IFS PACsecure - Packaging Safety and Quality Standard

It is an IFS standard for the safety and quality of packaging and is aimed at organizations that produce primary and secondary packaging materials. It was developed by IFS, the Packaging Consortium in Canada and together with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and industry representatives. It defines a risk-based approach aimed at focusing on the dangers and related risks in the various production phases from the raw material to the distribution of the finished product.

The purpose of the standard is:

  • Ensure the safety and quality of packaging materials
  • Ensure transparency along the supply chain.

Contents of the IFS PACsecure standard

The standard is divided into 6 chapters:

  1. Management Responsibility
  2. Quality and Safety Management System of packaging materials
  3. Resource management
  4. Planning and production process (includes requirements relating to product vulnerability: "Product fraud")
  5. Measurement, analysis and improvement
  6. Product protection plan / product defense and external inspections.

Advantages of the IFS PACsecure standard

  • It is a standard recognized by retailer
  • Aimed at avoiding repeat audits by customers
  • Improve the organization's reputation and commercial visibility
 Examination of the application and documentation sent by the Company, listed in the "Special rules" specific to the product to be certified. Any deficiencies and significant deviations from the requirements, found at this stage, will be communicated so that the appropriate changes can be introduced before the assessment visit is carried out. Upon request, CSI will appoint an inspector to visit the organisation to verify the conformity of the product, process or service. If the results of the visit include non-conformities or observations, a corrective action plan will be required to meet the requirements for the issue of the product certificate. After all the non-conformities that may have emerged from the assessment visit have been passed, and after the positive outcome of the laboratory tests, certification will be granted. The issue of the certificate will be followed by surveillance visits to verify that compliance is being maintained. The frequency of surveillance visits and laboratory tests, if any, is fixed by the special rules applicable. The certification shall have the validity defined in the specific special rules, on expiry the contract shall be deemed to be tacitly renewed unless terminated by one of the two contracting parties 4 (four) months before the expiry date. Tool to certify, though an official recognized third-party body endorsement, that the company is compliant to the requirement... Tool to certify the capability of an organization to gain and maintain steadily, service standard declared to the public... Formal act of a third-party body that certify the conformity of the product technical reference documents, marketing deed to enhance and diversify the product... For years the training offered by IMQ group represented a point of reference for professional development and the update of freelance and employees. Second and third-party, inspections and testing: expert auditors capable to understand the situation of the company...