Create or upgrade food product certification schemes and prepare certification bodies for ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation.
ISO/IEC 17065 (Food) serves organizations developing product certification schemes and certification bodies seeking accreditation for food product certification programs.
Organizations creating or operating food product certification programs requiring independent verification and mark licensing.
New or expanding certification bodies seeking ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation for food and product certification services.
Mid to enterprise-scale manufacturers running private marks or supplier approval programs requiring structured certification approaches.
AEC provides comprehensive support through two distinct pathways, each tailored to specific organizational needs and objectives.
Complete scheme design and implementation support for organizations creating food product certification programs.
Complete preparation for ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation including quality management systems and process development.
Comprehensive coverage across all major food industry segments with specialized expertise in regulatory requirements and certification challenges.
Comprehensive documentation packages tailored to your specific track and requirements.
Structured approach ensuring systematic development and successful implementation of your certification program.
Requirements analysis, stakeholder mapping, feasibility study
Scheme architecture, rules development, documentation creation
Pilot execution, witnessing, CB onboarding preparation
ISO/IEC 17065 gap analysis, accreditation body requirements review
Quality manual, SOPs, competence management system
System testing, witnessing, corrective action planning
Application preparation, pre-assessment, formal assessment support
Specialized training programs designed specifically for food product certification requirements.
ISO/IEC 17065 principles, 17067 models, marks per 17030, roles (owner/CB/lab), impartiality, overview of food-sector specifics.
Auditing a CB's 17065 system; process audits; sampling & surveillance; complaints/appeals; report writing; NC grading and CAP.
Building a 17065 CB QMS and/or designing scheme rules; competence management; decision-making controls; pilot execution; document suite creation.
Understanding the right standard for your specific needs and objectives.
| Standard | Primary Purpose | Best For | Can Coexist? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO/IEC 17065 | Product or program/mark certification, license use governance, CB structure operations | Retailers, trade bodies, GI programs, halal/kosher schemes, private marks | — |
| ISO/IEC 17065 | Product or program/mark certification, license use governance, CB structure operations | Brand protection, product claims verification, consumer trust programs | ✓ Yes |
| ISO 22000 | Site-level food safety management system certification | Facility operations, GFSI recognition, buyer requirements | ✓ Yes |
| FSSC 22000 | GFSI-recognized scheme for food manufacturers | Supply chain compliance, international trade, retail requirements | ✓ Yes |
A product certification scheme (17065) can require suppliers to hold FSSC 22000 facility certification while product-specific attributes are certified under the 17065 scheme rules. This creates a comprehensive approach covering both facility food safety and product integrity.
Key challenges we help organizations navigate during ISO/IEC 17065 implementation.
Managing competing interests between scheme owners, certification bodies, and certified organizations while maintaining independence.
Establishing clear roles and responsibilities for certification decisions, appeals, and sanctions within the governance structure.
Developing robust competence requirements for auditors, technical experts, and decision-makers specific to food sectors.
Creating statistically valid sampling plans and effective surveillance programs that balance cost and risk.
Implementing effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent unauthorized use of certification marks.
Establishing transparent, timely, and fair processes for handling complaints and appeals from all stakeholders.
Balancing transparency requirements with commercial confidentiality and data protection obligations.
Ensuring practical auditing procedures align with scheme rules while maintaining audit efficiency and effectiveness.
Our experts are ready to guide you through scheme design or certification body accreditation preparation.