IFS
International Featured Standards certification for European retail and food service supply chains.
International Featured Standards (IFS) Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked food safety and quality certification widely required by German, French, and broader European retailers (Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Carrefour) for supplier qualification. IFS covers governance and commitment, quality and food safety management system, resource management, operational processes, measurements/analysis/improvement, and food defence. IFS audit scoring uses percentage-based scoring with Foundation Level (75%+), Higher Level (95%+), and IFS Star (exceeding requirements). Complianceer prepares Indian food manufacturers for IFS certification with gap analysis, IFS-compliant documentation, and certification audit coordination for European market access.
At a glance
- Timeline: 90–120 days
- Government fee: Not applicable
- Professional fee: Starting from ₹74,999
Who needs this
- Food exporters targeting German and European discount/retail chains
- Suppliers to Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, and Carrefour vendor programmes
- Processors seeking GFSI certification alternative to BRC for EU markets
- Private label manufacturers for European supermarket brands
- Businesses with existing ISO 22000 seeking IFS upgrade for EU retail
Benefits
- Required for supply to major German and European retail chains
- GFSI-benchmarked global recognition alongside BRC and FSSC 22000
- Percentage scoring provides clear performance benchmark for improvement
- IFS Star recognition for exceptional food safety performance
- Access to premium European retail and food service supply contracts
Eligibility
- Valid FSSAI licence with manufacturing/processing authorisation
- IFS system implemented for minimum 3 months before certification audit
- Internal audit completed at 75%+ IFS checklist score before external audit
- Food defence assessment completed as required by IFS Version 8
Documents
- IFS-compliant quality and food safety management system documentation
- HACCP study with hazard analysis and risk assessment
- Product specifications and allergen management programme
- Supplier monitoring and raw material inspection records
- Internal audit reports using IFS checklist
- Management review and KPI monitoring records
- Food defence and food fraud vulnerability assessment
- Traceability system with mock recall exercise record
FAQs
IFS vs BRC: which for European export?
German retailers (Aldi, Lidl, Rewe) typically prefer IFS. UK retailers prefer BRC. Many manufacturers obtain both or choose based on primary target market.
What IFS score do European retailers require?
Minimum Foundation Level (75%+ score) for most retailers. Higher Level (95%+) preferred by premium retailers. IFS Star for top-tier supplier status.
Can IFS and BRC certifications share documentation?
Significant overlap exists as both are GFSI-benchmarked. Integrated management system approach reduces duplication. We offer dual certification preparation.