JFS Audit and Conformity Assessment Program
Document
Ver.3.0

Japan Food Safety Management Association
November 25, 2022

Contents
1. PROGRAM OUTLINE ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Features of this Program ................................................................................................................ 1
1.3 Standard Documents and Applicable Sectors ................................................................................ 1
2. PROGRAM OWNERSHIP REGULATIONS ........................................................................................ 2
2.1 Program Owner............................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Organizational Structure ................................................................................................................. 2
2.3 Maintenance of Conformity Assessment Program ......................................................................... 3
2.4 Communication with Stakeholders ................................................................................................. 4
2.5 Registration, Publication, and Changes of Information by the Program Owner ............................ 4
2.6 Activity Report ................................................................................................................................. 4
3. REQUIREMENTS FOR AUDIT COMPANY ........................................................................................ 5
3.1 Audit Company Criteria................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Impartiality and Independence of Audit and Review (Including Relationship between Consultation
and Audit Activities).................................................................................................................................. 6
3.2.1 Prerequisites for an impartial audit........................................................................................... 6
3.2.2 Consultation and Audit Activities .............................................................................................. 6
3.3 Recognition review of auditing companies ..................................................................................... 7
3.4 Audit Company Registration and Announcement .......................................................................... 7
3.5 Renewal, Suspension, Withdrawal of Audit Company Recognition, and Takeover of conforming
organizations............................................................................................................................................ 9
3.5.1

Renewal of Recognition ......................................................................................................... 9

3.5.2

Suspension of Recognition .................................................................................................... 9

3.5.3 Withdrawal of Recognition from JFSM .................................................................................. 10
3.5.4 Decline of Recognition from Audit Company ......................................................................... 10
3.5.5 Taking over of Conforming Organization ............................................................................... 10
3.6 Retention of Documents and Security of Confidential Information ...............................................11
3.7 Objections from Audit Companies .................................................................................................11
3.8 Participation in Harmonization Meetings .......................................................................................11
3.9 Feedback from Conforming Organization .....................................................................................11
4. AUDIT AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT..................................................................................... 12
4.1 Validity of Audit and Conformity Assessment ............................................................................... 12
4.2 Application for Audit and Conformity Assessment........................................................................ 13
4.3 Contracting and Management of Audit Conforming Assessment Services ................................. 14
4.4 Appointment of Auditors and Reviewers, and Determination of Audit labor-hours ...................... 14
4.5 Implementation of Audit ................................................................................................................ 15
4.6 Remote Auditing using ICT ........................................................................................................... 17
4.7 Conformity Assessment Criteria ................................................................................................... 17

4.8 Guidance and Suggestions during Audit ...................................................................................... 17
4.9 Audit Results Notification .............................................................................................................. 18
4.10 Issue of a Letter of Conformance ............................................................................................... 18
4.11 Registration of conforming organization ..................................................................................... 19
4.12 Renewal, Suspension, and Withdrawal of Conformity Assessment .......................................... 19
4.12.1 Extraordinary Audit ............................................................................................................... 19
4.12.2 Suspension of Conforming assessment .............................................................................. 20
4.12.3 Withdrawal of Conforming Organization .............................................................................. 20
4.13 Reinstatement of Conforming Assessment ................................................................................ 21
4.14 Minute Changes of Registration Data on Letter of conformance ............................................... 21
4.15 Announcement of Conforming Organization .............................................................................. 21
5. Requirements for Personnel............................................................................................................... 22
5.1 Competence Requirements for Auditor or Reviewer.................................................................... 22
5.2 Auditor or Reviewer Registration .................................................................................................. 22
5.3 Renewal and Suspension of Reviewer Registration .................................................................... 24
5.4 Withdrawal of Auditor / Reviewer Registration ............................................................................. 25
5.5 Cancellation of Registration of Auditors and Reviewers .............................................................. 25
5.6 Requirements for Competent Assessors...................................................................................... 26
Annex1 Determination of Audit man-hours (JFS-A/B standard) ............................................................ 28
Annex 2 Audit and Conformity Assessment Flow and Procedure ......................................................... 30
Annex 3 Standard Documents and Applicable Sectors ......................................................................... 34
Annex 4 Scope of Conforming Assessment, Experience in Work Related to Food Safety (Requirements
for Auditors and Reviewers) ...................................................................................................................... 35
Annex 5 Experience in working with food safety for auditors and reviewers (JFS-A/B standards)....... 37
Annex 6 Definition of Terms.................................................................................................................... 38
Documents for Reference / List of Forms and Templates ........................................................................ 40

Disclaimer： This translated document is machine translated by JFSM and is provided for information
purposes only. In the event of a difference of interpretation or a dispute, the original Japanese versionof this document is binding.

