating to product integrity and food fraud. With our IFS PIA Assessment, you show your customer that you deliver products to specifications and manage your integrity risks properly.

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IFS News

New IFS Food 8 Doctrine

We have updated the IFS Food 8 Doctrine. The doctrine provides answers to frequently asked technical questions and clarifies specific requirements.

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.


New IFS HPC 3 Doctrine and HPC Product Example Chart

We are excited to share two new publications that will help you prepare for the IFS HPC 3 Audit. Discover the essential information and valuable insights they contain.

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


New doctrines for IFS Logistics 3 and IFS Broker 3.2

Today, we published updated versions of the following normative documents: IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine and IFS Broker 3.2 Doctrine. These documents provide answers to frequently asked technical questions and clarify specific requirements.

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.

View all

IFS Blog

Environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance (ESG) are becoming key priorities for consumers, investors, and regulators. To help small and medium-sized businesses address ESG-related risks in their supply chains, IFS ...

I am passionate about helping businesses identify and manage supply chain risks, supporting them to improve and grow. Tina Brune, Director Risk Management Tina has been a valued member of the IFS team for nearly six years, serving as the Director Ris...

The IFS PACsecure Standard and Progress PACsecure Program adopt a risk-based approach to assessing the safety and quality of packaging materials. This methodology allows you to perform individualised risk assessments according to your business's uniq...

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