IFS Broker 2 Standard

IFS Broker 2 Standard

As food supply chains globalise further, products and raw materials continue to flow through new routes and from a wider set of sources. Importers, brokers, and agents are integral to the flow that brings products to retailers and manufacturers. IFS Broker was developed to close the gap between distribution and production and to ensure product safety and quality across that step. The scheme supports trading stakeholders, importers, brokers, agents, and manufacturers in understanding and applying those requirements.

The standard audits suppliers against quality and product safety requirements, and it assesses whether the service around them is delivered under appropriate measures. Brokers, importers, and agents monitor their own suppliers' conformity against the agreed, regulatory, and contractual requirements.

IFS Broker 2 Scope

• Scheme contents
• Trading agencies
• Importing firms

IFS Broker audits are performed by qualified auditors at accredited certification bodies. The standard covers:

• Senior management responsibility
• Product and quality safety management system
• Resource management
• Services and planning process
• Measurement, analysis, and improvement
• Food defence

IFS Broker 2 Objectives

• Operation via qualified and accredited certification bodies and auditors
• Transparency and comparability across the full supply chain
• Reduced cost and processing time for retailers and suppliers

IFS Broker 2 Benefits

• The IFS certificate supports companies that aim at food safety, quality, and customer satisfaction excellence, and that look for a commercial positioning in the market.
• Improved confidence in the product for suppliers
• Reduced supplier lead times and costs
• Fewer rejected or out-of-specification shipments

Combining multiple audits under one scheme also helps minimise individual audit costs.

• Better alignment between procedures and people on methods and standards
• Monitoring of food regulation compliance
• More efficient use of resources
• Reduced need for customer audits
• Impartial third-party audit
• Minimised total audit time through combined audits
• Higher-quality and safer products plus improved commercial image for the broker
• Support for trading relationships that require third-party audit
• The IFS certificate and logo evidencing conformity with the highest standards