1. PROGRAM OUTLINE
1.1 Purpose
The JFS Audit and Conformity Assessment Program (hereinafter referred to as the "Program") is a
program established by the Japan Food Safety Management Association (hereinafter referred to as"JFSM") which verifies that food-related business operators are implementing food safety management
systems that conform to the requirements of the JFS Standards utilizing third-party audits conducted byaudit companies approved by JFSM.
This program aims to enable food-related business operators, particularly small and medium-sizedbusinesses, to improve the level of their food safety by utilizing the conformity assessments of the JFS
Standard (hereinafter referred to as "this Standard").
1.2 Features of this Program
The main features of this program are that the auditor conducting the audit can provide guidance andadvice to the organization in the audit, and consulting by the audit company. This ensures theindependence of the audit and consulting services and maintains the impartiality of the audit, thereby
ensuring its credibility as a third-party audit.
The program also aims to standardize food safety management systems throughout the food chain,promote HACCP initiatives recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, further improve foodsafety management levels, and optimize food safety-related costs through audits and conformity
assessment. The letter of conformance can be used as proof of conformity to the requirements of the
JFS standard for the organization's business partners, and the auditing company issuing the letter ofconformance is responsible for the adequacy and validity of the letter of conformance.
This program was developed by JFSM, and the copyright and other rights relating to this program are
the property of JFSM.
1.3 Standard Documents and Applicable Sectors
The standards and corresponding sectors and subsectors that will be used as reference documents forauditing organizations in this program are listed in Annex 3.

1

2. PROGRAM OWNERSHIP REGULATIONS
2.1 Program Owner
This program is operated and managed by JFSM.
2.2 Organizational Structure(1) JFSM establishes a Board of Directors as an executive body, an inspector to conduct business
operations audits, a Board of Trustees to decide on important matters, and a Secretariat to conduct
the affairs of the association at the direction of the Board of Directors.
(2) JFSM establishes a Stakeholder Committee and an audit company and Training Course Recognition
Committee (hereinafter referred to as the “Recognition Committee”) with the approval of the Boardof Directors. The duties of each committee are as follows.
①

Audit Company and Training

A committee to review audit companies and training

Course Recognition Committee

institutions and their training courses to determine
recognition, suspension, withdrawal, or renewal ofrecognition.
Based on a proposal from JFSM Secretariat, The
Committee shall consist of the following members
approved by the Board of Directors.
(1) Experts in the food and food raw material
manufacturing industry(2) Experts from the distribution industry(3) Consumer representatives(4) Experts in accreditation or certification(5) Academic experts (food safety and audit training)
The establishment and operation of the audit company
and training course recognition committee shall be
stipulated in the "Rules of the audit company andtraining course recognition committee".

②

Stakeholder Committee

This committee is an advisory body composed ofstakeholders to enable this program to be operated
fairly and equitably.
It shall consist of the following members, appointed anddismissed by the President with the approval of theBoard of Directors(1) Representatives of the food and food ingredient
manufacturing industry(2) Representatives of the distribution industry(3) Consumer representatives(4) Representatives of auditing companies2(5) A representative of a training organization (ifnecessary)(6) Food safety experts(7) Experts on specific issues (technical experts on
specific

sectorsor

sub-sectors

and/orrepresentatives of relevant businesses, if necessary)
Each member will provide expert advice in consultation
with the Board of Directors or the President, and eachmember will provide independent stakeholder input. The
committee is stipulated in the “Stakeholder Committee
Establishment and Operation Rules”.
(3) With the approval of the Board of Directors, JFSM establishes working groups to develop thisprogram document, standard documents for applicable sectors, and other standard documents(hereinafter referred to as “standard documents”). The establishment and operation of the Working
Groups shall be stipulated in the "Rules for Establishment and Operation of Working Groups for JFS
Audit and Conforming assessment Program".
2.3 Maintenance of Conformity Assessment Program(1) JFSM is comprehensively responsible for establishing, operating, and maintaining this program.
(2) JFSM develops and revises criteria documents with the advice of the Working Group. JFSM
prepares a draft and distributes it on JFSM website to call comments for a certain period. JFSM
makes a revision or amendment based on the received feedback and finalizes the document at the
Scheme Committee. The Scheme Committee provides the proposal document to the Board of
Directors. The approved document is published on JFSM website.
(3) JFSM meets at least once a year to adjust levels with the participation of audit companies to accept
and discuss proposals for the operation of this program and exchanging opinions on improving thecompetence of auditors and reviewers (hereinafter referred to as “Harmonization Meeting”).
(4) JFSM shall review this program at least once a year through management review and internal
audit, and revise it as necessary after consultation with the Stakeholder Committee. Whenreviewing, JFSM confirms that the standard documents of the program are up-to-date and that
opinions, questions, and complaints from stakeholders are taken into account.
(5) If a standard document requires a modification (wording correction) that does not involve a change
in content, a revised version may be issued after consultation with the Stakeholder Committee andwith the approval of the Board of Directors.
(6) When an update of the standard document occurs, JFSM will issue a notification letter to the audit
company and the conforming organization indicating the transition procedure to the new standard
document.

