Accredited Certification, Supplier Audits & Compliance Programs
QIMA provides accredited food certification and supplier assurance audits that help food businesses meet retailer requirements, access export markets, and strengthen supply chain compliance. From certification against leading global standards to independent supplier audits and product programs, we help you manage food safety, quality, and risk with clarity and consistency.
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To meet a retailer's requirement → Certification against a recognized food safety standard
To export to the U.S. or Europe → A globally accepted certification, like GFSI-benchmarked schemes
To upgrade from HACCP or ISO 22000 → Transition to a benchmarked certification scheme
To verify my suppliers → Independent supplier assurance audits
To transfer my certification → Seamless certification transfer
To validate product claims → Product certification or compliance marks
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does certification take? For first-time certification:
Preparation: 2–4 months
Audit scheduling: 4–8 weeks
CAPA review: 2–4 weeks
Typical total timeline: 3–6 months, depending on readiness.
How often are audits required? Most certifications require annual recertification audits. Some schemes include risk-based surveillance audits. Can I transfer my certification? Yes. Transfer is possible if:
Your certificate is valid
There are no outstanding critical nonconformities
Audit history is reviewed and accepted
Transfers maintain certification continuity without restarting the process.
What is the difference between certification and supplier assurance audits? Certification evaluates your management system against a recognized standard. Supplier assurance audits evaluate suppliers against your specific requirements or retailer expectations.
Why Choose QIMA?
Protect your certifications and market access with one partner across food safety, organic, and sustainability
Responsive, expert support throughout your certification journey, trusted by clients with a 72 NPS
Manage your certification journey in myQIMA, from application and audits to renewal
Reduce audit fatigue with combined audits that save time and cost
Pay faster with QIMA Click & Pay, using instant quotes and secure online payments to keep audits and certification timelines on track
Food Safety Certification
Strengthen your commitment to food safety through third-party audited certifications. Our schemes demonstrate the quality and safety of your products, fostering trust throughout the supply chain.
Food Certification Schemes
Validate specific product claims and quality attributes. Specialized certification programs help differentiate your products while meeting evolving consumer expectations.
Supplier Assurance Audits
Verify supply chain integrity and partner compliance. Comprehensive audit programs ensure quality standards are maintained throughout your supplier network.
Food Marks
Demonstrate compliance through trusted visual symbols that communicate quality, safety, and sustainability. Marks provide immediate consumer recognition of commitments.
How Certification Works
Food certification evaluates your management system against a recognized standard.
Preparation Gap assessment (optional) Documentation alignment Internal readiness review Audit scheduled
Certification Audit An accredited auditor evaluates: HACCP implementation Prerequisite programs (PRPs) Traceability & recall Supplier controls Records and system effectiveness
Corrective Actions (CAPA) Nonconformities issued Root cause analysis submitted Evidence reviewed
Certification Issuance Technical review Certification decision Certificate issued (typically valid 12 months) Outcome: Formal certification against a recognized food safety standard.
How Supplier Assurance Audits Work
Supplier assurance audits evaluate a supplier’s performance against your requirements or retailer expectations.
Define Scope Retailer program or custom audit criteria Risk level and audit frequency Audit checklist aligned to your requirements
On-Site Supplier Audit Auditor evaluates: GMP compliance Operational controls Documentation and records Risk management practices
Findings & Report Nonconformities documented Risk level identified Detailed audit report issued
Follow-Up (If Required) Corrective actions verified Ongoing monitoring based on risk Outcome: Risk visibility and supplier performance validation — without issuing a formal certification.