A practical comparison guide for South African cold chain operators choosing between GFSI-benchmarked certification schemes
What is GFSI?
The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is a business-driven initiative that benchmarks food safety management schemes. When a scheme is “GFSI-benchmarked,” it means the scheme meets GFSI’s requirements for rigorous food safety management.
Key Point: GFSI doesn’t certify companies—it recognises certification schemes. You get certified to a specific scheme (FSSC 22000, BRC, etc.), and that certification carries GFSI recognition.
Why GFSI Matters for Cold Chain
Major retailers and food manufacturers increasingly require GFSI-benchmarked certification from their supply chain partners, including cold chain operators.
Benefits:
- One certification satisfies multiple customer requirements
- “Once certified, accepted everywhere” principle
- Reduced audit fatigue
- International recognition
- Demonstrates food safety commitment
GFSI Schemes Relevant to Cold Chain
Four main GFSI-benchmarked schemes cover cold chain operations:
- FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification)
- BRCGS Storage and Distribution (British Retail Consortium Global Standards)
- IFS Logistics (International Featured Standards)
- SQF (Safe Quality Food)
Comparison Table
| Aspect | FSSC 22000 | BRCGS Storage & Distribution | IFS Logistics | SQF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Foundation FSSC (Netherlands) | British Retail Consortium (UK) | German/French retailers | US-based (FMI) |
| Primary Markets | Global, strong in manufacturing | UK, Europe, global retail | Germany, France, Europe | North America, global |
| Base Standard | ISO 22000 + PRPs | Standalone standard | Standalone standard | Standalone standard |
| Audit Frequency | Annual surveillance | Annual (unannounced option) | Annual (unannounced option) | Annual |
| Grading | Certified/Not certified | AA, A, B, C, D | Higher/Foundation Level | Level 1, 2, 3 |
| Unannounced Option | No | Yes (voluntary) | Yes (voluntary) | Yes |
| Typical Audit Duration | 1-2 days | 1-2 days | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
| SA Certification Bodies | SGS, Bureau Veritas, SABS, BSI | SGS, Bureau Veritas, BSI | SGS, Bureau Veritas | SGS, limited availability |
Detailed Scheme Profiles
FSSC 22000
Full Name: Food Safety System Certification 22000
Structure:
- ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System)
- ISO/TS 22002-5 (PRPs for Transport and Storage)
- Additional FSSC 22000 requirements
Strengths:
- Builds on internationally recognised ISO standards
- Clear pathway if you already have ISO 22000
- Strong food manufacturing sector recognition
- Comprehensive management system approach
Considerations:
- Requires understanding of ISO management system structure
- Two-stage initial certification audit
- May be seen as more “management system heavy”
Best For:
- Organisations already ISO-certified (9001, 22000)
- Those wanting comprehensive management system
- Food manufacturing supply chain focus
SA Recognition: Widely accepted by food manufacturers and retailers
BRCGS Storage and Distribution
Full Name: BRCGS Global Standard for Storage and Distribution
Structure:
- Standalone standard with integrated requirements
- Seven fundamental requirements (automatic failure if non-conformance)
- Graded certification (AA, A, B, C, D)
Strengths:
- Purpose-built for logistics and storage operations
- Clear, prescriptive requirements
- Strong retail sector recognition (especially UK-linked retailers)
- Unannounced audit option demonstrates confidence
Considerations:
- Fundamental requirements can result in certification failure
- Grading system means not all certificates equal
- More prescriptive approach may feel restrictive
Best For:
- Dedicated cold storage and distribution operations
- Retail supply chain focus
- Organisations preferring clear, specific requirements
SA Recognition: Well recognised by Woolworths, retail chains with UK connections
Grading Explained:
- AA/A: High compliance (audit every 12 months)
- B/C: Lower compliance (audit every 6 months)
- D: Significant non-conformances (not certified)
IFS Logistics
Full Name: International Featured Standard Logistics
Structure:
- Standalone standard
- Covers transport, warehousing, loading/unloading, distribution
- Scoring system with KO (knockout) requirements
Strengths:
- Designed specifically for logistics operations
- Strong European retailer recognition (German, French)
- Covers full logistics scope in single standard
- Foundation level option for smaller operations
Considerations:
- Less common in SA than FSSC/BRC
- Fewer SA-based auditors
- KO requirements can result in non-certification
Best For:
- European market focus
- German/French retailer supply chains
- Full-scope logistics operations
SA Recognition: Growing, particularly for European export/import operations
Levels:
- Foundation Level: Entry-level (score 75%+)
- Higher Level: Full certification (score 75%+ with no major non-conformances)
SQF (Safe Quality Food)
Full Name: Safe Quality Food Program
Structure:
- Module-based approach
- SQF Food Safety Code for storage and distribution
- Three certification levels
Strengths:
- Strong North American recognition
- Flexible modular approach
- Includes quality elements (not just food safety)
- Clear level progression
Considerations:
- Limited SA auditor availability
- Less common in SA market
- North American focus may not suit all markets
Best For:
- US market access
- North American retailer requirements
- Organisations wanting combined food safety and quality
SA Recognition: Limited, primarily for US export focus
Levels:
- Level 1: Food safety fundamentals
- Level 2: HACCP-based food safety plans
- Level 3: Comprehensive food safety and quality management
Decision Framework
Question 1: What do your customers require?
