The IFS Logistics standard is internationally recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative. IFS Logistics guarantees transparency and food safety throughout the whole international supply chain. This is one of the first international standards that is focused on logistic activities. The standard was launched for the first time in April 2012.

Retail chains and food producers need to know how their products are treated in the logistics chain. They want to be sure that the products they buy are transported and stored following the set rules to prevent any harm to the customer’s health whilst retaining the quality of the product.

Certima BV is accredited to perform audits for the IFS Logistics standard by RvA (the Dutch Accreditation Council).

The IFS Logistics standard, specifically developed for storage, distribution, and transportation, as well as loading and unloading activities, can be implemented in both non-food and food environments. The standard can be applied to all means of transportation – vehicles, trains, ships, airplanes and other types of transport, as well as storage facilities. This standard also applies to (un-)freezing service providers and to logistics companies using service providers for their transport and/ or storage activities.

The standard applies to all states of food: frozen and fresh with or without refrigeration, and also to bulk and packaged products.

IFS Logistics concerns logistics where companies have physical contact with products. If the company is processing products and has its own logistic activities, these activities are included in the standard IFS Food section on transport and storage.

When logistics is an “outsourced” process it is preferably to be executed by a company certified against the IFS Logistics standard. If you are an independent logistics provider or broker/importer of food products having your own warehouses and other transportation facilities, this standard applies to you. Control points have been introduced to characterize and supervise the logistic operator’s ability to adhere to quality and safety requirements.

A certificate is valid for 12 months followed by a recertification audit every year.

Benefits:

• Builds Trust and Confidence with your customers;
• Opens Doors to Larger Markets and Partnerships;
• Improved quality and safety throughout the entire chain of supply; from production to forwarding, warehousing, and delivery to the retail customers;
• Evidence of systematic hygiene and risk management in warehousing and transport;
• Ensures good hygiene practices, continuous traceability, and optimal handling of all goods in stock.

Certima B.V. has built a strong reputation over nearly two decades as a trusted, competent and efficient certification body for the International Featured Standards (IFS). We are here to help you stay compliant, reduce risks, operate safely and grow confidently.

If you are ready to explore how Certima can help you achieve certification and enhance your business’s credibility, visit: https://certima.org/offer/ .