What Are International Featured Standards (IFS)?
International Featured Standards (IFS) are globally recognized audit standards used to assess the safety and quality of products and production processes. IFS ensures a uniform evaluation system that helps retailers select and qualify suppliers in accordance with international safety and quality benchmarks.
Developed to improve transparency and comparability across the supply chain, IFS plays a vital role in evaluating food and non-food products, particularly in retailers’ branded product lines.
Understanding Food Safety in the Context of IFS
Food safety refers to the scientific methods used in the handling, preparation, and storage of food to prevent foodborne illnesses. It encompasses regulations related to:
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Food labeling and hygiene
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Use of food additives and pesticide residues
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Biotechnology policies
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Import/export inspection systems
IFS incorporates these principles to help producers, suppliers, and retailers maintain high-quality, safe food products in a globally connected marketplace.
Importance of IFS in the European Market
IFS is a mandatory standard for many retailers in Germany, France, Italy, and other EU countries. It promotes:
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Uniform supplier assessment
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Increased transparency
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Standardized quality controls
IFS offices are located globally, including Europe, the Americas, and Asia, to support the growing international demand.
Core Principles of Food Hygiene (As per WHO)
According to the World Health Organization, the five essential principles of food hygiene are:
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Prevent contamination from people, pets, and pests.
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Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
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Cook food to appropriate temperatures to eliminate pathogens.
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Store food at safe temperatures.
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Use safe water and raw materials.
What Is IFS Certification?
IFS Certification consists of eight standards developed for stakeholders across the supply chain. These process-based standards help organizations implement legal and customer-specific requirements related to food safety and product quality.
IFS Certification is applicable to:
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Food manufacturers
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Brokers and traders
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Logistics service providers
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Retailers and wholesalers
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Household and personal care product manufacturers
Certified companies demonstrate that they have robust systems in place for compliance, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Key Benefits of Implementing IFS Standards
Implementing IFS offers multiple business advantages:
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Industry-driven and globally accepted
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Differentiated scoring for performance benchmarking
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Risk-based, non-prescriptive approach
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IFS Audit Manager App for efficiency
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IFS Recognized Consultants & Expert Guidelines
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Digital tools for uniform reporting
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Unique database for increased visibility
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IFS Integrity Program
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Highly experienced auditors
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Proven to drive business growth
IFS Food Standard
IFS Food is a GFSI-recognized standard used to audit food manufacturers regarding the safety and quality of products and processes. It applies to:
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Companies involved in food processing
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Businesses handling loose food products
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Operations involved in primary packaging
IFS Food ensures brand protection, legal compliance, and customer trust.
IFS Global Markets Food
This program supports small and less-developed businesses in building their food safety management systems. It offers a step-by-step framework for achieving full IFS Food Certification, improving supply chain integration and market access.
IFS Wholesale / Cash & Carry
This standard is designed for wholesalers and cash & carry markets, optimizing audit processes for businesses involved in trading, treatment, or packaging of diverse product types. A customized checklist is applied based on core business functions.
IFS Logistics 2.2
IFS Logistics audits logistics activities for both food and non-food products, including:
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Storage and distribution
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Loading and unloading
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Transport by road, rail, or sea
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Handling of frozen and unpackaged goods
Objectives of IFS Logistics 2.2:
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Clarify scope and applicability
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Align with updated legal requirements
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Include freezing and thawing services
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Improve audit protocol comprehension
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Update with GFSI’s latest version
IFS Global Markets Logistics
Aimed at small logistics providers, this program facilitates:
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Market access
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Supply chain acceptance
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Development through mentoring and phased certification
It’s ideal for businesses with limited resources aiming to implement robust product safety and quality systems.
IFS Broker Version 2
IFS Broker applies to companies engaged in trading activities without physical product handling. The latest version includes:
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Removal of redundancies
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Alignment with updated legislation
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Unified audit protocols
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Food defense checklist
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Applicability to packaging material trading
IFS HPC (Household and Personal Care)
IFS HPC ensures product safety and quality for household and personal care products across the entire production chain. From January 2017, only Version 2 audits are recognized, offering enhanced transparency and control.
IFS PACsecure
IFS PACsecure is designed for auditing primary and secondary packaging manufacturers. It includes clauses such as:
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Senior Management Responsibility
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Quality & Food Safety Management
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Resource Allocation
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Process Planning
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Continuous Improvement
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Food Defense & External Inspections
IFS Food Store
IFS Food Store (formerly RAS) helps French retailers measure and ensure food safety at the retail store level, aligning with FCD (Fédération du Commerce et de la Distribution) guidelines.
What Is the Goal of IFS?
IFS aims to ensure that certified companies deliver products and services that:
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Meet customer specifications
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Improve food and non-food product safety
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Support continuous quality improvement
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Align with international regulatory standards
Additional Certifications Offered by TUV Austria BIC (Pvt.) Ltd.
We also provide certification services for the following standards:
ISO Certifications
Other Certifications
Ready to Get Certified?
Contact us today to learn more about how TUV Austria Bureau of Inspection & Certification (Pvt.) Ltd. can support your journey to IFS Certification and beyond.