Dear Client,

ISACert would like to inform you about some relevant developments regarding the IFS certification process. In January 2010, IFS introduced their Integrity program. The main goal of the IFS Integrity program is to support the added value and quality of the IFS certificate for retailers and suppliers. Part of this program is conducting on-site audits. On the IFS website (www.ifs-certification.com) more information is available.

It is our daily task to support your business by offering professional and ambitious audits. IFS can select you, as supplier, to conduct an on-site audit as an on top assurance. Therefore you should be informed about the following.

The program

IFS carries out a number of control measures to assure the quality of the IFS audit, with a focus on the check of audits conducted by the IFS certification bodies and their auditors. The Integrity program  differentiates between complaints management measures (1) and preventive measures (2).

(1) As part of the complaints management, IFS may conduct so-called investigation audits with the goal to clarify complaints for IFS certified locations. The audits are always aimed at  ascertaining the cause of the complaint and identifying potential breaches of IFS requirements.

(2) The so-called surveillance audits are conducted as part of the preventive quality assurance programme. These audits are random reviews of IFS audits that have already been conducted, regardless of any complaints.

This program is operated under the full responsibility of IFS. ISACert is not involved in this program.

Consequence for you as supplier

Depending the situation, the measures IFS is preparing will or will not be announced in advance to you as supplier. Therefore you should informed about the following:

1) An (un) announced on-site investigation or surveillance audit by IFS. For example if IFS has received a food safety related complaint about your company.

Pending the investigation by IFS ISACert and your ISACert auditor are not allowed howsoever (also not through third parties) to contact you based on the agreement between ISACert and IFS. Even at your initiative we cannot give information.

2) An (un) announced IFS witness auditor to be present during the regular certification audit. The witness auditor will evaluate the performance of the ISACert auditor.

Based on the certification agreement between your company and ISACert, IFS is able to conduct these audits at your site. Since the integrity and added value of the IFS certificate is at stake, your clients and ISACert are confident that  you will support these audits.

If you have any remaining questions regarding this information, please contact your local ISACert office,

with kind regards,