The standard designed for importers and intermediaries
Lower costs through effective use of resources
Optimized purchasing and time savings for retailers
Increased food safety in the supply chain
Competitive advantages for certified companies
IFS Broker - important certification for the food sector industry
Based on the IFS Food Standard, the IFS Broker is specifically designed for brokers, agents and importers. With the certification, intermediaries and importers ensure that the quality and safety of the products are maintained on their way from the manufacturer to the buyer. As part of an audit for IFS Broker certification, it is analyzed whether the legal and contractual requirements are met during the supply process.
Where brokers or importers also handle the independent storage or transport of goods, IFS Logistics certification is also required for those parts of the business.
Why should my company get certified according to IFS Broker?
During globalization, individual supply chains as well as the value chain are subject to increasingly complex regulations. To simplify the processes for importers and intermediaries, the IFS Broker Standard can be used. At the same time, certification ensures strict compliance with legal and contractual requirements for traded goods.
The certificate also allows resources spent on intermediary trade or import to be used more effectively, saving importers valuable time. In addition, suppliers can be selected more quickly because everyone can rely on the same standards.
The IFS Broker certificate also has advantages for the outside world. Companies can demonstrate that they are trustworthy when it comes to combating food fraud. Thanks to its global recognition, IFS Broker certification is suitable for operations around the world and cross-border supply chains.
Outcomes of IFS Broker certification
IFS Broker Version 3
With the change from version 2 to version 3, the requirements for certification according to IFS Broker have become more extensive. An important change is that audits can also be carried out unannounced on a voluntary basis.
What is the IFS Broker certification process?
In the first step, we will discuss your company, your management system and the goals of a certification. Next, you will promptly receive a detailed and transparent quote, customized to your company's needs.
Especially for larger certification projects, a planning meeting is a valuable opportunity to get to know your auditor as well as to develop an individual audit program for all involved areas and sites.
A gap assessment also offers the opportunity to identify potential for improvement as well as strengths of your management system in advance. Both services are optional.
Once your company is ready, we will schedule the audit date with an auditor that has the necessary experience and expertise in your industry. During the certification audit, our auditors will assess whether your management system meets the requirements of the standard and identify any areas of improvement. In a final discussion, you will receive a detailed presentation of the results from your DQS Inc. auditor and if necessary, action plans will be agreed upon.
As of September of 2020, audits have the option to be conducted remotely.
The audit and its results are evaluated by the independent certification board of DQS, which decides on the issuance of the IFS Broker certificate. You will receive an audit report documenting the audit results. If there are any discrepancies, you will have the opportunity to correct them and take appropriate action at that 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, DQS Inc. schedule your next audit well in advance.