If customers specify a scheme: Choose that scheme.
If customers require “GFSI certification”: Any GFSI scheme will satisfy, but consider:
- Customer’s geographic origin (UK retailers → BRC; German → IFS)
- Industry sector (food manufacturing supply → FSSC; retail → BRC)
Question 2: Do you have existing certifications?
If ISO 9001 or ISO 22000 certified: FSSC 22000 builds naturally on ISO foundation
If no ISO certification: BRC or IFS may be more straightforward
Question 3: What are your primary markets?
| Primary Market | Recommended Scheme |
|---|---|
| South African retailers | FSSC 22000 or BRC |
| UK-linked retailers | BRC |
| German/French markets | IFS |
| US markets | SQF |
| Food manufacturers | FSSC 22000 |
| Mixed/uncertain | FSSC 22000 or BRC |
Question 4: What is your operation type?
| Operation | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Pure cold storage | BRC Storage & Distribution or IFS Logistics |
| Transport-focused | IFS Logistics (best transport coverage) or FSSC |
| Mixed storage/transport | Any scheme—consider customer requirements |
| Pharma + food | Consider separate GDP compliance + food safety scheme |
Cost Comparison (Indicative)
Costs vary significantly based on operation size, complexity, and certification body. These are indicative ranges for typical cold chain operations.
| Cost Element | FSSC 22000 | BRC | IFS | SQF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial certification audit | R40,000-80,000 | R35,000-70,000 | R35,000-70,000 | R40,000-80,000 |
| Annual surveillance | R25,000-50,000 | R25,000-50,000 | R25,000-50,000 | R25,000-50,000 |
| Registration/scheme fees | R5,000-15,000 | R8,000-20,000 | R5,000-15,000 | R8,000-15,000 |
| Gap analysis (optional) | R15,000-30,000 | R15,000-30,000 | R15,000-30,000 | R15,000-30,000 |
Note: These are rough estimates. Get quotes from multiple certification bodies.
Hidden Costs to Consider:
- Internal preparation time
- Documentation development
- Training
- Equipment/infrastructure upgrades
- Consultant support (if used)
Implementation Timeline
Typical timeline from decision to certification:
| Phase | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Gap Analysis | 1-2 months | Assess current state, identify gaps |
| Preparation | 3-6 months | Develop documentation, implement changes, train staff |
| Internal Audit | 1 month | Test system, identify issues |
| Corrective Actions | 1-2 months | Address findings |
| Certification Audit | 1-2 weeks | Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits |
| Total | 6-12 months | Varies by starting point and resources |
Faster Timeline Possible If:
- Strong existing systems (ISO 9001, HACCP)
- Dedicated project resources
- Consultant support
- Simple operation scope
Switching Between Schemes
Already certified to one GFSI scheme but customer requires different one?
Transfer Options:
- Some certification bodies offer transfer audits
- Existing certification can reduce preparation time
- Core elements are similar across schemes
When to Consider Switching:
- Major customer requires specific scheme
- Entering new geographic market
- Current scheme not well-supported locally
Transfer Process:
- Gap analysis against new scheme
- Address additional requirements
- Certification audit to new scheme
- Maintain both during transition (if needed)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Choosing Based on Audit Cost Alone
Cheapest audit ≠ best value. Consider scheme recognition, auditor quality, and ongoing support.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Customer Requirements
Confirm what customers actually require before investing in certification.
Mistake 3: Underestimating Preparation
Certification audits assess implemented systems, not documented intentions. Allow adequate implementation time.
Mistake 4: Treating Certification as One-Time Project
GFSI certification requires ongoing maintenance. Budget for annual audits and continuous improvement.
Mistake 5: Scope Mismatch
Ensure certification scope covers what customers need. A warehouse-only scope doesn’t cover transport operations.
SA Certification Body Options
| Body | FSSC 22000 | BRC | IFS | SQF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGS South Africa | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bureau Veritas SA | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| SABS | ✓ | – | – | – |
| BSI South Africa | ✓ | ✓ | – | – |
| Lloyd’s Register | ✓ | ✓ | – | – |
Recommendation: Get quotes from at least three bodies. Consider:
- Auditor availability and expertise
- Local support and responsiveness
- Accreditation status
- Additional services (training, gap analysis)
Summary Recommendations
Default Choice: FSSC 22000 or BRC Storage and Distribution
- Both widely recognised in SA
- Good certification body availability
- Cover most customer requirements
If ISO-certified: FSSC 22000
- Natural progression from ISO 22000
- Leverages existing management system
If retail-focused: BRC Storage and Distribution
- Purpose-built for logistics
- Strong retail recognition
If European market: IFS Logistics
- Specifically designed for logistics
- German/French retailer recognition
If US market: SQF
- Strong North American recognition
- But limited SA support
This comparison is based on publicly available information and industry experience as of November 2025. Schemes update their requirements periodically—confirm current requirements with certification bodies and scheme owners.
About ColdChainSA
ColdChainSA.com is South Africa’s dedicated cold chain industry directory and resource platform.
Related Resources:
- Certifications Guide by Operator Type
- Understanding Cold Chain Certifications
- Certification Bodies in South Africa
- Cold Chain Glossary