3

2.4 Communication with Stakeholders
JFSM establishes a contact point for opinions, inquiries, and complaints from stakeholders regarding
the Program. JFSM establishes and discloses rules regarding the handling of objections and complaints
relating to the Program.
2.5 Registration, Publication, and Changes of Information by the Program Owner
JFSM shall publish the following information on audit companies and compliant organizations:Registration in JFSM-DB shall be made under JFSM Database System Operation Manual.
①

Registration Field

Announced Data

Recognized Audit

Name and location of the audit company
Date of the contract with JFSM
Registered sector (subsector in the case of sector E)
Contact information (URL, etc.)
Name and location of the conforming organization(prefecture)
Product (group)
Sector (or subsector in the case of the food manufacturingsector)
The version of the applicable standard
Issue date of conformity assessment (date of initial
registration is the issue date of conformity assessment)
JFSM registration number
The expiry date of the conformity assessment

Company②Compliant Organizations

2.6 Activity Report
JFSM shall prepare the annual report on its activities, including the results of the analysis of inquiries
and complaints received by JFSM regarding the Program, and report the results of such analysis to the
Recognition committee. In addition, the annual activity report is submitted to the Stakeholder
Committee, audit companies, approved training organizations, and other stakeholders.

43. REQUIREMENTS FOR AUDIT COMPANY
3.1 Audit Company Criteria
The audit companies shall be:(1) Companies, local governments, and trade associations which conduct, for instance, audits,
consultations, and inspections related to food safety,Or(2) Food-related organizations (retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and so on) that
conduct second-party audits,
The audit company must have made an institutional decision to state or specify audit and conforming
assessment services in its articles of incorporation or other documents and must have positioned
auditing as a business. The articles of incorporation must be amended at least one year after
registration as an audit company.
The audit company shall be an organization that meets the following requirements.
(1) The company has auditors and reviewers who have the competence specified in 5.1 (including
auditors and reviewers based on outsourcing contracts).
(2) shall have reviewers or an Assessment Review Committee capable of evaluating the audit resultsof the auditors and determining the assessment of conformity.
(3) shall have procedures for conducting Audit and Conformity Assessment activities. The procedures
shall include internal audits, management reviews, and procedures for maintaining the competenceof auditors and reviewers.
(4) shall document and maintain records of the procedures deemed necessary for executing theiractivities. At least the following shall be documented.
① Operational procedures for conducting audits and reviews and issuing a letter of conformance② Internal audit procedures and records③ Management review procedures and records④ Procedures and records concerning the maintenance of competence of auditor and reviewer.
(5) shall have the resources (personnel, equipment, and funds) necessary to continually conduct Audit
and Conformity Assessment activities.
(6) shall have a system in place based on ISO19011:2018, Paragraph 4 (Audit Principles) for auditors,
reviewers, and other personnel involved in auditing activities to conduct independent and fair
audits.
(7) A structure for the management of impartiality and independence of auditing and conforming
assessment activities shall be in place under ISO 17021-1:2015 5.2.1 to 5.3. This structure shall
include top management commitment to impartiality and independence in auditing and conforming
assessment activities.
(8) The auditor shall be able to perform audit and conforming assessment services under therequirements of each standard document, annex, regulation, procedure, and notification document
established by JFSM
5

