Standards Comparison

    IFS Food

    Voluntary
    2023

    GFSI standard for food safety and quality compliance

    VS

    AS9120B

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for distributors of unaltered parts.

    Quick Verdict

    IFS Food ensures safe, authentic food manufacturing for retailers via risk-based audits, while AS9120B guarantees aerospace parts traceability and counterfeit prevention for distributors. Food firms gain European market access; aerospace suppliers secure OEM approval and supply chain trust.

    Food Safety

    IFS Food

    IFS Food Version 8

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Product and Process Approach with traceability testing
    • Minimum 50% on-site production area evaluation
    • Risk-based HACCP integrating food fraud defense
    • Annual audits with unannounced Star status option
    • Knock-out requirements for hygiene and recalls
    Quality Management

    AS9120B

    AS9120B Quality Management Systems – Requirements

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
    • Traceability and chain-of-custody controls for split lots
    • Risk-based external provider evaluation and monitoring
    • Configuration management for distribution processes
    • Product preservation and storage controls

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    IFS Food Details

    What It Is

    IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers. It audits product and process compliance ensuring safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and customer specs. Uses risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) with on-site verification.

    Key Components

    • Governance, HACCP/FSMS, PRPs, operational controls in 5 sections.
    • 200+ checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria.
    • Built on HACCP, integrates fraud/defense; scoring A/B/C/D.
    • Site-specific annual certification (Higher/Foundation levels).

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandated by European retailers for private-label access.
    • Reduces audits, builds supply chain trust/resilience.
    • Mitigates recalls, fraud risks; enables Star status.
    • Boosts competitiveness, reputation via transparency.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, validation.
    • Internal audits, mock recalls, management reviews key.
    • For global food processors, audit by accredited bodies.
    • Unannounced options; 6-12 months typical timeline.

    AS9120B Details

    What It Is

    AS9120B is the quality management system standard for aviation, space, and defense distributors. It augments ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure with distributor-specific requirements. Its primary purpose is ensuring traceability, counterfeit prevention, and product conformity without altering parts. It employs a risk-based, process-oriented approach.

    Key Components

    • Over 100 aerospace additions to ISO 9001 clauses 4-10.
    • Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, preservation), evaluation, improvement.
    • Built on PDCA cycle; requires documented information.
    • Certification via accredited bodies, IAQG OASIS listing.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Commercial necessity for OEM supply chains.
    • Mitigates risks like counterfeit parts, traceability loss.
    • Enhances market access, customer trust, operational efficiency.
    • Builds reputation in ASD sectors.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits.
    • 6-12 months typical; suits distributors globally.
    • Involves cross-functional teams, internal audits, Stage 1/2 certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    IFS Food
    Food manufacturing processes, safety, quality, fraud/defense
    AS9120B
    Aerospace parts distribution, traceability, counterfeit prevention

    Industry

    IFS Food
    Food processing and manufacturing globally
    AS9120B
    Aviation, space, defense distribution worldwide

    Nature

    IFS Food
    GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification standard
    AS9120B
    IAQG quality management certification standard

    Testing

    IFS Food
    Annual product/process audits with on-site evaluation
    AS9120B
    3-year certification cycle with surveillance audits

    Penalties

    IFS Food
    Certification withdrawal, market access loss
    AS9120B
    Certification suspension, OASIS delisting

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about IFS Food and AS9120B

    IFS Food FAQ

    AS9120B FAQ

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