Two of FSSC’s core values are transparency and integrity. We take these values seriously for ourselves, our partners, and Schemes.
Only when we operate with integrity can we build trust and create a better world. That said, all FSSC team members have signed a Code of Conduct in which they commit themselves to the Foundation’s values and conduct themselves ethically.
The FSSC Schemes are governed by the Board of Stakeholders (BoS), which consists of a balanced representation of key stakeholders in the consumer goods industry. BoS members represent the interests of the various sectors covered by the Scheme. All Scheme changes go through the BoS for final review, discussion, and decision-making.
The BoS is supported by the Advisory Committee, which provides expertise and input into recommendations on any Scheme changes. This system offers oversight, transparency, and industry involvement to ensure the Schemes remain relevant and credible in the marketplace. More information on our BoS and Advisory Committee can be found below.
The strategic development and review process of the existing requirements of the relevant FSSC Scheme, documentation, and all other related materials, is based on the required input from various internal project teams and external stakeholders.
Normative documents that form part of the relevant Scheme are not owned by the Foundation but by the appropriate organization,
i.e., ISO or BSI. These normative documents are subject to a public consultation period of 60 days, as set out in their respective procedures, relating to changes, standard review, or new standard development.
The FSSC Scheme requirements are subject to internal and external review, with a recommendation by the Advisory Committee and approval by the Board of Stakeholders. The Advisory Committee includes key stakeholders, including Certification Body associations, Accreditation Bodies, and the industry.
The final draft version of a new or updated Scheme goes through the FSSC Advisory Committee, with final approval by the Board of Stakeholders and oversight by the Management Board.
Only licensed Certification Bodies are allowed to deliver audits to the FSSC Schemes. To become licensed, a Certification Body (CBs) needs to gain management system accreditation. Accreditation ensures that CBs operate according to standards governed by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and are continuously monitored by Accreditation Bodies (ABs).
In addition, FSSC Schemes detail the requirements for ABs and mandate that our partnered ABs be signatories of the IAF MLA (multi-lateral agreement). These conditions ensure a consistent approach across ABs worldwide. The Integrity Program delivers another level of assurance and governance beyond what the ABs provide, wherein we scrutinize CB performance directly.
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