3.2 Impartiality and Independence of Audit and Review (Including Relationship between Consultation
and Audit Activities)
3.2.1 Prerequisites for an impartial audit
For the concept of points to be considered in the investigation of impartiality in auditing andreviewing, please refer to "Appendix 1 of the Audit Protocol: Concept of Investigation of Impartiality
in Auditing and reviewing".
(1) To conduct an impartial audit, the audit company shall investigate in advance whether any
potential threats could impair impartiality and independence. A threat to impartiality andindependence is a relationship that may affect judgment in the audit and judgment. Audit
companies shall not conduct audits of organizations where threats remain that cannot be
eliminated. Investigations of threats to impartiality and independence shall be conducted by theaudit company's manager to identify and address threats to the impartial performance of theaudit. The results of the investigation of threats to impartiality and independence shall berecorded.
(2) Before agreeing to an audit and conformity assessment with an organization that intends toundergo an audit and conformity assessment, the relationship between the organization andthe audit company shall be investigated for any possible threats to impartiality andindependence. This investigation shall include the relationship between the organization andthe person who has been awarded the audit, as well as the relationship between the consulting
party and the audit company.
(3) Before each audit and review, an investigation shall be conducted to determine whether there
are any potential threats to impartiality and independence in the relationship between theorganization and the auditor/reviewer. This investigation shall include the relationship with theconsulting party and the auditor/reviewer's relationship with the organization, both public andprivate.
(4) If the impartiality or independence of an audit or review conducted by an audit company isquestioned, JFSM will investigate the audit company and, if the impartiality or independence isdetermined to be impaired, JFSM will discuss with the audit company the suspension of the
public disclosure of the organization in question and the suspension or revocation of theconformity assessment.
3.2.2 Consultation and Audit Activities
Audit companies may provide consulting to an audited organization at a different date and timethan the audit. However, a person who has provided consulting to an organization shall not, as anauditor or reviewer, conduct an audit of the same organization or review the audit until two years
have passed since the consulting ended.
The consulting and the audit shall be performed independently, and the person who performed
the consulting shall not influence the audit or review. If consulting is performed by a person
6belonging to an audit company (including outsourced consultants), the consultant shall not bepresent at the audit or review of the organization until two years have elapsed from the date ofcompletion of the consulting.
3.3 Recognition review of auditing companies
A legal entity seeking recognition as an audit company (hereinafter referred to as the "Applicant
Company") The initial registration audit and registration shall be conducted under the "JFS Audit andRegistration Rules for Audit Companies Engaged in Conformity Assessment Services". The initial
registration audit and registration shall be conducted under the Initial Registration Audit of Audit
Companies for JFS Auditing and Conformity Assurance Services.
3.4 Audit Company Registration and Announcement
The audit company shall submit or report information on the audit company, including auditors andreviewers, conforming organizations, and audits by submitting them to JFSM or entering them in JFSMDB based on the following table.
Event

Notification/reporting

Notification/reporting

Notification

items

method/reporting deadline

Information on the audit

Notification to JFSM

Contract for Audit

company’s structureusing the required form.

Services

Information on the

The information isConclusioncompetence of auditors

entered into JFSM-DB

and reviewers

after confirmation by

Modification of theInformation about the

JFSM.

audit company's

audit company's structure

systemthat has been modified.

Expansion of the

Expanding sectors andNotification to JFSM

When the sector of

audit company

information on sector

using the required form.

the audit company

sectorexpansion for auditors

The information is

expands.

and reviewers

entered into JFSM-DB

Immediately after
signing the contract

Within 30 days aftera modification

after confirmation by thecommittee.
Annual Activity

Annual activity report

Submit to JFSM in

At the time ofreport(including information on

written form.

surveillance officethe status of internal

review by JFSM.

audits and management
reviews, information on
the maintenance of thecompetence of auditors7and reviewers, and theresults of questionnaires
and other feedback fromthe audited organization)
Additional

Information on the

Notification to JFSM

When additional

registration ofcompetence of auditors

using the required form.

auditors and/or

auditors and/oror reviewers

The information isreviewer isentered into JFSM-DB

registeredreviewers
Change ofInformation on theafter confirmation by

Within 30 days after

registeredcompetence of modified

JFSM.

the modification.

information on

auditors and/or reviewers

Enter in JFSM-DB.

By the 15th of theauditors andreviewers
Initial or renewal

Information on the first or

audit

renewed audit of themonth following theorganization and themonth of conformity

conformity, and the audit

assessment

information
Surveillance audit

Surveillance audit

By the 15th of theinformation

month following themonth of thesurveillance audit

Change ofRegistered information on

Report to JFSM by

Within 30 days after

registered

the changed conforming

email after entering

the change.

information on theorganization

JFSM-DB.

