How to Obtain IFS Certification for Your Business

How to Obtain IFS Certification?
IFS (International Featured Standards) Certification is a standard that certifies a business’s adherence to food safety, quality, and hygiene requirements. To acquire this certification, a system must be implemented that satisfies IFS criteria. The business needs to assess its products and processes thoroughly, making improvements where necessary. Then, the application is submitted to an IFS certification body, triggering the audit process. This audit evaluates whether the established system and processes align with IFS standards. If the audit is successful, the IFS certificate is awarded.

IFS Food Safety Certificate Application Process
The application process for the IFS Food Safety Certificate involves several stages. First, the business contacts an IFS certification body and fills out the required application form. Once submitted, an audit date is scheduled. On the audit day, an auditor assesses the business’s food safety management system on-site, evaluating compliance with IFS standards. After the audit, a report is compiled, and based on this, the certification decision is made. If the audit is successful, the IFS Food Safety Certificate is issued.

Documents Required for IFS Certification
To obtain the IFS certificate, several critical documents are necessary. These documents include the quality and food safety management system documents, occupational health and safety certifications, audit reports, production process data, and internal company procedures. Additionally, any training and certifications obtained to comply with food safety standards may also be required. It is crucial that all these documents are meticulously prepared and complete to ensure a smooth IFS certificate application process. The certification body evaluates these documents before proceeding with the audit.

Steps to Obtain an IFS Certificate
To successfully obtain the IFS certificate, the following steps must be followed:

Integrate the IFS standard into the business operations.
Provide training to employees and ensure they understand the IFS standards.
Develop a quality management system that meets IFS standards.
Apply to an IFS certification body.
Prepare for the audit conducted by the certification body.
Address any deficiencies identified during the audit and then secure the certificate.
How Long Does the IFS Certification Process Take?
The IFS certification process timeline depends on the audit that follows the submission of the application form. Once the application is submitted, the audit is typically scheduled within a few weeks. The audit itself usually lasts between 1 to 3 days, although this can vary depending on the size and complexity of the business. Once the audit is completed, a report is prepared, and results are generally available within a few weeks. The overall certification process typically takes several weeks, though it can differ for each business.

Certification Bodies Issuing IFS Certificates
IFS certificates are issued by recognized certification bodies approved by IFS. These bodies perform audits to check compliance with IFS standards and grant certificates to businesses that meet the criteria. IFS works with numerous certification bodies worldwide, including several reputable ones in Turkey and globally. These bodies offer certification for various IFS standards such as IFS Food, IFS Logistics, and more. Businesses seeking IFS certification can choose one of these bodies to initiate the application process.

Preparation Process for Obtaining the IFS Certificate
The preparation process for IFS certification is essential and requires careful, methodical planning. First, a management system that complies with IFS standards must be established. The business must assess all its processes to ensure compliance with food safety and quality criteria. Employee training is vital, and all relevant procedures must be documented. Past audit reports and quality control data should also be included in the preparation phase. Once the preparations are completed, the business can apply for the audit. Upon a successful audit, the IFS certificate is granted.

Steps to Take to Obtain the IFS Certificate
Follow these steps to obtain the IFS certificate:

Understand and integrate the IFS standard into your business operations.
Provide necessary training to all employees.
Establish a quality management system in line with IFS requirements.
Apply to an IFS certification body.
Prepare for the audit performed by the certification body.
Correct any deficiencies found during the audit and earn the certificate.
How Long Is the Validity of the IFS Certificate?
The IFS certificate is generally valid for 12 months. However, the business must maintain compliance with IFS standards throughout this period. Follow-up audits may be conducted during the validity term. Before the certificate expires, a renewal audit must be carried out. The renewal audit ensures that the management system remains compliant with IFS standards.

What Audits Are Conducted to Obtain the IFS Certificate?
The process to obtain the IFS certificate involves a comprehensive audit of the business’s quality management system and food safety practices. These audits examine all business processes, production areas, storage, and transportation conditions. During the audit, IFS compliance is verified by reviewing the business’s documents, training records, and supply chain management. Food safety and hygiene practices are also assessed. After a successful audit, the IFS certificate is granted to the business.

QRS Certification and IFS Certification Support
QRS Certification provides expert certification and consultancy services to help businesses meet international quality and safety standards. It offers extensive knowledge in food safety and quality management systems, assisting businesses in boosting their global competitiveness. QRS Certification guides businesses through the certification processes for internationally recognized standards like IFS, BRC, and ISO 22000, ensuring a quick and secure certification process. The IFS certificate issued by QRS Certification helps businesses align with leading industry standards, enhancing the suitability of their products and services for the global market. The expert team at QRS Certification offers full support throughout the IFS certification journey, including application, audits, document preparation, and certification processes.

For companies aiming to obtain IFS certification, it is essential to incorporate the IFS standard into their quality management system. This begins by reviewing the existing system and making necessary improvements. After this, the application process starts, followed by audits. If the audit results are positive, the IFS certificate is awarded.

QRS Certification provides guidance and assistance in preparing the necessary documentation for the application, ensuring everything is in order. Each process is customized to fit the unique needs of the business, with the certification journey managed by an expert team from start to finish.

The timeline for obtaining IFS certification may vary, but typically, the application and audit processes take a few weeks. QRS Certification manages the entire process efficiently, ensuring businesses receive their certificates in the shortest time possible.