IFS Logistics Certification

Information on IFS Logistics certification

With the IFS Logistics certification standard, companies in the logistics and retail sectors can ensure reliability, transparency and safety along the entire supply chain. The certification audits take into account all stages of goods and merchandise from transport, storage and distribution to loading and unloading.

Increased security and transparency in the supply chain

More trust among customers and suppliers

Higher levels of product safety and quality

Greater reliability vis-à-vis authorities

IFS Logistics Certificate

To ensure the quality and safety of logistics service providers and chains, food chains from France and Italy have jointly developed the IFS Logistics Standard. Based on IFS Logistics certification, food safety risks can be managed transparently.

IFS Logistics is a globally recognized standard that is also recognized by the Global Safety Initiative (GFSI). It was created to ensure food safety in the supply chain. In the food sector in particular, the transport, storage, or handling of goods as well as raw materials harbor numerous risks in terms of hygiene and safety. The IFS Logistics standard was introduced to maintain a high level of confidence in the products, their quality and safety. This gives everyone involved in the supply chain, from the food manufacturer to the retailer, the assurance that comparable guidelines are being followed.The IFS certificate can be applied to any type of food transport and storage. In addition to food, non-food products can also be included in the audit. The same applies to packaged as well as unpackaged products, unless they have been processed.The important objectives of IFS Logistics certification include:

Establishing transparency and comparability in the supply chain.
Common standard with uniform evaluation criteria
Increased efficiency (time and cost) for retailers as well as for suppliers

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For which companies is IFS Logistics certification suitable?

The IFS Logistics certificate is suitable for all companies in the logistics and transport industry. This includes, for example, transport companies that carry out refrigerated transport. Furthermore, operators of warehouses for goods and food may also benefit from the certification.

In addition, retailers with their own logistics department may safeguard themselves with an IFS Broker certification. Food manufacturers who handle the logistics for their products themselves must still meet the requirements of IFS Food for an audit according to the IFS Broker Standard.

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The six central areas of the IFS Logistics standard

The IFS Logistics standard can be divided into six key segments. These areas are audited:

Corporate Responsibility
Management systems with a focus on quality and safety
Product Defense and HACCP
Quality, resource, and food safety management
Product analysis, measurement, and improvement
Resource management

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Which products does the IFS Logistics Standard apply to?

Companies that transport and/or store food or consumer goods can be certified according to IFS Logistics. This applies to both unpackaged and packaged food.

The standard is also applicable to products that must be stored and transported under controlled temperature conditions. These include dairy products or meat products, for example.

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Procedure

In the first step, you discuss your company, your management system and the goals of certification with us. On this basis, you will promptly receive a detailed and transparent offer, tailored to your individual needs.

As soon as your company is ready, an audit date is set together with you, and approved auditors with the required competence and experience in your industry are selected. During the certification audit, our auditors will assess, among other things, whether your management system meets the requirements of the IFS Logistics standard and identify potential for improvement. In a final discussion, you will receive a detailed presentation of the results from your DQS auditor, including a description of the potential for improvement for your company. If necessary, action plans will be agreed upon.

The audit and its results are evaluated by the independent certification board of DQS, which decides on the issuance of the IFS Logistics certificate. You will receive an audit report documenting the audit results. If there are any nonconformities, you will have the opportunity to correct them and take appropriate action at this time. If all applicable requirements are met, you will receive the certificate with a validity period of one year.

After one year, your certificate will expire. To ensure that your certificate is valid without any gaps, we will plan your next audit well in advance.

How much does IFS Logistics certification cost?

The cost of IFS Logistics certification depends, among other things, on the size of your company and the complexity of your processes. We will be happy to make you an individual offer for your company without obligation.