If the change isconforming

made after a review,organizationfrom the date ofcompletion of thereview to the 15th of
the following month.

Suspension and lift

Information on the

Notification to JFSM by

In principle, within 5of suspension oforganization thatthe written form.

business days ofthe conforming

suspended/unsuspended

the decision toorganizationand the reason forsuspend.

suspension/unsuspension

Within 5 businessdays after thesuspension is lifted.
(See 4.12.2)

Cancellation ofInformation on the

Notification to JFSM
8

In principle, within 5

Conforming

canceled organization

using the required form.

organization,and the reason for thethe date ofPartial Sector

cancellation

cancellation. (SeeCancellation
3.5

business days from

4.12.3)

Renewal, Suspension, Withdrawal of Audit Company Recognition, and Takeover of conforming

organizations
3.5.1

Renewal of Recognition

JFSM conducts Surveillance audits of the audit company once a year, in principle, based on thecontent of 3.4, to confirm the conformity and effectiveness of the requirements of the audit
company as specified in this program. JFSM may also conduct extraordinary audits if there is arisk that the audit company may not meet the requirements of 3.1. The audits performed by JFSM
are separately stipulated in the “Rules on the procedures for surveillance and extraordinary auditsof audit companies for JFS audits and certifications of conformity”.
JFSM may attend audits and reviews conducted by the audit company, depending on the risk to
the reliability of the audit and review. The audit company must agree with the organization when
JFSM requests to be present at auditing and reviewing. JFSM reports the results of the audit
company to the Recognition Committee and, decides on maintaining the recognition of the audit
company based on the decision of the committee.
3.5.2

Suspension of Recognition(1) If an audit company falls into any of the following categories and appropriate corrective action is
not taken within 30 days, JFSM may request a decision from the Recognition committee and,based on that decision, suspend the approval.
① The audit company has neglected to notify or report to JFSM or has given a false
notification or report.
② The audit company has intentionally misused the logo provided by JFSM.
③ The audit company cannot provide sufficient evidence to confirm that the requirements of
3.1 are satisfied.
(2) Upon suspension, JFSM shall evaluate the effectiveness of the audit and review of theorganization, and JFSM shall request a determination from the Recognition Committee, which
determines the treatment of the Conforming organization's certification of conformance and thescope of the audit company's activities during the suspension. If it is determined that the validity
is not assured, JFSM shall suspend the public disclosure of the organization in question anddiscuss with the audit company the suspension or withdrawal of the Conforming organization's
certification. If the validity of the audit and review of the organization is determined to be assured,
the conforming organization's conformity assessment shall be maintained.
(3) After the decision of suspension, the audit company shall submit a corrective action plan to
JFSM within 30 days, and JFSM shall review the audit company's compliance with therequirements of 3.1 and the effectiveness of the corrective actions by an extraordinary review,9in principle within 30 days of the submission of the corrective action completion report. The
suspension shall be lifted. The audit company shall be notified of the lifting of the suspension,
together with the reasons.
3.5.3 Withdrawal of Recognition from JFSM
If the audit company falls under any of the following cases, JFSM may seek a decision from the
Recognition Committee and withdraw the recognition of the audit company based on thecommittee's decision.
(1) The contract between JFSM and the audit company has been terminated.
(2) No effective corrective action has been taken by the audit company within a considerable period
after the suspension.
(3) Refuses, interferes with, or evades an office audit by JFSM without justifiable reason.
(4) JFSM has determined that it will damage the reputation of the JFS Standard or cause undue
disadvantage to the organization.
In the event of withdrawal following the decision of the Recognition Committee,
JFSM notifies the audit company in advance of the reasons.
3.5.4 Decline of Recognition from Audit Company(1) If an audit company seeks to decline its recognition, it shall consult with JFSM before declining
its recognition. At that time, the following information must be submitted to JFSM.
① Acceptance of the conforming organization's response to the letter of conformance.
② Whether or not the conforming organization is to be taken over, and to whom.
③ Scheduled completion of the handover(2) The audit company shall be responsible for taking over the conforming organization, if any, fromthe audit company so that the conforming organization is not disadvantaged. When taking overa conforming organization, the audit company agrees to submit information on the conforming
organization (including audit reports and other audit documentation) to the succeeding audit
company and JFSM.
(3) The audit company shall be responsible for the conformity status of the conforming organization
until the takeover of the conforming organization is completed. JFSM may terminate theagreement between JFSM and the audit company and withdraw its recognition after completionof the takeover of the organization; JFSM will report the withdrawal to the Recognitioncommittee, which may seek the advice of the Recognition committee as necessary in making
its decision on the withdrawal.
(4) The contract between the audit company and JFSM will continue until the transition of theconforming organization is completed.
3.5.5 Taking over of Conforming Organization
An audit company may transfer a conforming organization to another audit company. The
10

