Notification to Clients on Certification Upgrade Implementation Based on FSSC 22000 V6.0
Dear Valued FSSC 22000 Certified Clients,
The FSSC 22000 Foundation released the FSSC 22000 V6.0 scheme in April 2023 and issued the "Requirements for the Upgrade Process of FSSC 22000 V6.0" on April 1, 2023. To ensure a smooth certification upgrade for our clients based on FSSC 22000 V6.0, we hereby notify you of the following:
1. Main Changes in the V6.0 Scheme
The additional requirements of FSSC 22000 V6.0, which serve as the basis for certification, are detailed in Attachment 1. The full scheme can be downloaded at FSSC 22000 V6.0.
The main changes in V6.0 are as follows:
Changes in the classification of the food chain based on ISO 22003-1:2022:
· Primary production of animal and plant products (Category A) has been removed.
· Category C0 (primary animal conversion, e.g., slaughter) has been added, previously included in CI.
· Category BIII (pre-processing of plant products) has been added, previously included in CII.
· DIIa and DIIb pet food categories have been removed, with pet food now included in food categories CI to CIV.
· The transport and storage categories have been merged into a single category G.
· A new category FII for brokerage activities has been added.
· New requirements have been added to the additional requirements of FSSC 22000 (see Attachment 1 for details).
· The certification requirements for audit duration have been revised, including changes to the audit duration for multi-site certifications and the certification certificate template.
2.Timeline
1) Initial Certification Clients
· Clients completing the first and second stages of initial certification before April 1, 2024, will be audited according to the V5.1 scheme.
· Clients completing the first stage of initial certification before April 1, 2024, and the second stage after April 1, 2024, will be audited according to the V6.0 scheme.
· From April 1, 2024, all clients will be audited according to the V6.0 scheme.
2) Clients with FSSC 22000 V5.1 Certification
· Until April 1, 2024, clients will undergo surveillance and recertification audits according to the V5.1 scheme.
· From April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, clients will undergo certification upgrade audits according to the V6.0 scheme during surveillance and recertification audits.
· From April 1, 2024, all clients will undergo surveillance and recertification audits according to the V6.0 scheme.
3. Work Arrangements
1) Certification Upgrade Process for Certified Clients
· Certified clients should obtain the certification standard, identify system change requirements, conduct training, revise documents and improve the system, implement the system, conduct self-assessment, apply for certification upgrade (Kaixin application review), Kaixin plans and implements the audit scheme, Kaixin makes the certification decision and issues (reissues) the certificate, and then make improvements.
2) Certification Upgrade Methods
· Existing certified clients of Kaixin can combine surveillance and recertification audits with certification upgrade audits.
· Generally, certification upgrade audits according to the V6.0 scheme are announced audits. In special cases, unannounced audits can be conducted to meet the requirement of having an unannounced audit within a three-year cycle.
3) Preparation for Certification Upgrade
· Existing certified clients should complete the following before applying for certification upgrade:
· Conduct training on the V6.0 scheme and internal auditor transition training.
· Identify differences between the V6.0 and V5.1 schemes and make necessary adjustments to the management system.
· Conduct internal audits and management reviews according to the V6.0 scheme.
4) Application
· Clients applying for initial certification according to the V6.0 scheme should submit all application materials as required by the "Management System Certification/Recertification Application Form."
· Clients with Kaixin V5.1 certification certificates should submit the following materials when combining surveillance or recertification audits with certification upgrade:
· A written application for certification upgrade according to the FSSC V6.0 scheme.
· Submit new management system documents.
5) Certification Certificates
· For initial second-stage audits, surveillance audits, and recertification audits according to the V5.1 scheme, certification certificates will be issued/reissued to clients who meet the requirements.
· For initial second-stage audits, surveillance audits, and recertification audits according to the V6.0 scheme, certification certificates will be issued/reissued to clients who meet the requirements.
Kaixin Certification (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
June 29, 2023