Deadline Calendar

Version 3 of the IFS Logistics Standard was published in December 2023. The update affects companies that are involved in the areas of transport, storage, distribution and loading in the supply chains for wholesale and retail.  IFS Logistics Version 3 audits are possible from 1 June 2024 and must be carried out from 1 December 2024.

The new version of the standard is characterised by fewer requirements as well as an optimised protocol, a clear structure and an improved scoring system. This makes the standard not only easier to understand, but also easier to implement.

The main changes at a glance:

• Reduction of requirements: The IFS Logistics Standard Version 3 focuses on fewer requirements, an optimised protocol and a clear structure that consistently follows the audit trail.
• New area for animal feed: An additional area for animal feed has been added and two further logistical processing services have been introduced - simple sorting of fruit and vegetables and labelling.
• Extended scope: The scope of IFS Logistics has been extended and clarified, in particular for the short-term storage/transport of containers, the organisation of logistics activities and exclusion rules. Partially outsourced logistics processing services have been integrated into the standard.
• B-score as deviation: The B-score is now classified as a deviation again, allowing companies to define corrective and remedial actions to continuously improve their performance.
• IFS Star status: A new IFS Star status indicates that the audit was unannounced. Supply chain partners can therefore immediately recognise that the certified company stands out.
• International conformity: The standard has been harmonised with the Codex Alimentarius and ISO/IEC 17065, GFSI benchmarking requirements and takes into account ISO 22003-2.

The most important changes in BRCGS Global Standard Packaging Materials Version 7 compared to Version 6 are described in detail in the document "Key Changes Publication". . 

BRCGS published the latest edition of its Packaging Materials Standard. The new version 7 was published on 28 October 2024. You can find out about the most important changes in the new version on the BRCGS website. This document is available on the BRCGS website. In particular, topics such as the further development of the product safety culture, updating the requirements for hazard analyses and risk assessments, continuous improvement and global applicability come to the fore with the new version. Another important aspect is the integration of current industry trends, such as the use of disposable products. The new version 7 is mandatory from 28 April 2025. Detailed information on training courses and webinars on the introduction of the new version can be found on the website,

Most important changes in the new version 7

The most important changes in BRCGS Global Standard Packaging Materials Version 7 compared to Version 6 are described in detail in the document "Key Changes Publication".  

The most important topics that have been revised in version 7 are

• Strengthening the product safety culture
• Updating the requirements for hazard analysis and the risk management system in accordance with the Codex Alimentarius
• Continuous improvement processes and implementation of systems
• Global applicability and consideration of the current GFSI benchmarking requirements
• In addition, version 7 has been expanded to include current industry trends and practices, such as the inclusion of single-use products.
   

The TÜV NORD HACCP for your certification, which has been used since 2020, has been revised and is now available in version 2022.

The TN HACCP version 2022 is valid from 1 January 2026. All certified companies must switch to the new revision by 31 December 2026.

The changes compared to the 2020 revision are minor and mainly focus on

• Additions to existing requirements,
• Update of the decision tree for the CCP provision.

The following sections of the new version have been updated and supplemented:

Introduction

Information on the importance of safe food for consumption.

Supplemented by updated statistics and data on food-borne illnesses.

Goals

General principles of food hygiene, guidelines on Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and HACCP.

Supplemented by an increased focus on new food safety technologies.

Primary production

Environmental control, hygienic production, handling and storage.

Supplemented by updated guidelines on water quality and faecal contamination.

Design of facilities and equipment

Location, internal structures and equipment design.

Supplemented by additional requirements for temporary/mobile food businesses.

Training and expertise

Training programmes and personal hygiene.

Supplemented by an increased focus on allergen management training.

Operational control

Control of time and temperature, microbiological and chemical contamination.

Supplemented by updated guidelines on allergen management.

Personal hygiene

Health status, illnesses, injuries and personal cleanliness.zAdded additional measures for visitor hygiene.

Transport

General requirements for food transport.

Supplemented by updated guidelines for avoiding allergen cross-contamination.

Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP)

HACCP principles, system guidelines, application steps.

Supplemented with additional flexibility for small and less developed food businesses

No additional audit effort is required. The transition is covered as part of the regularly scheduled audits (e.g. next surveillance/recertification/first certification). The current standard will be sent out with the notification of the date of the next audit.