IFS Local Check Certification

What is the International Featured Standards (IFS) Local Check? 

IFS Local Check is a verification scheme developed within the IFS certification framework to support local and small-scale food producers. It focuses on assessing the implementation of fundamental food safety practices, legal compliance, and essential product and process requirements. 

Unlike accredited certification schemes, IFS Local Check is a non-accredited verification that results in an official Letter of Confirmation registered in the IFS database. Its objective is to establish solid foundations for safe food production while minimizing administrative burden and adapting to simpler organizational structures. 

The check is based on: 

• 44 mandatory fundamental requirements related to hygiene, production practices, process control, and product conformity. 
• Optional HACCP-based and additional requirements, depending on customer or supply chain needs. 

This approach allows producers to demonstrate their commitment to food safety in a clear, structured, and achievable way. 

Who is this certification tailored for 

The IFS Local Check is specifically designed for: 

• Small-scale food producers and microenterprises. 
• Family-owned and artisanal food businesses. 
• Companies operating from a single production site. 
• Organizations with limited resources and simple operational structures. 
• Producers seeking access to retail or organized distribution channels without implementing a full IFS Food system. 

It is particularly suitable for local producers who need to meet essential food safety expectations while maintaining operational flexibility. 

Benefits of implementing the IFS Local Check 

Implementing the IFS Local Check provides multiple advantages for small-scale food producers, including: 

• Demonstrating compliance with essential food safety and legal requirements. 
• Identifying and controlling food safety hazards and risks. 
• Increasing confidence among retailers, distributors, and business partners. 
• Reducing bureaucracy through a practical and focused verification approach. 
• Preparing the organization for future development toward more advanced IFS schemes. 
• Obtaining an official IFS Letter of Confirmation registered in the IFS database. 

These benefits help producers strengthen their market position and improve access to new commercial opportunities. 

Differences between the IFS Local Check and the IFS Food 

Although both belong to the IFS ecosystem, the IFS Local Check and IFS Food serve different purposes. 

The IFS Local Check: 

• Is a verification, not an accredited certification. 
• Targets small-scale and local producers. 
• Covers a limited number of fundamental requirements. 
• Allows a more practical, guidance-oriented evaluation approach. 

In contrast, IFS Food: 

• Is an accredited certification recognized by the GFSI. 
• Is designed for larger and more complex food production organizations. 
• Includes extensive system, process, and management requirements. 

The IFS Local Check therefore acts as a structured entry point into the IFS ecosystem rather than a substitute for IFS Food. 

Why get certified with Applus+ Certification? 

By choosing Applus+ Certification, organizations benefit from: 

• Extensive experience in food safety verification and certification services. 
• A global network supported by strong local expertise. 
• Qualified evaluators with practical industry knowledge. 
• A professional, consistent, and customer-focused assessment process. 
• Support throughout the verification journey, aligned with international best practices. 

Applus+ Certification provides independent and reliable food safety verification and certification services, backed by extensive technical expertise and a global presence. Through qualified evaluators and a consistent, professional assessment process, Applus+ Certification enables food producers to demonstrate compliance, build confidence with customers, and consolidate their position within the food supply chain.