Yes. You can switch your FSSC 22000 CB at any time during your three-year cycle. Your certification remains valid and you continue without starting over.
June 12, 2026
We provide a clear, practical FAQ for FSSC 22000-certified organizations to confidently switch their Certification Body (CB).
FSSC 22000 is one of the world's most widely recognized food safety certification schemes. It gives food, feed and packaging manufacturers a trusted, internationally accepted way to demonstrate that their food safety management system (FSMS) is robust, benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and aligned with the requirements of customers and retailers globally. Maintaining certification, without interruption, is essential to protecting your contracts and reputation.
Many organizations are unaware that they can switch their CB during an active certification cycle if needed. However, choosing a reputable and accredited CB from the start is critical – your certification continuity and long-term confidence depend on their expertise, integrity and recognized accreditation.
In most cases, organizations maintain a long-term relationship with their CB through multiple certification cycles. However, situations may arise that necessitate a transfer, including service-related concerns, auditor availability, changes in business requirements, the need for broader global coverage or, in exceptional circumstances, the suspension or withdrawal of a CB's accreditation.
Changing CB during a certification cycle is generally not preferred as it can create additional planning and administrative effort for the certified organization. Nevertheless, when there is a valid business or accreditation-related reason, a transfer is a recognized process within the FSSC 22000 scheme and can be managed effectively without impacting your certification status.
Transferring to a new CB is a proven way to maintain continuity. When managed correctly, you maintain your certification scope, history and full compliance with FSSC 22000 without disruption.
Because this topic often raises practical questions, particularly when a transfer becomes necessary due to time-sensitive circumstances, we have brought together the key information in one place. In our guide, we answer the most common questions about changing your FSSC 22000 CB and explain the process step by step.
Yes. A transfer recognizes your existing, valid certificate. Your Certified Organization Identification (COID) number stays with your organization, so your traceability and history are preserved and continue with the new CB.
The key is to start early. A transfer involves a short review by the new CB before your certificate is reissued. To avoid any gaps, especially with upcoming audits or expiry dates, start the process early to ensure a smooth, on-time transition.
Yes. Where a transfer is needed due to a change affecting your current CB, international rules (IAF MD 2:2023) require the transfer to be completed within six months, or by your certificate's expiry date, whichever comes first. Starting early gives you full control and ensures a smooth, stress-free transition.
Two simple ones:
- Your certificate must be valid (current and within its expiry date)
- Any open nonconformities from your last audit should be closed out
Once these are met, the transfer is smooth and routine.
The transfer follows four simple steps:
- Contact a new FSSC-licensed CB (e.g. SGS) and request a transfer
- Pre-transfer review. The new CB reviews your current certificate, scope and most recent audit reports to confirm everything is valid and up to date
- Confirm your details, including your certification scope and COID
- Certificate reissued. Your certificate transfers and your normal audit schedule simply continues with the new CB
In short: one conversation, one document review and you switch with no disruption.
Have these ready to speed up your transfer:
- Your current FSSC 22000 certificate (showing scope and expiry date)
- Your latest audit reports and evidence that any findings are closed
- Your COID number
- Your next audit date (surveillance or recertification), if available
With these in place, your transfer can move quickly and smoothly.
No, this is the benefit of a transfer. When managed properly and started early, your certification remains continuous, allowing you to meet customer and retailer requirements without any gaps.
It is good practice to proactively inform key customers that your certification is being maintained seamlessly. If customers require a copy, as part of their supplier management process, simply provide the new certificate as soon as it is issued.
Start early, stay in control and ensure a smooth, uninterrupted transition.
A quick checklist:
- Check your timeline: note your next audit date and certificate expiry
- Get your documents ready: certificate, latest audit reports and COID
- Engage a new CB: contact an FSSC-licensed CB to begin your pre-transfer review
- Plan ahead: complete the transfer in time – within six months or before expiry, whichever comes first
We make switching simple
As the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, and one of the largest FSSC 22000-licensed CBs, we have the expertise, global reach and dedicated transfer process to ensure your seamless, stress-free transition.
With us, you get:
- Fast clarity:we review your certificate and confirm your transfer timeline quickly
- Zero disruption:
we manage the pre-transfer review and align your audit schedule to maintain full continuity
- Thorough review:
we review your certificate and confirm your timeline, usually within a short turnaround
- Precise handling:
we handle the pre-transfer review and schedule your audit, so there is no gap
- Simplified certification:we can combine FSSC 22000 with ISO 22000, ISO 9001, HACCP and GMP under one streamlined program
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
