Quality
BRC, IFS, ISO 22000 and HACCP: Food Safety Certificates Explained for Importers
Chocolate manufacturers display many logos, but importers need to know what each certificate actually covers. This guide explains the most common ones and how to verify them.
By Ender Çikolata Team Published 1 min read
Certificates do not replace your own judgement, but they are the quickest evidence that a factory runs a controlled system. Ender Çikolata lists its certifications on the About page.
Food safety schemes
- BRCGS and IFS Food: audited standards for food manufacturers that are widely accepted by international retailers
- ISO 22000: a food safety management system standard
- HACCP: a method to identify and control hazards in production
Quality and responsibility
- ISO 9001: a quality management system standard
- Sedex: a platform for sharing ethical and responsible-sourcing information
- Rainforest Alliance: a sustainability certification for agricultural raw materials such as cocoa
Religious and dietary
- Halal and Kosher: compliance with religious dietary rules; see the halal checklist
How to check a certificate
- ask for the certificate, not only the logo
- read the scope: which site and which products are covered
- check the issue and expiry dates
- confirm the certifying body and, where possible, verify with it
Frequently Asked Questions
Does one certificate prove everything?
No. Each certificate covers a specific scope; combine them with an audit and samples. See the audit checklist.
Which certificates do retailers ask for most?
It depends on the market, but food safety schemes and halal are common requests.
Can you send certificates on request?
Contact our team through the contact page.