FSSC 24000 Certification

Improve and demonstrate social performance - with FSSC 24000 certification

By establishing a social management system (SMS) based on FSSC 24000, companies can help improve their social performance. The active management of social issues helps to protect the well-being of employees and minimizes risks related to human rights violations in the supply chain. FSSC 24000 certification enables companies to meet customer requirements and position themselves as an attractive employer. The overall goal of an SMS is to ensure that there are clear roles and responsibilities for internal planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning, and to ensure continuous progress towards achieving set social objectives.

Structured approach to achieving defined social objectives

Addressing opportunities and risks

Continuous improvement of the SMS

Proof of conformity with the specified requirements

What is a social management system (SMS)?

An SMS is a framework of policies, processes and procedures by which an organization ensures that it can perform all the tasks required to achieve its social objectives. The social objectives must ensure that workers are treated fairly, have a safe working environment that does not adversely affect their health, and that working conditions comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

For whom is FSSC 24000 certification suitable?

FSSC 24000 is a voluntary certification model that can be applied by all companies in the manufacturing and processing industries. This includes manufacturing and processing of consumer goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, paper products, construction materials, machinery, electronics and many more. Notable exclusions are tobacco products, fur products, weapons and ammuniation, and nuclear fuel products.

The audit and certification standard is in line with the ISO management system approach and the harmonised ISO structure. This facilitates integration with other ISO management systems (modular IMS framework). Organisations with existing management systems, such as the FSSC 22000 food safety certification system or ISO 9001 quality management system, can now integrate the same approach to achieve their social objectives.

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Requirements of FSSC 24000

The FSSC 24000 audit is based on the requirements of two components:

1) PAS 24000:2022 with the requirements for a social management system and2) FSSC 24000 Additional requirements.

PAS 24000 provides a common framework to manage requirements and communication across the supply chain and to continuously improve the system. PAS 24000 defines the minimum requirements to ensure a baseline level of social performance. FSSC 24000 adds specific requirements to ensure consistency and integrity and to guide and manage the certification programme.

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When does FSSC 24000 come into force?

FSSC 24000 audits and certifications can be carried out from 1 January 2023.

Certification procedure

Once you have decided on FSSC 24000 certification, you contact an approved certification body such as DQS. In the first step, you will discuss your company, your social management system and the goals of your FSSC 24000 certification with us. On this basis, you will promptly receive a detailed and transparent offer, tailored to your individual needs.

In the next step (system audit stage 2), your auditor assesses the effectiveness of all management processes on site, applying the FSSC 24000 standard. The audit result is presented at a final meeting. If necessary, action plans are agreed upon.

The audit and its results are evaluated by the independent certification body of DQS, which decides on the issuance of the certificate. You will receive an audit report documenting the audit results. If there are any deviations, you will have the opportunity at this time to rectify them and take appropriate action. Once all applicable requirements are met, you will receive the FSSC 24000 certificate.

With a view to continuous improvement and the ongoing effectiveness of your social management system, on-site audits of key components of your system are conducted at least once a year to identify potential for improvement. Recertification takes place after three years.

What is the cost of FSSC 24000 certification?

The cost of FSSC 24000 certification depends on the scope of your processes and the size of your company. We would be happy to make you a non-binding offer for your company.