Steps to Obtain IFS Food Safety Certificate

How to Obtain IFS Certification?

The IFS (International Featured Standards) certificate is a certification that documents a business's compliance with food safety, quality, and hygiene standards. To obtain this certificate, a system must first be established that meets IFS requirements. The business must thoroughly review its products and processes and make necessary improvements. Then, the application is submitted to the certification body, and the audit process begins. The audit checks whether the system and processes in place comply with IFS standards. After a successful audit, the business is granted the IFS certificate.

IFS Food Safety Certificate Application Process

The application process for the IFS Food Safety Certificate consists of several steps. First, the business contacts an IFS certification body and fills out the application form. After submission, an audit date is set. On the audit day, an auditor reviews the business's food safety management system on-site and evaluates compliance with IFS standards. After the audit, a report is prepared, and based on this report, the certification decision is made. After a successful audit, the IFS Food Safety Certificate is issued.

Documents Required for IFS Certification

Several important documents are required to obtain the IFS certificate. These documents include quality and food safety management system documents, occupational health and safety certificates, audit reports, production process data, and the business’s internal procedures. Additionally, training and certifications received by the business to ensure compliance with food safety standards may be requested. It is crucial that these documents are prepared accurately and completely for the IFS certificate application. The certification body evaluates these documents and initiates the audit process.

Steps to Obtain an IFS Certificate

To obtain the IFS certificate, the following steps must be taken:

Integrate the IFS standard into the business.
Train employees and provide necessary education.
Establish a quality management system that meets IFS requirements.
Apply to an IFS certification body.
Prepare for the audit conducted by the certification body.
Correct any deficiencies identified during the audit and obtain the certificate.
How Long Does the IFS Certification Process Take?

The IFS certification application process is determined by the audit that follows the submission of the application form. After the application is submitted, the audit date is generally set within a few weeks. The audit process usually takes 1 to 3 days, but this duration may vary depending on the size of the business and the complexity of its operations. After the audit, a report is prepared, and the results are usually announced within a few weeks. The certification process typically takes several weeks from the application, but the exact duration may vary for each business.

Certification Bodies Issuing IFS Certificates

IFS certificates are issued by certification bodies recognized and approved by IFS. These bodies audit businesses for compliance with IFS standards and grant IFS certificates to successful businesses. IFS collaborates with many certification bodies worldwide. Numerous reputable certification bodies are available in Turkey and around the world. These bodies provide certification services according to IFS Food, IFS Logistics, and other IFS standards. Businesses seeking the IFS certificate can choose one of these bodies to begin the application process.

Preparation Process for Obtaining the IFS Certificate

The preparation process for obtaining the IFS certificate is crucial and requires a systematic approach from the business. First, it is necessary to establish a management system that complies with the IFS standard. The business must review all its processes and ensure compliance with quality and safety criteria. Necessary training must be provided to employees, and all aspects of the system must be documented. Additionally, past audit reports and quality control data should be included in the preparation. Once the preparations are complete, the business applies for the audit, and after a successful audit, the IFS certificate is obtained.

Steps to Take to Obtain the IFS Certificate

To obtain the IFS certificate, follow these steps:

Understand and integrate the IFS standard into your business.
Provide necessary training to your employees.
Establish a quality management system that meets IFS requirements.
Apply to an IFS certification body.
Prepare for the audit conducted by the certification body.
Correct any deficiencies identified during the audit and obtain the certificate.
How Long Is the Validity of the IFS Certificate?

The IFS certificate is typically valid for 12 months. However, during this period, the business must continue to maintain compliance with IFS standards. Monitoring and follow-up audits may be conducted during the validity period. Before the certificate expires, a renewal audit must be conducted. The renewal process is carried out to check the continuity of the existing system and ensure compliance with IFS standards.

What Audits Are Conducted to Obtain the IFS Certificate?

To obtain the IFS certificate, the business’s quality management system and food safety practices are thoroughly audited. These audits cover all business processes, production areas, storage, and transportation conditions. During the audit, compliance with IFS standards is checked, and the business’s documents, records, training, and supply chain management are reviewed. Additionally, food safety and hygiene practices are also included in the audit. After a successful audit, the business is granted the IFS certificate.

Kayra Certification and IFS Certification Support

Kayra Certification offers professional certification and consultancy services to help businesses achieve compliance with international quality and safety standards. Specifically, it provides in-depth expertise in food safety and quality management systems, assisting businesses in enhancing their global competitiveness. Kayra Certification guides businesses through the certification processes for internationally recognized standards like IFS, BRC, and ISO 22000, ensuring fast and secure completion of these processes. The IFS certificate provided by Kayra Certification helps businesses meet the leading industry requirements, making their products and services suitable for the global market. Kayra Certification’s expert team provides everything needed for IFS certification, from application to audits, required documents, preparation phases, and certification processes.

For businesses aiming to obtain the IFS certificate, it is essential to integrate the IFS standard into their quality management system. This process begins with reviewing the current system and making necessary improvements. Afterward, the application process is initiated, followed by audits. If the audit results are successful, the business is awarded the IFS certificate.

Kayra Certification provides guidance and helps businesses prepare the necessary documents for the application process, ensuring everything is in order. The process is customized for each business, and the certification process is managed by an expert team from start to finish.

The timeline for obtaining the IFS certificate may vary, but typically, the application and audit processes take a few weeks. Kayra Certification ensures the process is managed as quickly and efficiently as possible, helping businesses obtain their certificate in the shortest time possible.