IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry version 3
In November 2024, version 3 of the IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry standard was published. This blog answers the following questions:
- What is IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry certification?
- Who does the standard apply to?
- What are the main changes compared to the previous version?
- From when does IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry version 3 take effect?
Amber Gielis
What is IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry certification?
The IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry standard assesses the safety and quality of products and processes at wholesalers and cash & carry businesses. These businesses form an essential link between growers, manufacturers and the hospitality sector. The standard helps sites meet growing requirements for transparency and traceability and contributes to increased efficiency.
Who does IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry version 3 apply to?
Version 3 is intended for businesses responsible for purchasing, storing, transporting and selling products (food and/or non-food) in large quantities, and which must demonstrate compliance with food safety and quality standards, such as:
- Wholesalers: Businesses that purchase and sell products without being involved in production or processing.
- Cash & Carry businesses: Self-service wholesalers where customers can take goods away directly.
- Packaging businesses: Companies responsible for packaging products such as eggs, vegetables and fruit.
What are the main changes in version 3?
The most significant changes in version 3 are:
- Reduction of modules: The number of modules has been reduced from four to two, resulting in a more efficient and streamlined protocol. Businesses can still become certified under the Wholesale and Cash & Carry modules, but the Packaging and Food Contact modules are no longer within the scope of this standard. These businesses can now become certified under IFS PAC secure or IFS Food.
- Fewer requirements: The protocol has been simplified with fewer requirements, making it more user-friendly.
- Updated scoring system: The scoring system has been adjusted to better align with current market expectations and is now consistent with other IFS standards.
- Voluntary unannounced audits: There is now an option for voluntary unannounced audits, which increases transparency and reliability. Businesses that choose this option can achieve star status.
- Better definition of scope: The scope of the standard is now better defined, increasing the relevance and precision of the certification.
- Action plan deadline: Auditors must now submit the action plan within 14 days, instead of the previous 28 day period.
When does version 3 come into effect?
Audits under version 3 can start on 1 May 2025 and become mandatory from 1 November 2025.
