IFS Certification

CGA Offers Certification Under These IFS Standards

1.0 IFS Food

For food processing and packing companies, covering:

• Manufacturing & handling of food products
• Primary packaging of loose or bulk foods
• Private-label production
• Product integrity, traceability & hygiene controls

New Components in IFS Food Version

IFS Version 8 places stronger emphasis on real operational performance and on-site evaluation:

• More focus on real production conditions, less on documentation
• Audit renamed to “assessment” to align with ISO/IEC 17065
• 15% fewer requirements for more clarity and efficiency
• Improved structure aligned with GFSI 2020.1, FSMA, and EU regulations
• Enhanced scoring system for better accuracy
• Major upgrade in Food Safety Culture integration
• Every third assessment unannounced
• Mandatory GLN for companies in the EEA & UK

2.0 IFS Progress Food / HPC

A structured assessment program for:

• Small or developing food/HPC manufacturers
• Businesses building their systems to eventually achieve full IFS certification

It includes two progressive levels:

1.Basic Level Checklist

Covers:

• Product quality & safety management systems
• Specifications & traceability
• Non-conforming product controls
• Corrective actions
• Incident & complaint management

2.Intermediate Level Checklist

Adds:

• Hazard analysis & risk assessment
• Enhanced GMP requirements
• Hygiene, facility controls & environmental monitoring
• Pest control
• Cleaning & disinfection
• Water quality standards

The goal is to build capacity and help manufacturers reach IFS Food or IFS HPC certification.

Where IFS Applies in the Supply Chain

One of the strengths of IFS is that it covers every stage of the food and consumer goods journey, allowing retailers and brand owners to evaluate risk across the entire value chain:

• Food manufacturing & processing plants
• Primary and secondary packaging manufacturers
• Cold storage, warehousing, and logistics providers
• Brokers, traders, and importers
• Wholesalers, retailers, and cash-and-carry networks
• Household and personal care product manufacturers (HPC)

IFS Certification Process

The CGA IFS certification process is designed to be efficient, transparent, and aligned with global food safety best practices. Every step ensures your facility demonstrates full compliance with IFS requirements while minimizing operational disruption.

Step 1. Application & Scoping

We begin by gathering essential information about your operation, including:

• The specific IFS Standard required (Food, PACsecure, Logistics, Broker, etc.)
• Facility size, layout, and operational complexity
• Product categories, processing steps, and customer requirements
• Any existing certifications or regulatory obligations

This scoping step ensures accurate audit duration, cost, and readiness expectations from the beginning.

Step 2. Technical Review

Before the on-site assessment, CGA conducts a structured readiness review to set your team up for success:

• A detailed assessment plan is issued outlining timelines and audit criteria
• Your documentation (HACCP plan, PRPs, QMS procedures, specifications, etc.) is reviewed
• Pre-assessment guidance is provided to address gaps in hygiene, traceability, and documentation

The goal here is to help your facility confidently meet IFS expectations with no surprises during the audit.

Step 3. On-Site Facility Assessment

A qualified “unicorn” CGA assessor evaluates your operation against the full set of IFS requirements. This includes:

• Production environment & process controls
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and hygiene performance
• HACCP implementation, monitoring, and verification
• Traceability systems (raw materials, intermediates, packaging, finished goods)
• Allergen and contamination controls
• Supplier approval and material handling
• Risk management & food defense measures

Step 4. Certification

Once the audit is completed and any corrective actions issued by the auditor are accepted:

• Your IFS Certificate is issued
• Your company is officially listed in the IFS Database
• Retailers, regulators, and customers can verify your certification in real time

This certification confirms that your facility meets globally recognized food safety and quality standards.

IFS Certification Process

With global supply chains becoming more complex and consumer expectations rising, retailers and regulators demand proof of operational reliability. Achieving IFS Certification shows that your business:

• Maintains strict hygiene and GMP controls
• Prevents recalls, safety incidents, and quality failures
• Manages suppliers and raw materials responsibly
• Reduces customer complaints and product non-conformities
• Operates with transparency that builds long-term trust

In short:

IFS Certification signals that your company is a safe, dependable, and professional supplier, ready for global markets and high-value retail partnerships.