Logistics

IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine version 2

Among other topics, this doctrine specifies:  

• Situations where a remote follow-up audit is acceptable;
• Situations where a follow-up audit can be performed in less than 6 weeks;
• Situations in which an audit is considered cancelled;
• Various clarifications to Part 3 of the Logistics 3 Standard concerning training requirements for auditors and reviewers, the suspension or withdrawal of certification bodies, and the maintenance of auditor certificates, etc.; as well as
• Clarification on the definitions of dates on the certificate.

IFS Broker 3.2 Doctrine version 2

Among other topics, this doctrine includes these specifications:  

• Clarification about the extraordinary information to be sent to the certification body by the certified company;
• Situations where a follow-up audit can be performed in less than 6 weeks;
• Clarification about the use of a technical expert within an audit team;
• Situations in which an audit is considered cancelled;
• Clarification on the definitions of dates on the certificate;
• Various clarifications to Part 3 of the Broker 3.2 Standard concerning training requirements for auditors and reviewers, the suspension or withdrawal of certification bodies, and the maintenance of auditor certificates, etc.; as well as
• Management of COID for companies in specific situations.  

We published IFS Logistics 3 in December 2023 and IFS Broker 3.2 in February 2024 to align the standards with current market needs. The doctrines complement these standards and are essential for certified companies, auditors, certification bodies and other stakeholders to know. The documents are currently available in English only. 

Download the Documents 

Discover the essential information and valuable insights these documents provide:

Download the IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine version 2 in English.
Download the IFS Broker 3.2 Doctrine version 2 in English.

The IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine

The doctrine provides answers to frequently asked technical questions and clarifies specific requirements. Among other topics, it specifies: 

• Which IFS Logistics version to apply in particular situations;
• The requirement for logistics companies organising transport without their own trucks;
• The 50% on-site duration rule for companies organising transport/storage;
• The case of a suspension or withdrawal of a certification body’s accreditation; 
• The requirement regarding using interpreters and other professional services; 
• Requirements regarding the approval of auditors and auditor conversion training;
• The types of audits not accepted as sign-off audits, witness audits and for auditor scope extensions; as well as
• The extraordinary information that certification bodies need to provide to IFS.

The IFS Logistics Multi-site Guideline

We updated this guideline to align with version 3 of the IFS Logistics Standard and accreditation requirements (IAF MD1:2023). 

It applies only to companies with headquarters and multiple sites that fulfil specific criteria regarding the number of sites, activities, and other parameters. The guideline explains the requirements these companies must meet for a multi-site certification. It also describes the aspects certification bodies and those companies need to consider during the initial and recertification audits. 

Download the Documents 

Discover the essential information and valuable insights these documents provide:

• Download the IFS Logistics 3 Doctrine version 1 in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish.
• Download the updated IFS Logistics Multi-site Guideline in English.

[Updated on 18 November 2024]

IFS Logistics evaluates the quality and safety of logistics operations encompassing transport, storage, distribution, loading and unloading, and more. Certification bodies providing certification to this standard must be accredited by IAF MLA signatories, offering confidence that the above operations meet prescribed criteria.

Under the Agreement, IFS Logistics will be recognised by IAF as an IAF MLA sub-scope under the main scope of Product Certification - ISO/IEC 17065. This recognition will ensure mutual recognition of accredited certification for the standard by IAF MLA signatories, allowing for the acceptance of accredited certificates in many markets based on one accreditation.

“IAF is excited to announce the recognition of IFS Logistics as an IAF MLA sub-scope,” said IAF Chair Emanuele Riva. “This recognition will streamline market access and reduce trade barriers for companies holding IFS Logistics certification, aligning with our commitment to promoting safety and quality across various industries. With IFS Logistics joining IFS Food as a recognised scheme, we further advance our mission of facilitating global trade while upholding stringent requirements for the benefit of consumers and businesses alike.”

“Over 3,300 companies, including large international logistics services providers, hold IFS Logistics Certifications. Many retail, wholesale and food services companies trust IFS Logistics Certificates as they show that the company has established robust procedures and processes to deliver safe products to customers. With the IAF and its members, an independent body verifies that our standards meet all the required criteria. The recognition of IFS Food version 8 and IFS Logistics version 3 under the IAF MLA contributes significantly to our certificates being recognised and trusted worldwide,” said Stephan Tromp, IFS Managing Director. 

The current scopes of the IAF MLA can be viewed here.

About IAF:

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is a global association of accreditation bodies, conformity assessment body associations and other organisations involved in conformity assessment in fields including validation and verification and the certification of management systems, products, processes, services, and persons.

IAF promotes the worldwide acceptance of certificates of conformity and validation/verification statements issued by conformity assessment bodies accredited by IAF MLA signatories and seeks to add value for all stakeholders through its activities and programs.

About IFS:

IFS Management GmbH, owned by the French retail association FCD and the German retail association HDE, develops globally recognised product quality and safety standards and development programs for companies within the food and consumer goods supply chain companies. IFS comprises six different food and non-food standards and four development programs. These assess whether private label and branded product suppliers can deliver safe, quality products in line with regulations and customer specifications. In this way, IFS helps ensure that consumers can trust that the products they find on retail shelves are safe and of excellent quality.