GFSI schemes: IFS Food, BRCGS, FSSC 22000
Voluntary in law, but required in practice by most major retailers to list a supplier, especially for private-label products.
Issued by: Accredited certification bodies, against private schemes recognised by GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative)
Food manufacturers and private-label producers; by extension, packaging and logistics through the schemes' dedicated variants.
What this scheme covers
- C.1Detailed food-safety and quality requirements: HACCP, production environment, food defense, food fraud, food-safety culture.
- C.2Scored audits (IFS scoring, BRCGS grades) that drive certificate validity and the frequency of subsequent audits.
- C.3GFSI mutual recognition: one recognised certificate (IFS, BRCGS or FSSC 22000) satisfies most international buyers.
The link with Qualiopi
Outside vocational training: these are factory and supply-chain schemes. They are the 'private' version of what Qualiopi does 'publicly': a standard imposed by funders — here, by retail customers.
The process, summarised
- 1.Choose the scheme based on your customers (IFS strong in continental Europe, BRCGS in anglophone markets, FSSC 22000 for ISO-style systems).
- 2.Bring the site up to standard (prerequisites, HACCP, documentation, infrastructure) then pass the initial audit with an accredited body.
- 3.Close findings within the set deadlines and keep up the periodic audits, most often annual.
FAQ — IFS / BRCGS / FSSC 22000
+Do you need all three certifications?
Rarely: thanks to GFSI recognition, one scheme is usually enough. The choice depends on your customers' exact requirements.
+Are these schemes legally mandatory?
No: the law imposes the hygiene package and HACCP. Retail contracts are what make these certifications unavoidable in practice.
+How long are the certificates valid?
Generally one year, with renewal audits; the grade achieved can adjust duration and the audit regime (announced or unannounced).
- The Price of IFS, BRCGS or FSSC 22000 Certification: the Real Cost Items8 min
- IFS, BRCGS or FSSC 22000: Which GFSI Scheme Should You Choose?8 min
- IFS Food Certification: Steps, Scoring and the Audit, Explained8 min
- Is GFSI Certification Mandatory to Supply Major Retailers?7 min
- Unannounced IFS, BRCGS and FSSC 22000 Audits: the Rules and How to Stay Ready8 min
- Food hygiene (14 h)Mandatory
- HACCP / PMSMandatory
- Sanitary approvalMandatory
- ISO 22000Voluntary
- Organic certificationMandatory
- HVE certificationVoluntary