In a world where food safety, traceability and transparency have become essential, businesses must redouble their efforts to ensure high standards at every link in their supply chain. That's where IFS Broker certification comes in. Little known to the general public, it nevertheless plays a key role in the reliability of your business partners. But what exactly is it, and why should you care?

Understanding IFS Broker certification

The IFS Broker (International Featured Standards Broker) certification was designed specifically for commercial intermediaries: agents, importers, exporters or distributors who do not physically handle products, but who are responsible for their compliance.

IFS Broker ensures that these actors apply the same quality, safety and legal requirements as the producers or processors they work with. In particular, it covers:

• Supplier selection and evaluation
• Contract management and product specifications
• Traceability of flows
• Compliance with regulatory requirements
• Handling complaints and non-conformities

Why is it important for your supply chain?

1. A guarantee of reliability for your business partners

An IFS Broker certified broker proves that it has implemented a structured management system to guarantee the quality and safety of the products it provides. This limits the risks of failures in your supply chain.

2. A growing demand from distributors and retailers

More and more major retailers require their direct suppliers to be IFS certified (or equivalent). If you work with brokers, their certification can become a selection criterion, or even a contractual obligation.

3. Better risk management

Certification involves proactive risk management, including food safety, fraud, or regulatory compliance. This protects you, as a buyer, against possible crises or product recalls.

4. An asset in the event of a customer audit or inspection

Having IFS Broker certified partners facilitates your own quality audits. You can prove that you are working with intermediaries that meet internationally recognized standards.

Who is it relevant for?

The IFS Broker certification mainly concerns:

• Agri-food brokers
• Intermediaries in non-food products (cosmetics, packaging, etc.)
• Traders in ingredients or additives
• Import/export companies

Conclusion

In a globalized supply chain, IFS Broker certification is much more than just a label: it is a strategic tool for ensuring quality, building trust and reducing risks. Integrating this requirement into your supplier selection criteria means investing in the robustness and sustainability of your supply chain. Tracklab supports you in complying with the IFS Broker standard. Contact us now to see a demonstration of our solution.

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Charlotte Picard

Quality Engineer | Tracklab

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