IFS publishes draft IFS broker version 3

Back in January, we informed you about the upcoming IFS Broker version 3 and then recently IFS published the draft version.

The IFS broker is intended for traders, agents & distributors who import, purchase and sell products or act as intermediaries for them. A feature is that there are no physical products on site. The purpose of this IFS broker standard is to be able to certify this link in the chain, so that it is guaranteed over the entire chain that (food-)safe products are put on the market.

The purpose of this revision is to align the broker standard with the other IFS standards and the GFSI requirements.

We name some important changes:

• The topic of food safety culture is introduced. Among other things, organizational policies should include how food safety culture is supported.
• The requirements regarding process hazard analysis and risk assessment are described in more detail. The impact of this for your company depends on your current hazard analysis and risk inventory.
• A food fraud vulnerability analysis should be performed on all purchased products (including packaging materials) to determine the risk of fraudulent activities related to substitution, mislabeling or adulteration. Based on this analysis, a plan of action should be made to reduce the risk of fraud.
• The choice of unannounced audits can be made.
• A distinction is made in responsibilities for certain types of products, for example for private label products versus "own branded products. Also, customer private label products may no longer be excluded from the scope of certification.

The publication date of the final standard has not yet been announced. However, it has been announced that audits will be mandatorily done according to the new standard starting January 2, 2020.

Need support?

Are you active as a trader, agent or distributor in food and already working with the IFS broker standard, or thinking about working with it? We would be happy to help you.
Contact us at +31 (0)30 - 65 66 010 or info@precongroup.com or see our quality standards expertise page....