FSSC 22000 is one of the leading instituted food safety standards across the planet that help companies prove their compliance with food safety and quality regulations. Regardless of the nature of your business, whether it is a food manufacturing, processing, or packing business, getting FSSC 22000 certification can take you to a new level of opportunities in terms of increased market access and increased consumer confidence as well as increased effectiveness in your operations. However, one of the most frequently asked questions is: How much does FSSC 22000 certification cost?
In this blog, we plan to explain the costs of FSSC 22000 certification, what such costs depend on, and how companies can get ready for the costs of this important certification. We will also discuss how to optimize the benefits and explore new opportunities in business.
☑️ What is FSSC 22000 Certification?
FSSC 22000 certification in India is the Food Safety System Certification that provides safe food for consumers along the supply chain. GFSI recognizes the scheme and is based on ISO 22000 and other technical specifications including ISO/TS 22002-1.
☑️ Why is FSSC 22000 Important?
Achieving FSSC certification helps businesses:
- Show how willing they are to protect food from getting spoilt.
- Comply with the requirements of the law as well as the ad hoc guidelines set therein.
- Tap into new customers and more so international ones.
- Optimize and enhance the operations activity and lower the vulnerabilities.
- Increase consumer trust in their products.
As noted earlier with the significance of the certification, it is relevant to dissect the cost profile.
☑️ Factors Influencing the FSSC 22000 Audit Cost
FSSC 22000 consultant fees differ according to several of the following factors. Here’s a breakdown of what typically influences the price:
✔️ Size and Complexity of Your Business: In this respect, organizations with a relatively bigger size and structural complications will have to part with more resources to acquire certification. This is because auditors are supposed to make assessments of several sites, various processes, and indeed several departments hence involving more effort and resources. In case your commercial venture serves various regions or deals with numerous categories of foodstuff, the price will be considerably higher.
✔️ Pre-Certification Costs (Gap Analysis): It’s common to find organizations employing the gap analysis before they embark on the actual certification process. A gap analysis identifies the extent to which systems are compliant with requirements outlined in FSSC 22000 so that you can prepare for the actual audit. This step can be helpful, though not obligatory: in case you complete all necessary preparations you can save time and money on certification.
✔️ Audit Duration: Specifically, one factor that determines the cost of an audit is the time taken by the auditor you assign for your business. The more extensive the organization’s operations and its numerous branches, the longer the auditing process will take thus translating to high costs. An audit that may be necessary for obtaining the FSSC 22000 certification process may last from a few days to several weeks mostly depending on the size and complexity of the company.
✔️ Consultation Fees: Some companies employ the services of food safety consultants for purposes of certification preparation. Consultants help the companies to document, train, and implement the FSSC 22000 system so that the business can be compliant. Consultation fees are not uncommon but they are in most cases, quite expensive and would be an extra cost The best way to know the charges involved would be to contact the particular consultant of your choice.
✔️ Annual Certification Fees: As mentioned companies that are certified to FSSC 22000 must make a one-time fee for assessment and then an annual renewal fee. This comprises daily to weekly check-ups such as audits, training updates, and the changes made to the existing systems used for relatively shorter-period work.
✔️ Staff Training: An organization must make certain that the workers understand and are capable of following FSSC 22000 compliant practices. Orientation may be needed before hiring and training from time to time to make sure that all employees understand food safety concepts and procedures. This training could again be done internally or it could be outsourced from other institutions.
☑️ Average Cost of FSSC 22000 Certification
Although certification costs vary widely based on the factors mentioned, here is a rough estimate of FSSC 22000 audit cost:
- Small businesses: Between ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakhs
- Medium-sized businesses: Between ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs
- Large, multi-site businesses: ₹5 to ₹8 Lakhs
Remember, these estimates include pre-certification costs, audit fees, consultation, and annual maintenance fees. For an accurate quote, it’s essential to contact certification bodies or consultants.
☑️ Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification
Overall, the FSSC 22000 audit cost makes it an investment worth it for any organization that desires to improve food safety and quality. Here are some key benefits
- Global Recognition: The FSSC 22000 certification process is known globally which is a factor that will increase the credibility of your business within the domestic and global markets.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: One of the benefits of the Food Safety Management certification process is to cost down your business and make your processes more efficient.
- Risk Management: When you stack up proper measures of food hygiene in your organization, you reduce the likelihood of an incident and other complications that may ensue as a result.
- Increased Market Access: Huge stock purchases from FSSC 22000 certified suppliers are mandatory in most of the large retailers and food manufacturers, which unlocks many opportunities.
- Consumer Trust: This earns consumers’ trust in their products and exercising the FSSC 22000 certification logo on products assures consumers that the food is safe for consumption.
Conclusion
Although the FSSC 22000 certification fees can be high, the end benefits of implementing the program are a lot more than the cost incurred. Across functional areas, spanning from operational effectiveness to market access and customers’ trust, your business can climb to a new tier with its help. It is therefore important to know what factors make up the cost and how best to prepare to have a favorable impact on the total costs.
Are you planning to implement FSSC 22000 in your organization? Get in touch with Legal4sure and give us a call at +91 9310655040, and take a positive step in preserving food safety and business prosperity.