SQF Certification & Audits

What Is SQF Certification?

Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification is a GFSI-recognized food safety and quality certification program owned and administered by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). SQF certification provides a structured framework for food producers, manufacturers, packagers, storage and distribution providers, and other supply chain organizations to demonstrate robust food safety management to customers and retailers worldwide. It is the only GFSI-recognized program that covers the entire food supply chain, from farm to fork.

For a detailed overview, read our guide on What SQF Certification is and Why it Matters.

QIMA conducts SQF audits as an SQFI-licensed, ANAB-accredited certification body. Our auditors evaluate whether your food safety management system meets the requirements of the current SQF Code edition across all applicable modules and your chosen certification level.

Our audit teams serve clients across the United States and in over 100 countries worldwide. Detailed accreditation information and the full list of SQF Code scopes QIMA is accredited to audit are provided in the next section.

QIMA's SQF Accreditation and Certification Scopes

QIMA Food Certification, LLC (formerly WQS, LLC) is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under ISO/IEC 17065:2012, the international standard for bodies certifying products, processes, and services. Our ANAB Accreditation ID is #1226. We are licensed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) as an SQF certification body and listed in both the SQFI Certification Body Directory and the ANAB accredited bodies directory.

QIMA is accredited to conduct SQF audits and issue SQF certificates under the following SQF Code Edition 9 scopes:

• SQF Food Safety Code: Primary Plant Production

• SQF Food Safety Code: Primary Animal Production

• SQF Food Safety Code: Animal Feed Manufacturing

• SQF Food Safety Code: Animal Product Manufacturing

• SQF Food Safety Code: Aquaculture

• SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing

• SQF Food Safety Code: Manufacture of Food Packaging

• SQF Food Safety Code: Pet Food Manufacturing

• SQF Food Safety Code: Dietary Supplement Manufacturing

• SQF Food Safety Code: Storage and Distribution

• SQF Quality Code

QIMA also offers SQF Fundamentals for small and medium-sized suppliers seeking an entry-level food safety verification.

SQF Code Edition 9 is the current auditable version. SQFI released Edition 10 in 2026, and audits against the new edition are expected to begin in 2027, subject to the GFSI benchmarking process. QIMA's auditors are preparing for the Edition 10 transition and will guide certified sites through the update.

Is SQF the Right Certification Scheme for You?

QIMA offers SQF certification for all members of the food supply chain, including:

• Primary production (plant and animal)

• Food manufacturing

• Food packaging manufacturing

• Storage and distribution

• Food retail

• Food service

SQF is the largest GFSI-recognized food safety certification program in the United States and Canada. Many major US retailers and foodservice companies require or prefer suppliers to hold a GFSI-benchmarked certification such as SQF.

We offer three levels of certification so you can pick the scope most relevant to your needs:

SQF Food Safety Fundamentals

Solutions for small and medium-sized suppliers who want to implement or improve their food safety management program.

SQF Food Safety Code

Identifies, assesses, and controls food safety hazards in accordance with HACCP and ISO principles. The SQF Food Safety Code includes 11 distinct codes under Edition 9 (including Agents and Brokers), each tailored to a specific food industry sector, from primary production to manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. SQFI released Edition 10 in 2026, with audits against the new edition beginning in 2027.

SQF Food Quality Code

Goes above and beyond food safety to incorporate food quality. This site-specific process and product certification standard emphasizes the systematic application of the Codex Alimentarius Commission HACCP principles and guidelines for the control of food safety and quality hazards.

QIMA also offers certification against other GFSI-recognized schemes including BRCGS, IFS Food, FSSC 22000, and PrimusGFS, as well as HACCP certification. If you are unsure which scheme is right for your business, our team can help you compare options.

Why Choose QIMA for SQF Certification?

• ANAB-accredited certification body. QIMA is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under ISO/IEC 17065 to conduct SQF certification audits across all SQF Food Safety Codes and the SQF Quality Code

• 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

• Reduce audit fatigue with combined certification 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

• Expert SQF auditors. Accredited by SQFI and trained in the latest SQF Code editions

Want to learn more? Download our insert and learn how SQF works.

Experience SQF Certification with myQIMA

Most certification bodies focus on the audit itself. QIMA extends the experience with myQIMA, our digital food safety certification platform that gives you visibility and control throughout your SQF certification journey, from application to renewal.

• Apply Online: Submit and manage your certification application digitally.

• Track Your Progress: Monitor certification status, audit milestones, and key documents.

• Manage Corrective Actions: View non-conformances and keep corrective actions on track.

• Simplify Renewals: Review, update, and submit existing information instead of starting from scratch.

Why Do You Need SQF Certification?

SQF certification with QIMA allows you to:

• Build confidence in the safety and legality of your food products

• Enhance your brand’s marketing image

• Establish a structured approach to improving process quality

• Streamline process management by helping to proactively identify and manage risk

• Encourage more responsible agricultural and manufacturing processes

• Provide proof of due diligence and lay the groundwork for compliance with regulatory requirements

How Long Does SQF Certification Take?

Typical time to initial certification is 4 to 9 months, varying by site readiness, complexity, and CAPA resolution speed. Organizations already operating food safety programs may complete the process more quickly. New systems or multi-module scopes require additional preparation time.

The SQF Certification Process

Achieving SQF certification follows a structured process defined by SQFI. Here are the key steps:

Step 1: Register with SQFI. Create an account in the SQFI Assessment Database and pay the annual registration fee. This is required before any audit can be scheduled.

Step 2: Designate an SQF Practitioner. Appoint a qualified staff member who has completed HACCP training (minimum 2-day course) to oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of your SQF System.

