FSSC 22000 Version 7

FSSC 22000 Version 7 South Africa

The world's most adopted GFSI scheme just released its biggest update. V7 is live — here's what it means for your certification and how to transition.

GFSI BenchmarkedVersion 7ISO Based3-Year Cycle
Row of hairnets with one in a different colour standing out
V7
Published May 2026
12mo
Transition Window
3-Year
Certification Cycle
ISO
Based Framework
The Standard

What is FSSC 22000?

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) is the world's most widely adopted GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme. Built on the ISO 22000 food safety management system standard, it adds industry-specific prerequisite programmes and the FSSC additional requirements to create a comprehensive, internationally recognised certification.

Version 7, published in May 2026, is the most significant update since V6. Certified organisations have a 12-month transition window. For South African manufacturers, FSSC 22000 is the standard of choice for EU, US, and global market access.

Who Needs FSSC 22000
SA manufacturers seeking globally accepted GFSI certification
Businesses already certified to ISO 22000 wanting to upgrade
Exporters to EU, US, and Asian markets
Operations that value system-based flexibility over prescriptive rules
Beyond Compliance

What FSSC 22000 Does for Your Business

FSSC 22000 gives you the structure of an ISO management system with the rigour of GFSI benchmarking. It's built for organisations that want flexibility without compromising on food safety outcomes.

The Process

How FSSC 22000 Certification Works in South Africa

FSSC 22000 uses a two-stage audit approach — documentation review first, then full on-site assessment. Here's the complete journey.

1

Gap Analysis

Assessment of your current systems against FSSC 22000 V7 requirements. Identifies what's in place, what's missing, and what needs upgrading from V6.

2

System Design & Documentation

Build your food safety management system documentation — HACCP plan, PRPs, operational procedures — with your team.

3

Implementation

Embed the system into daily operations. Train your team to run it independently. The system must be operating for at least 3 months before Stage 1.

4

Pre-Audit Preparation

Internal audit against all clauses, management review, corrective action close-out. Everything ready before the certification body arrives.

5

Stage 1 Audit (Documentation Review)

The certification body reviews your documentation, confirms scope, and checks your system is ready for the Stage 2 on-site audit. Conducted on-site or remotely.

6

Stage 2 Audit (On-Site Certification)

Full on-site audit: documentation verification, operational checks, staff interviews, record review. Successful completion results in certification.

7

Surveillance & Recertification

Annual surveillance audits in years 2 and 3, with one unannounced. Full recertification at the end of the 3-year cycle. Continuous improvement expected.

Investment

How Much Does FSSC 22000 V7 Certification Cost?

Every engagement is scoped to your operation. These ranges give you a realistic picture of what to budget for.

Gap Analysis
R10k – R30k
Depends on facility size and current system maturity
Implementation Consulting
R30k – R100k+
Scoped per project — greenfield vs upgrade, complexity, team readiness
Certification Audit
R30k – R80k
Certification body fees for Stage 1 + Stage 2
FSSC Registration Fee
Varies
Annual fee paid to the FSSC Foundation for scheme registration
Free Download

FSSC 22000 V7 Readiness Assessment

A standalone HTML tool you download and open in your browser. Check your current system against V7 requirements at your own pace — identify gaps before your next audit.

BVRC.
BRCGS Issue 9
Self-Assessment
9
Chapters
65
Clauses
12
Fundamentals
1.1.1FCPNC
1.1.2FCPNC
1.1.6FCPNC
3.4.1FCPNC
Preview of the downloadable FSSC V7 Readiness Tool
Featured Topic

FSSC 22000 V7 Transition

Current Focus
V6 to V7 — Your 12-Month Transition Window
Frequently Asked

FSSC 22000 V7 FAQ

V7 was published in May 2026 and represents the most significant update since V6. Key changes include updated additional requirements, alignment with the latest ISO 22000 interpretations, and strengthened requirements around food safety culture and supply chain management. Certified organisations have a 12-month transition window.

12 months from the May 2026 publication date. Your next scheduled audit after the transition deadline must be against V7. Start planning now — documentation updates, team training, and gap analysis all take time.

FSSC 22000 is system-based (ISO backbone, defines outcomes) while BRCGS is prescriptive (clause-driven, defines methods). FSSC uses a 3-year cycle with surveillance audits; BRCGS requires a full annual audit with grading. Both are GFSI benchmarked and accepted globally.

At least one audit in every 3-year certification cycle must be unannounced. This ensures your food safety system operates consistently — not just on scheduled audit days. It builds genuine readiness and is increasingly valued by buyers.

Yes — and it's one of the smoothest upgrade paths. FSSC 22000 is built on ISO 22000, so your existing management system forms the foundation. You'll need to add the FSSC additional requirements and the relevant PRP standard (ISO/TS 22002-1 for manufacturing).

Total investment typically ranges from R150k–R300k including consulting, documentation, infrastructure, and audit fees. Complex operations or multi-site facilities can exceed R500k. See our detailed cost breakdown blog post for SA-specific pricing.
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Related Resources

Ready for FSSC 22000 V7?

Whether you're transitioning from V6 or certifying for the first time, the intake form is where we scope what your operation needs.