IFS HPC

IFS HPC is the standard for process control in the manufacture of safe and quality household and personal care products. The standard was developed through the joint work of manufacturers of HPC (Household and Personal Care products), retailers and certification bodies and reflects the needs of the development of the industry.

IFS HPC is the current most stringent standard for auditing household and personal care products and their processes. The aim of the standard is to ensure that manufacturers of HPC products are able to provide safe, compliant and quality products, to meet customer expectations and to increase client confidence.

The IFS HPC Standard covers four product groups:

Scope 1: Cosmetic products (make-up, lotions, shampoos, creams, etc.).
Scope 2: Household chemicals (detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning products, aroma bars, etc.)
Scope 3: Household daily use products (household gloves, baking paper, brooms, aluminium foil, etc.)
Scope 4: Personal hygiene products (tampons, tweezers, washing sponges, nappies, etc.)

The IFS HPC standard covers the requirements of ISO 22716 (GMP for cosmetics). The implementation of the GMP requirements is the first step for implementing the requirements of the IFS HPC standard.
The second basis of the IFS HPC standard is risk management, which demonstrates that products do not pose any danger to the health and safety of consumers.

The IFS HPC audit focuses on verification of risk management, customer specifications, traceability, crisis management, CP and CCP management and verification of the GMP standard requirements (personnel, hygiene, cleaning and sanitation, production processes, inspection and storage, internal audits, RCA, CAPA).

The IFS HPC audit has a unique rating system based on six KO points and a plus/minus system to evaluate the fulfilment of the IFS HPC, version 2 standard requirements using A, B, C, D points. The certificate can be obtained in two levels: higher level (rating above 95%) and basic level (rating between 75% and 95%).

IFS offers various technology tools to save time and facilitate communication for manufacturers, such as:

• The IFS User Database, where manufacturers and certified companies can manage their suppliers or search for new ones.
• The IFS Audit Time application, which is an audit scheduling tool.
• The IFS Audit Manager application, which helps internal auditors to perform audits.