Step 3: Define your scope of certification. Identify the food sector categories, products, and processes to be included. This determines which SQF Code modules and GMP requirements apply to your audit.

Step 4: Document and implement your SQF System. Develop policies, procedures, work instructions, and specifications that meet the system elements and GMP modules of the applicable SQF Code.

Step 5: Select a certification body. Choose an SQFI-licensed, ANAB-accredited certification body such as QIMA. Request a quote, confirm scope and audit duration, and sign a certification agreement.

Step 6: Stage 1 audit (desk audit). The certification body reviews your documented SQF System remotely to verify it meets Code requirements before the on-site audit.

Step 7: Stage 2 audit (facility audit). An accredited SQF auditor visits your site to verify that your documented system is implemented in practice. The auditor observes operations, interviews personnel, reviews records, and conducts a traceability exercise.

Step 8: Corrective actions. Address any nonconformities identified during the audit within the timelines specified by the SQF Code. Major nonconformities must be resolved before certification can be granted.

Step 9: Technical review and certification decision. The certification body's technical reviewer evaluates the audit report and corrective action evidence, then makes the certification decision.

Step 10: Certificate issued. Upon approval, your SQF certificate is issued and uploaded to the SQFI database. The certificate is valid for 12 months, after which an annual recertification audit is required.

For more details, read our Step-by-Step Guide to Getting SQF Certified.

What SQF Auditors Evaluate During Your Certification Audit

During your SQF audit, QIMA auditors assess your food safety and quality management systems, operational processes, and risk management practices against SQF Code requirements. Our auditors are food industry specialists who provide guidance throughout the audit and certification process.

The mandatory elements assessed in an SQF food safety audit are:

All applicable system elements and the relevant GAP & GMP module(s) are assessed as part of the SQF audit. Where an element is not applicable and appropriately justified, the SQF food safety audit marks it as "not applicable" (N/A) in the audit report.

Mandatory elements are designated with “Mandatory” in the system elements in the SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing, System Elements. Mandatory elements must be audited, and compliance/non-compliance reported (cannot be reported as “not applicable” or “exempt”).

QIMA auditors evaluate conformance against the applicable SQF Code modules. The audit scope is defined at the application stage and reflects the organization's products, processes, and chosen certification level.

Key areas of evaluation include:

Auditors document findings as Critical, Major, or Minor nonconformities based on SQF grading definitions. Corrective action requirements and response timelines vary by nonconformity classification.

Ready to Start Your SQF Certification Journey?

QIMA's audit teams operate across 100+ countries, with dedicated SQF auditors based in the United States. We combine global reach with sector-specific auditor expertise so your SQF audit is structured, predictable, and professionally managed from application to certificate.

Request a personalized SQF audit quote - Submit your site details, and we'll confirm scope, timeline, and pricing.

FAQs - SQF Certification

What is an SQF certificate?

An SQF certificate is the formal proof of your compliance with the Safe Quality Food standards - issued after a successful Stage 2 audit.

How much does SQF certification cost?

Costs depend on your site complexity and modules. QIMA provides precise SQF certification cost quotes in myQIMA.

Who is an SQF auditor?

An SQF auditor is a third-party specialist registered with SQFI and employed or contracted by a licensed certification body. To qualify as an SQF auditor, an individual must hold a university degree in a food-related discipline such as food science or food technology, complete at least 160 hours of food industry auditing, demonstrate 5 years of food safety work experience in a technical or supervisory role, pass the Auditing SQF Food Safety Systems examination, and attest to the SQFI Professional Code of Conduct. SQF auditors must be registered for the specific food sector categories they audit.

QIMA's SQF auditors meet all SQFI registration requirements and are trained in the latest SQF Code editions. Our auditors are assigned based on your site's food sector categories to ensure sector-specific expertise.

How long does an SQF audit take?

Audit duration depends on the site's size, number of employees, product complexity, and scope of the SQF Code modules being assessed. A small single-product facility may complete a Stage 2 audit in one day. Larger, multi-product operations typically require 2–3 days. QIMA confirms the estimated audit duration during the application stage, based on your specific site profile.

What happens if a nonconformity is found during the audit?

Nonconformities are classified as Critical, Major, or Minor under the SQF Code. Critical nonconformities - involving immediate food safety risk - may result in suspension or refusal of certification. Major nonconformities require documented corrective action and evidence of resolution before certification can be granted. Minor nonconformities must be addressed within timeframes defined by SQF requirements and are reviewed at the next scheduled audit. QIMA issues a formal audit report detailing all findings and required response timelines.

Do we need to register with SQFI before applying for a QIMA audit?

Yes. Organizations must register directly with the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) and obtain a valid SQF license before an initial certification audit can be conducted. SQFI registration is the scheme owner's process and is separate from the QIMA certification application. QIMA can advise on the sequencing of these steps during your inquiry stage.

How often is the SQF audit conducted?

SQF requires an annual audit cycle. Initial certification is followed by annual recertification audits to maintain the certificate. The recertification audit evaluates ongoing conformance with SQF Code requirements and may also assess corrective actions from previous audit cycles. QIMA recommends scheduling the recertification audit 8–10 weeks before the certificate anniversary date.

Can we transfer our existing SQF certification to QIMA?

Yes. Organizations certified by another accredited SQF certification body may transfer to QIMA. Transfer audits follow the SQF Code requirements for certificate transfer. QIMA reviews the prior audit history and certificate status as part of the transfer process. Contact our team to confirm eligibility and the required transfer documentation.