IFS Logistics

IFS Logistics is a standard for companies, offering logistics services like transport and storage.

IFS Logistics is a Standard for auditing companies whose activities are logistics oriented for food and non-food products, such as transport, storage, loading/unloading, etc. It applies to all types of transport: delivery by road, rail, ship or plane; frozen/refrigerated products or ambient stable products (different states of matter: liquid, solid or gas). This standard also applies to (un-)freezing service providers as well as for logistics companies using service providers for their transport and/ or storage activities.

IFS Logistics audits are carried out by qualified auditors of independent accredited and approved certification bodies. The requirements of the IFS Logistics are divided into six chapters:

· Senior management responsibility

· Quality and product safety management system

· Resource management

· Realization of the service

· Measurements, analysis, improvements

· Product defense and external inspections

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the IFS Logistics are:

· To ensure comparability and transparency throughout the entire supply chain

· To establish a common standard with uniform evaluation systems

· To reduce costs and time for both suppliers and retailers

· To work with accredited Certification Bodies

BENEFITS

IFS certification can offer a number of key benefits to companies striving for excellence in quality and customer satisfaction, and seeking a competitive advantage in their marketplace:

· Improved confidence in suppliers and products

· Reduced time spent on supplier screening

· Due diligence defense

· Ability to reduce individual audit costs by combining a variety of different audits at the same time.

· Improved understanding between management and staff related to standards and procedures

· Monitoring of compliance with food / non-food regulations

· More effective use of resources

· Reduction in the need for customer inspections

· Independent third party audits

· Improved business reputation as a supplier of high-quality and safe products

· Ability to trade with customers insisting on third party audits

· Use of the IFS logo and certificate to demonstrate compliance with the highest standards.