On December 8th, the suspension, for three months, of the GFSI recognition of IFS was announced.
GFSI did not provide explanations regarding the measure, however the official communication from IFS mentions disagreements between GFSI and IFS underlying this decision.
The suspension came into force on 8 December 2022 and, unless otherwise decided by GFSI, will last for three months.
The suspension affects the certificates linked to the certification audits performed from the first date of the GFSI suspension decision, i.e. 8 December 2022, until the date on which GFSI announces that the recognition has been reinstated (for updates on the suspension status, consult the website: www.mygfsi.com ).
Companies already IFS certified do not need to implement any action, as the GFSI recognition of valid IFS certificates will still remain valid until the expiry date of the certificate itself.
Furthermore, if the IFS audit has been completed before the date of suspension, i.e. 8 December 2022, the corresponding certificate that will be issued will be recognized as GFSI.
In its communication, IFS announces that all retailers and wholesalers of the IFS network will continue to recognize and accept IFS certificates, even during the GFSI suspension period.
All the IFS that will be carried out during the suspension period will continue to be managed in an accredited setting; therefore, CSQA will continue to normally apply all the certification rules envisaged by the IFS standards (including those relating to mandatory unannounced audits).
READ THE FAQ PREPARED BY IFS
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IFS, temporary suspension from GFSI