ISO 22000 FSMS Certification

Overview

ISO 22000 is the international standard for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). It specifies the requirements that any organisation in the food chain must meet to consistently provide products and services that are safe for human consumption. The current version of the standard is ISO 22000:2018.

The standard is built on four core elements: interactive communication along the food chain, system management (using the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle and risk-based thinking), prerequisite programmes (PRPs) for basic hygiene, and the HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

ISO 22000 is relevant to any business directly or indirectly involved in the food chain – including farmers, food manufacturers, processors, packaging and ingredient suppliers, transporters and warehouses, retailers, caterers, restaurants and exporters. In India, ISO 22000 is voluntary and should not be confused with the FSSAI licence, which is the mandatory legal requirement for operating a food business. ISO 22000 is widely sought because corporate buyers, retail chains, institutional clients and overseas importers frequently require their suppliers to be certified, and it demonstrates a credible, internationally recognised commitment to food safety.

Benefits

• Globally recognised credibility: demonstrates compliance with an internationally accepted food safety standard, building trust with customers, buyers and partners.
• Better market access: often required by retail chains, hospitality groups, institutional buyers and overseas importers, opening doors to new contracts.
• Export support: helps Indian food businesses meet the expectations of international buyers and align with requirements in markets such as the EU, US and GCC countries.
• Reduced food safety risk: a structured HACCP-based system helps identify and control hazards, lowering the chance of contamination, product recalls and reputational damage.
• Improved processes: standardised procedures, clearer responsibilities and better internal and external communication across the supply chain.
• Regulatory alignment: supports compliance with statutory and food safety obligations and complements the mandatory FSSAI licence.
• Easy integration: shares the Annex SL high-level structure with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, making it simple to combine with other management systems.

Document required

Only PAN Card and Aadhaar Card are mandatory; the rest are optional.

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport-size Photograph
• Address Proof (Utility / Electricity Bill)
• Bank Statement
• Certificate of Incorporation / Registration Certificate
• FSSAI License (mandatory for food businesses)
• Local municipal / health department approvals (if applicable)
• List of food products or services provided
• Food Safety Policy statement
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) Plan
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Employee food-safety and hygiene training records
• Internal Audit Reports
• Management Review Minutes

Apply for ISO 22000 FSMS

Getting your ISO 22000 FSMS Certification through TaxoSure is simple and fully online:

1. Visit TaxoSure. Go to taxosure.com and open this ISO 22000 FSMS Certification page.
2. Login or Register. Create your free TaxoSure account, or log in if you already have one.
3. Upload your documents. Your KYC documents (PAN & Aadhaar) are auto-filled from your account; simply upload the remaining documents as per the checklist on this page.
4. Submit your application. Submit your ISO 22000 application in one click.
5. Talk to our consultant. Our consultant connects with you on WhatsApp / Call to confirm the details, share the pricing and begin the work.
6. Get certified. Our experts complete the entire process end to end and deliver your ISO 22000 FSMS certificate to you.

Certification Process

The ISO 22000 certification process generally follows these stages:

1. Gap analysis: review the organisation's current food safety practices against ISO 22000:2018 requirements.
2. Documentation: develop the FSMS documents – food safety policy, HACCP plan, prerequisite programmes, SOPs and records.
3. Implementation & training: roll out the system and train staff on food safety responsibilities and procedures.
4. Internal audit: verify that the FSMS is working effectively and correct any non-conformities.
5. Management review: senior management reviews the system's performance and suitability.
6. Stage 1 audit (document review): the certification body reviews documentation and readiness for the on-site audit.
7. Stage 2 audit (on-site): the certification body assesses the implemented system at your premises.
8. Certification: on clearing the audit, the certificate is issued. The certificate is then maintained through annual surveillance audits.

The overall timeline depends on the size, complexity and readiness of the organisation.

Scope of ISO 22000

ISO 22000:2018 applies to all organisations, regardless of size or complexity, that are directly or indirectly involved in the food chain. This includes, for example:

• Farmers and primary producers
• Manufacturers and processors of food and beverages
• Producers of ingredients, additives and food-contact packaging materials
• Transport, storage and logistics providers
• Retailers, wholesalers and distributors
• Restaurants, caterers, hotels and other food service businesses
• Cleaning, sanitation and equipment service providers to the food sector

The standard enables an organisation to plan, implement, operate, maintain and update its FSMS, demonstrate compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory food safety requirements, and communicate food safety issues effectively to interested parties along the food chain. Its requirements are organised in clauses 4 to 10, in line with the common Annex SL structure used across ISO management system standards.

More Details

Validity: An ISO 22000 certificate is typically valid for three years, subject to annual surveillance audits by the certification body. A recertification audit is carried out at the end of the three-year cycle to renew the certificate.

ISO 22000 vs FSSAI: In India the FSSAI licence is the mandatory legal requirement to operate a food business. ISO 22000 is a voluntary international certification that goes beyond the legal minimum and is often demanded by buyers and export markets. The two are complementary, not alternatives.

ISO 22000 vs HACCP: ISO 22000 incorporates the HACCP principles within a full management system framework, adding interactive communication, prerequisite programmes and a process-based management approach.

Accreditation matters: for the certificate to carry weight with buyers and regulators, it should be issued by a certification body accredited under a recognised accreditation scheme. Always confirm the certification body's accreditation before proceeding.

For exact fees, timelines and the right certification body for your business, our team can guide you as per current norms.

FAQs