In today’s competitive food industry, food safety is not optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re a manufacturer, processor, exporter, or restaurant, building trust with customers and buyers starts with internationally recognized food safety standards.
Two of the most important systems in this domain are HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and ISO 22000 certification. While both ensure food safety, they serve different purposes. Let’s break them down clearly so food businesses, especially MSMEs and exporters, know what’s right for them.
You may also like to read:Different Types of ISO Certifications and Their Applications
What is HACCP?
HACCP is a scientific and preventive approach to food safety. It identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards (biological, chemical, physical) in the food production process.
The 7 principles of HACCP are:
- Conduct hazard analysis
- Identify Critical Control Points (CCPs)
- Establish critical limits
- Monitor CCPs
- Corrective actions
- Verification procedures
- Documentation & record-keeping
HACCP is like the “safety engine” of food processing—it ensures hazards are controlled at every stage.
What is ISO 22000 Certification for Food?
ISO 22000:2018 is a global standard for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). It goes beyond HACCP by integrating:
- Management commitment
- Communication & traceability systems
- Emergency preparedness
- Continual improvement
It applies to the entire food chain—from farms and processors to packaging, storage, transport, retailers, and restaurants.
Think of ISO 22000 as the full “safety framework”, with HACCP built inside it.
ISO 22000 vs HACCP – Key Differences
| Feature | HACCP | ISO 22000 |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Food safety tool | Full food safety management system |
| Scope | Focuses only on hazards | Covers hazards + management, traceability, compliance |
| Certification | Can be certified but limited recognition | Globally recognized ISO certification for food |
| Applicability | Processors & producers | All in food chain (farm to fork) |
| Export Relevance | Helpful but not always enough | Essential for global exports |
👉 In short: HACCP = Core hazard control. ISO 22000 = Complete food safety passport for global markets.
Why ISO 22000 Certification is Important for Exporters
- Mandatory in many countries like EU, Middle East, and USA.
- Reduces risk of border rejections and recalls.
- Builds buyer confidence.
- Increases competitiveness and opens premium markets.
- Ensures compliance with international food safety standards.
If you’re serious about exporting food products, ISO 22000 is a must-have certification.
How to Get ISO 22000 Certification – The Audit Process
The certification is issued by accredited agencies after a structured audit process:
- Application & Documentation – Submit FSMS policies, HACCP plan, SOPs.
- Stage 1 Audit (Document Review) – Check adequacy of documents.
- Stage 2 Audit (On-site Implementation) – Inspect hygiene, hazard control, traceability, and training.
- Certification Decision – If compliant, certificate issued (valid for 3 years).
- Surveillance Audits – Annual follow-up checks.
- Recertification – Full audit every 3 years.
Best Certification Bodies for ISO 22000
Some of the globally recognized ISO certification agencies for food are:
- SGS
- Bureau Veritas
- TÜV SÜD / TÜV Rheinland
- Intertek
- DNV
- BSI Group
- IRCLASS (India)
Always ensure the agency is accredited by IAF (International Accreditation Forum) or NABCB (India).
Final Word
For food companies and exporters, ISO 22000 certification is more than a document—it’s a gateway to international trade, trust, and long-term success.
- HACCP ensures hazard control.
- ISO 22000 ensures complete food safety management and global acceptance.
If you are an MSME or exporter, starting your journey with ISO certification for food can unlock new markets and give you a competitive edge.
💰 Cost Analysis of ISO 22000 Certification for Food Businesses
1. Factors that Decide the Cost
The cost of ISO 22000 certification is not fixed—it depends on:
- Company Size & Employees – More employees = more audits, higher cost.
- Number of Locations – Single plant is cheaper; multiple sites cost more.
- Complexity of Operations – Packaged snacks factory is simpler than a seafood export unit.
- Scope of Certification – Entire food chain vs. only one process.
- Certification Body (Agency) – International names like SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV charge higher than local accredited bodies.
- Consultancy & Training – Some companies hire consultants to prepare documents before audit (extra cost).
- Audit Days Required – Auditors charge per “audit man-day” as per IAF guidelines.
2. Typical Cost Components
Here’s a breakdown of charges usually involved:
| Cost Component | Approx. Range (INR) | Approx. Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 | $120 – $300 | Paid once to start certification process. |
| Document Review / Stage 1 Audit | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 | $300 – $600 | Checks FSMS documentation readiness. |
| Stage 2 (On-site Audit) | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 | $600 – $1,800 | Depends on man-days (size/complexity). |
| Certification Fee (Issuance) | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 | $250 – $500 | Once certificate is granted. |
| Surveillance Audits (Annual) | ₹30,000 – ₹70,000 per year | $350 – $850 | Mandatory every year (for 3 years). |
| Recertification (after 3 years) | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 | $500 – $950 | Fresh audit cycle every 3 years. |
| Training & Consultancy (optional) | ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 | $600 – $2,500 | External consultants help prepare HACCP, SOPs, FSMS docs. |
3. Total Cost Estimate (3-Year Cycle)
For a small food MSME (single site, <50 employees) in India:
- ₹1.5 lakh – ₹3.5 lakh (USD $1,800 – $4,200) for full 3 years including surveillance.
For a medium-size exporter (multiple lines, 100–200 employees):
- ₹3.5 lakh – ₹6 lakh (USD $4,200 – $7,200) for 3 years.
For large food companies (>500 employees or multi-location export units):
- ₹8 lakh – ₹15 lakh+ (USD $9,600 – $18,000+)
4. Cost Comparison: Do Agencies Differ a Lot?
- Global Brands (SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV, DNV, BSI, Intertek) → Premium pricing (20–40% higher) but better global recognition, especially for exports to EU/US/Middle East.
- Local Accredited Bodies (IRCLASS in India, NABCB-accredited firms) → Lower pricing (₹20–40% cheaper), good for domestic compliance but sometimes less weight in high-value export markets.
- Hidden Costs → Some agencies include training and surveillance in package, others charge separately. Always clarify all 3-year costs upfront.
👉 Conclusion: The basic framework cost is similar, but brand premium makes a difference. For exports, global agencies are recommended despite higher cost because importers recognize them immediately.
