What is the primary objective of IFS Food?

IFS Food's primary objective is to audit product and process compliance ensuring manufacturers produce safe, legal products meeting customer specifications. Version 8 (mandatory from 1 January 2024) uses a Product and Process Approach (PPA) with risk-based product sampling, traceability tests, and at least 50% audit time in production areas to verify food safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and integrity via HACCP, PRPs, and operational controls like food fraud (4.20) and food defense (Chapter 6).

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with IFS Food?

IFS Food applies to food product manufacturers processing food or packing loose products where contamination risk exists. It is site-specific (one legal entity, one address, one certificate), covering all site products/processes with limited exclusions (Annex 4). Primarily demanded by European retailers (e.g., private label suppliers via HDE/FCD origins), it enables market access; partly outsourced processes require controls (4.4), while fully outsourced/traded products need IFS Broker.

Does IFS Food require an external audit or third-party certification?

Yes, IFS Food mandates external audits by ISO/IEC 17065-accredited certification bodies using approved auditors. Audits follow Part 1 protocol: initial/recertification (annual full scope), follow-up (for Majors, 6 weeks-6 months post-audit), extension (for non-running lines). Unannounced audits required at least every third audit since 1 January 2021; certificate issued at Higher Level (≥95%) or Foundation Level (≥75%-<95%) if no KO/Major failures.

How often should an assessment for IFS Food be performed?

IFS Food requires annual recertification audits covering all requirements. Internal audits (KO 5.1.1) must span full scope yearly (risk-based frequency recommended quarterly); management reviews at least annually (1.3). Unannounced audits every third cycle; extension/follow-up as triggered. Prior action plan effectiveness reviewed at recertification.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with IFS Food?

Non-compliance with KO requirements (e.g., governance 1.2.1, traceability 4.18.1) or Majors blocks certification; KO "D" deducts 50% score. Recertification failures withdraw certificates within 2 working days (database notification); unannounced access denial triggers immediate withdrawal. Follow-up audits limit to Foundation Level; persistent issues risk Integrity Program sanctions, market exclusion.

Can IFS Food be mapped to other international frameworks?

Yes, IFS Food Version 8 is GFSI-benchmarked, enabling recognition alongside schemes like BRCGS, FSSC 22000, SQF. It shares HACCP/PRP foundations but differs: annual audits (vs. BRCGS 6/12 months), ISO 17065 accreditation (vs. FSSC ISO 17021), points-based scoring (Higher/Foundation Levels). Maps via NSF/Kiwa comparisons for transitions, focusing on PPA vs. system audits.

What is the first step to begin implementing IFS Food?

The first step is conducting a comprehensive gap analysis against IFS Food v8 checklist and Doctrine using the Product and Process Approach. Appoint senior management sponsor, define site-specific scope (all products/processes), disclose to accredited certification body (products, outsourcing, exports), and calculate minimum 2-day (16-hour) audit duration via official tool (employees, scopes, steps). Prioritize 10 KO requirements.

What is the primary objective of AS9120B?

AS9120B establishes a quality management system (QMS) for organizations that procure, store, split, and resell aerospace parts without altering product characteristics. Built on ISO 9001:2015’s 10-clause structure, it adds over 100 distributor-specific requirements addressing risks like traceability loss, counterfeit parts infiltration, documentation errors, and external provider weaknesses. Core focus areas include chain-of-custody controls (identification, preservation, configuration management), counterfeit/suspected unapproved parts prevention, and evidence-driven performance evaluation via audits and management reviews.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with AS9120B?

AS9120B applies to stockist distributors, pass-through distributors, and those performing batch splitting in aviation, space, and defense supply chains. It targets organizations that purchase, store, and resell parts without modifying conformity, excluding value-added activities like machining or MRO. Certification is not legally mandatory but is a commercial requirement from OEMs and primes for supply chain approval, with thousands of global certifications enabling OASIS listing and market access.

Does AS9120B require an external audit or third-party certification?

Yes, AS9120B requires third-party certification through accredited bodies following a two-stage audit process. Stage 1 reviews documentation and scope; Stage 2 verifies implementation effectiveness. Certification, valid for three years with annual surveillance, is managed under IAQG oversight via OASIS, confirming QMS conformity to all clauses including distributor-specific controls like traceability and counterfeit prevention.

How often should an assessment for AS9120B be performed?

Internal audits for AS9120B must be conducted at planned intervals to cover all processes annually. The audit program determines scope, criteria, and auditor objectivity per Clause 9.2, with results feeding management review. External surveillance audits occur yearly post-certification, and full recertification every three years, ensuring ongoing QMS effectiveness against risks like supplier performance and traceability.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9120B?

Non-compliance with AS9120B risks contract disqualification, supply chain exclusion, and safety liabilities from nonconforming parts. Without certification, distributors face OEM rejection, lost OASIS visibility, audit findings on traceability/counterfeit controls, potential recalls, and reputational damage. Systemic failures (e.g., scrap reentry, weak provider evaluation) lead to major nonconformities, certification suspension, and commercial penalties in ASD markets.

Can AS9120B be mapped to other international frameworks?

AS9120B aligns directly with ISO 9001:2015’s high-level structure, enabling seamless mapping of its 10 clauses. It incorporates all ISO requirements as baseline while adding aerospace distributor amplifications (e.g., Clause 8.4 external provider controls, Clause 8.5.2 traceability). This facilitates integration with compatible systems, though AS9120B-specific additions like counterfeit prevention require separate evidence.

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9120B?

Conduct a formal gap analysis against AS9120B clauses using a cross-functional team to identify deficiencies. Document scope (Clause 4.3), justify not-applicable requirements (e.g., 8.3 design), and prioritize risks like supplier controls and traceability. Output a prioritized backlog, risk register, and implementation plan, appointing a Management Representative for leadership accountability.

Standards Comparison

IFS Food vs AS9120B

IFS Food

Voluntary

2023

GFSI standard for food safety and quality compliance

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

Aspect	IFS Food	AS9120B
Scope	Food manufacturing processes, safety, quality, fraud/defense	Aerospace parts distribution, traceability, counterfeit prevention
Industry	Food processing and manufacturing globally	Aviation, space, defense distribution worldwide
Nature	GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification standard	IAQG quality management certification standard
Testing	Annual product/process audits with on-site evaluation	3-year certification cycle with surveillance audits
Penalties	Certification withdrawal, market access loss	Certification suspension, OASIS delisting

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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What It Is

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.

What It Is

Aspect

IFS Food

AS9120B

Scope

Food manufacturing processes, safety, quality, fraud/defense

Aerospace parts distribution, traceability, counterfeit prevention

Industry

Food processing and manufacturing globally

Aviation, space, defense distribution worldwide

Nature

GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification standard

IAQG quality management certification standard

Testing

Annual product/process audits with on-site evaluation

3-year certification cycle with surveillance audits

Penalties

Certification withdrawal, market access loss

Certification suspension, OASIS delisting