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IFS Wholesale Cash and Carry

Logo of the IFS Cash & Carry Wholesale standard – quality and safety certification for wholesale and cash & carry markets

IFS Cash and Carry is the standard for the wholesale trade, packaging companies and cash and carry stores

The IFS wholesale and cash and carry standard was developed in order to ensure product safety in these areas. If your company is represented on the European market, this standard is essential for market access. IFS Wholesale / Cash & Carry covers all handling of packaged and unpackaged goods based on self-service and in wholesale companies.  There is particular emphasis on processing steps for small product quantities.

The requirements of IFS Wholesale / Cash & Carry cover the same as the IFS Food Standard, but they are augmented by further requirements. In addition to Cash & Carry markets and wholesalers, the standard can also be used for companies who package eggs, fruit and vegetables. All those involved represent an important link between producers and traders and the standard is intended to support them in achieving a high level of product safety and quality.

The standard is accredited by DAkkS.

Request IFS Wholesale/Cash and Carry offer

Target group

  • Wholesalers
  • Cash & carry markets that want to ensure food safety and quality

IFS Wholesale / Cash and Carry: the benefits to you

  • The IFS label and certificate provide your trading partners with evidence of adherence to the highest standards
  • Less need for customer audits and avoidance of duplicate and multiple audits
  • Label and certificate testify to the safety of your food and strengthen customer trust
  • Access to new markets and customer groups
  • Permanent monitoring for adherence to health and safety regulations
  • Optimisation of your processes and procedures based on continual improvement

Objectives of the IFS Wholesale / Cash & Carry Standard

  • Unified assessment system for all Cash-&-Carry markets and wholesalers
  • Transparency and integration of the entire supply chain
  • Avoidance of customer audits
  • Effective use of resources

Certification process of IFS Cash & Carry/ Wholesale

1

01

Assessment of requirements and preparation of a quotation

2

02

You commission TÜV NORD

3

03

Performance of the Assessment

4

04

Implementation of any corrective measures by your company

5

05

Review of the action plan by TÜV NORD

6

06

Report and certificate

7

07

Upload to the IFS database

FAQs on the IFS Wholesale / Cash and Carry Standard

IFS Food not only applies to food processing, like IFS Wholesale/ Cash and Carry, but also to food manufacturing. IFS Wholesale / Cash & Carry, on the other hand, and in contrast to IFS Food, allows group certification for sites of the same type, which can lead to cost benefits. The important aspects when deciding on which standard is right for you are the specific sales channels you use and also possible customer expectations.

IFS Wholesale / Cash & Carry follows the structure of IFS Food and is divided into six chapters of general requirements which can also be applied to wholesale activities. Food Defense is also included.

The IFS Standard for wholesalers and cash and carry markets is relevant for you if your company falls within one of these categories: 

  • Cash & Carry markets
  • Wholesalers
  • Vegetable, fruit and egg packagers

What percentage do I need to pass the certificate?

In order to pass at the basic level, at least 75% is needed, at the higher level, at least 95%. The higher level is generally required in order to be accepted as a supplier to the retail trade.

How do I know the right category for my company?

The standard defines two areas for certification:

  1. Wholesalers (traditional),
  2. Cash & Carry (the wholesale customer puts together and collects the goods following the self service principle)

Both have the option “classic” (without product processing or treatment) or “plus” (with processing or treatment), and each has its own checklist.

  • Wholesalers therefore select Category 1 and decide for the option “classic” or “plus”, depending on whether they carry out processing or treatment.
  • Cash & Carry markets select Category 2 and also decide between the “classic” and “plus” options.
  • For packaging companies, Category 1, “Wholesale plus” must be used.

The certification interval is set at 1 year.

We are here for you!

Philipp Nahrmann

Philipp Nahrmann

TÜV NORD CERT
Sales Certification Food/ Near-Food
Tel.: +49 (0)521 786-327 / foodcert@tuev-nord.de
Send Email
Christian Kienzle

Christian Kienzle

TÜV NORD CERT
International Sales Manager
Tel.: +49 160 8883919 / foodcert@tuev-nord.de
Send Email

IFS Cash and Carry, Wholesales Certification by TÜV NORD CERT: The benefit to you

Our experienced and highly-competent team of experts will support you in your certification process from the very beginning. We have been active in the logistics sector for many years and also work on an interdisciplinary basis. knowledge of many interdisciplinary experts will also be fully at your disposal to cover the international aspects of your business, and so your audit process will remain efficient and transparent. With TÜV NORD CERT as your certification body you will also benefit from the worldwide reputation of the TÜV brand. We stand for objectivity, neutrality and competence.