The IFS Broker Standard is a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) recognized standard for auditing food Brokers, Agents and importers developing and trading in food products but not coming into contact with them.

The Standard is important for all food brokers, agents and importers, as it contains many requirements related to compliance with customer specifications.

IFS Broker standard was created to ensure the safety and quality of products filling the gap between production and distribution. IFS Broker checks whether brokers or importers have implemented appropriate measures in their processes to ensure that their suppliers operate in accordance with food safety and their quality requirements and to monitor compliance for the products supplied to meet legal requirements and contractual specifications.

This standard is vital for marketing companies, brokers and all organizations that handle merchandise but do not have their own production and warehousing. The Broker is responsible for the purchasing process (selection of suppliers) and delivering the goods to their clients. The broker has no physical storage and no handling or processing facilities.

The standard defines a large number of requirements that, if followed, lead to a highly effective system. With that system in place, you are encouraged to always work at a high level of quality and safety. The procedures established describe how you must work in order to ensure that your products comply with the standards and legislation.

To demonstrate compliance with IFS Broker, the company needs to be audited by an accredited and approved certification body. If the audit is successful, a certificate is issued. The certificate is valid for 12 months followed by a recertification audit every year.

Benefits:

• Confidence in suppliers and products;
• Time and money saved – for supplier monitoring, reworking or returning products, reduced total inspection time and effective use of resources;
• Brand protection – Monitoring of compliance with food regulations;
• Improved business opportunities – Improved business reputation as a broker of high-quality and safe products, ability to trade with customers requiring third-party audits, use of the IFS logo and certificate to demonstrate compliance with the highest standards.

The nearly 20 years of experience in the field have made Certima efficient, competent and trusted certification body for the IFS standards.