Independent Assessment of ESG Management Systems and Supply Chain Transparency

IFS ESG Compliance Check is an international assessment programme developed by International Featured Standards (IFS) that enables companies to independently evaluate the effectiveness of their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) management systems, as well as risk management throughout their supply chains.

The programme helps organisations demonstrate the implementation of ESG principles, improve business transparency, strengthen customer and stakeholder confidence, and prove compliance with internationally recognised sustainability requirements.

IFS ESG Compliance Check includes 20 key ESG requirements, a Pre-assessment, a Risk Mitigation Plan, an Improvement Action Plan, and an annual independent verification performed by an authorised IFS auditor or assessor.

The assessment may be conducted as a standalone evaluation or combined with IFS Food, IFS Broker, IFS Logistics, or other audits, allowing organisations to optimise both time and resources.

 

Who is IFS ESG Compliance Check intended for?

The programme is suitable for organisations across a wide range of industries, including:

• Food manufacturers;
• Packaging manufacturers;
• Non-food manufacturers;
• Logistics service providers;
• Brokers;
• Distributors;
• Wholesale and retail companies;
• Any organisation wishing to evaluate its ESG management system and supply chain risk management.

The programme is particularly valuable for companies supplying international retailers, exporting products, or preparing to meet European sustainability and supply chain due diligence requirements.

 

Assessment Areas

IFS ESG Compliance Check is based on the three core pillars of ESG.

Environmental

The assessment includes:

• environmental impact management;
• greenhouse gas emissions management;
• energy efficiency;
• sustainable use of natural resources;
• waste management;
• responsible and sustainable sourcing of raw materials.

Companies may also choose the optional IFS Carbon Footprint Module, which evaluates the organisation's carbon footprint management system.

Social

The assessment covers:

• working conditions;
• occupational health and safety;
• respect for human rights;
• corporate social responsibility;
• social risk management throughout the supply chain.

Governance

The assessment evaluates:

• ESG policy and strategy;
• management commitment;
• corporate governance;
• business ethics;
• anti-corruption measures;
• legal compliance;
• risk management systems;
• transparent management processes;
• continuous improvement.

 

What is assessed?

During the IFS ESG Compliance Check, an independent auditor or assessor evaluates the effectiveness of the organisation's ESG management system, including:

• ESG policy and strategy;
• management commitment;
• supply chain risk management;
• critical raw material assessment;
• supplier management;
• environmental performance;
• social responsibility;
• human rights;
• corporate governance;
• continuous improvement processes.

 

Assessment Process

The IFS ESG Compliance Check consists of several structured steps.

1. Application

The organisation submits an application to the certification or assessment body.

2. Self-Assessment

The company downloads the free IFS auditXpress Neo software, completes the Pre-assessment, and performs its initial risk assessment.

3. Risk Mitigation Plan

Based on the identified risks, the organisation prepares its Risk Mitigation Plan.

4. Independent Verification

An authorised IFS auditor or assessor reviews the submitted information and supporting evidence. The verification may be performed remotely or on-site.

5. Corrective Action Plan

Where requirements are evaluated with 0, 1 or 2 points, the organisation has up to four weeks to prepare and submit appropriate corrective actions.

6. Approval of Results

Following successful verification, the assessment report is uploaded to the IFS database and the organisation receives an official Letter of Confirmation.

Subject to the company's approval, the assessment results may also be shared with customers and business partners through the IFS database.

The Letter of Confirmation remains valid for 12 months, and the assessment is performed annually.

 

Benefits of IFS ESG Compliance Check

IFS ESG Compliance Check enables organisations to:

• obtain independent verification of their ESG management system;
• strengthen confidence among customers, retailers and business partners;
• evaluate the maturity of ESG management practices;
• identify ESG risks and define mitigation measures;
• improve supply chain transparency;
• support compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD);
• demonstrate commitment to internationally recognised sustainability practices;
• support continuous organisational improvement;
• enhance competitiveness in international markets.

 

Assessment Results

Following the successful completion of the IFS ESG Compliance Check, organisations receive:

• a comprehensive assessment report;
• an official Letter of Confirmation;
• an Improvement Action Plan;
• the possibility to share assessment results with customers and business partners through the IFS database.

 

Why Grand Cert?

Grand Cert Sp. z o.o. performs IFS ESG Compliance Check assessments in accordance with the requirements of International Featured Standards (IFS).

Our auditors have successfully completed official IFS training and are qualified to perform independent assessments of ESG management systems and supply chain transparency.

We provide:

• independent and impartial assessments;
• an internationally recognised auditing approach;
• extensive experience with both food and non-food industries;
• standalone assessments or combined audits with other IFS standards;
• professional support throughout the entire assessment process.

 

Contact Us

If your organisation would like to demonstrate the effectiveness of its ESG management system, improve supply chain transparency, strengthen customer confidence, and obtain independent confirmation of compliance with international ESG requirements, Grand Cert Sp. z o.o. is ready to support you.

Our experts will guide you through every stage of the IFS ESG Compliance Check process and prepare an individual proposal tailored to your organisation's needs.