How to Achieve FSSC 24000 Certification 

Companies cannot afford to be associated with poor working conditions. Consumers demand transparency about how products are created, and stakeholders expect verifiable proof of ethical practices.

The FSSC 24000 Certification Scheme helps companies structurally integrate ethical standards into their operations, providing the credibility and framework businesses need to demonstrate genuine commitment to social sustainability.

This quick guide walks you through all the steps you need to take to get certified.

FSSC 24000 Certification Overview

1. Understand the Scheme requirements
2. Implement the requirements in your operations
3. Select an FSSC-licensed Certification Body (CB)
4. Complete the certification audit and close any nonconformities
5. Maintain compliance through surveillance audits across the certificate

What Is FSSC 24000? (And Why It Matters)

FSSC 24000 is a comprehensive, globally recognized Certification Scheme for Social Management Systems. It aligns with the ISO Management System approach and the ISO Harmonized Structure, providing organizations with a structured framework for demonstrating social sustainability through verifiable and auditable processes.

What a Social Management System Covers

A social management system is a formal approach to social sustainability. It includes the policies, procedures, accountability mechanisms, audits, and corrective actions you use to manage social responsibility systematically.

The FSSC 24000 Certification Scheme incorporates the ISO-aligned PAS 24000 standard, providing organizations with a structured Social Management System to enhance their labor practices and implement supply chain due diligence.

Benefits of an FSSC 24000 Certification

Certification builds credibility with customers and stakeholders who demand proof of social responsibility.

FSSC 24000 certification helps organizations demonstrate social responsibility through a structured, auditable social management system. It can also improve consistency and audit readiness by embedding responsibilities, documentation, monitoring, and corrective actions into daily operations.

Continue reading to find out more about the certification process.

Step 1: Understand the FSSC 24000 Requirements 

Download the Scheme Documents for Free

The FSSC 24000 Scheme documents, including the ISO-aligned PAS 24000 social standard, are available for free from the FSSC website. Download and review these documents to understand exactly what certification entails.

Identify What Applies to Your Organization

Determine which sites, functions, subsidiaries, and suppliers fall within your certification scope. Not every requirement may apply to your operations, so mapping this early saves time and effort.

Create a Requirements Checklist

Turn the requirements into a compliance tracker. This becomes your implementation roadmap.

Step 2: Implement the Requirements in Your Operations

Apply the Requirements to Policies and Processes

Implementation means integrating the FSSC 24000 Certification Scheme requirements into actual operations. Create or update documented procedures and clearly define responsibilities. Your social management system should be embedded in how work gets done.

Conduct an Internal Audit to Find Gaps

Run your own assessment before engaging a Certification Body. An internal audit identifies gaps, so you can address them proactively rather than discovering them during certification.

Use Guidance Documents (Free Resources)

The FSSC website provides free guidance documents to support implementation. These provide practical advice on interpreting and applying requirements.

Step 3: Choose a Licensed Certification Body

Find an FSSC 24000 Licensed Certification Body in the Official Database

Only a licensed Certification Body (CB) can issue valid certificates. Select an FSSC 24000 licensed CB from the official database on the FSSC website.

What to Ask a Certification Body Before Committing

Discuss your scope and needs with potential CBs. Ask about audit scope and timelines, auditor competence and experience, and cost drivers like the number of sites, complexity, and time required.

You could also consider asking the CB to conduct a pre-assessment. This reveals gaps you can fix before the actual audit, making certification smoother.

Click here to explore the full list of FSSC-licensed Certification Bodies.

Step 4: Undergo the Certification Audit

What Auditors Evaluate

The CB evaluates your social management system for compliance with the FSSC 24000 requirements. Auditors review documentation, interview personnel, and observe processes to verify that your system meets the standard.

Handling Nonconformities

Where nonconformities are identified, you must implement suitable corrective actions. This means fixing the immediate issue and addressing the root cause to prevent recurrence.

Step 5: Achieve Certification and Maintain Compliance

Receiving Your FSSC 24000 Certificate

If your social management system meets all FSSC 24000 requirements, you’ll receive your certificate. This confirms successful implementation and completion of the certification audit.

Your company will be listed on the FSSC Public Register, allowing customers and stakeholders to verify your certification independently.

Certificate Cycle and Surveillance Audits

Your certificate is valid for 3 years. During this time, your Certification Body conducts annual surveillance audits to maintain compliance and ensure your system continues functioning effectively.

After obtaining certification, continue conducting internal audits to identify new gaps. Hold regular management reviews to assess performance and implement corrective actions promptly when issues arise.

Get Started with FSSC 24000 Today

Achieving FSSC 24000 certification follows a clear, structured process. By following these five steps, from understanding requirements to maintaining compliance, you can elevate your social sustainability to a globally recognized standard.

Check out our Scheme documents to review the requirements, and when you’re ready to arrange an audit, find a licensed Certification Body in our official database.