transfer shall be performed by the "Procedures for Transferring a conforming organization".
3.6 Retention of Documents and Security of Confidential Information
Audit companies shall retain documents related to their audit and letter of conformance services toconforming organizations (including audit and letter of conformance applications, contracts, audit
reports, a letter of conformance, and audit evidence (including checklists, auditors' notes, etc.),
hereinafter referred to as "Audit Reports, etc.") for at least 6 years.
Even after the contract with a conforming organization has been terminated, the audit company shallnot disclose the business secrets of the conforming organization obtained during the audit andconformity assessment to a third party without the consent of the organization.
The audit company shall handle audit reports and documents as confidential information. In principle,
the audit company shall obtain written consent from a conforming organization when providing or
disclosing audit reports and documents to a third party. However, audit reports and documents may beprovided to JFSM to confirm that the auditor has properly performed the audit by the requirements. The
audit company shall obtain the prior written consent of the conforming organization that the audit reports
and documents will be provided to JFSM for review of the audit company by JFSM.
3.7 Objections from Audit Companies
An audit company or applicant company (see 3.3 (1)) shall be able to respond with an objection to
any unfavorable decision made by JFSM only within 30 days from the day following the date that thedecision is received. The objection shall be filed in the designated form or by a method that makes thecontents of the objection clear (including electromagnetic methods such as e-mail). In the event of suchan objection, JFSM shall respond to it under the "Rules for Handling Objections to Audits andConformity Assurance Programs".
3.8 Participation in Harmonization Meetings
The audit company shall participate in the Harmonization Meeting specified in 2.3. Audit companies
shall educate auditors/reviewers who have not participated in the harmonization meeting on the content
of the meeting and assess their level of understanding. Records of implementation and evaluation ofunderstanding shall be submitted to JFSM by the deadline required by JFSM.
At the request of JFSM, audit companies shall participate in meetings and training sessions
designated by JFSM.
3.9 Feedback from Conforming Organization
The audit company shall have a structure to obtain feedback from the audited organization regarding
the audit and conformity assessment from the conforming organization after the completion of the audit,e.g., through questionnaires. The feedback shall include, at a minimum, an assessment of the auditor's
performance. The results of the feedback shall be reviewed during the management review.

114. AUDIT AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
4.1 Validity of Audit and Conformity Assessment
The period of validity of a letter of conformance under this program shall be until the day before thesame day of the same month three years later*1 In the case of an initial audit, the starting date shall be
the date of review (date of initial conforming assessment), and in the case of a renewal audit, thestarting date shall be the day after the expiration date of the original letter of conformance.
*1 In the case of an audit conducted on February 29, the letter of conformance shall be valid until
February 28, three years later.
Upon agreement with the conforming organization that the expiration date of the conformity
assessment (including the period subject to the registration fee) will be shortened, the audit company
may set the starting date of the new conformity assessment to a date before the expiration date of thecurrent conformity assessment. The agreement with the conforming organization shall be documented.
In principle, one letter of conformance shall be issued for one site and one sector. For the foodproduction sector, one letter of conformance may be issued for several sub-sectors (CI to CIV); if onesite covers both the food production sector and the chemical production sector, a letter of conformancemust be issued for each sector.
The audit company audits, in principle, once a year to confirm whether the conforming organizations
are conforming to the requirements of the Standard. Audits include the following:
Audit typeContent

Implementation period

Initial audit

Confirm that the organization that

When the application (4.2) isseeks to receive the conformity

received from the organizationassessment has established andeffectively operates a system that
conforms to the requirements of
the JFS Standard.
Renewal audit

Confirm and evaluate that the

In principle, the review shall be completed

conforming organization has

before the expiration of the period of validity

continually conformed to theof the letter of conformance. Failure torequirements of the JFS Standard

complete the review by the expiration dateand has been operating effectively

will result in the revocation of the letter ofthroughout the valid period (3conformance.

years) of the conformity
assessment.
Surveillance

Verify that conforming

In principle, the on-site audit shall be

audit

organizations continue to meet

conducted within three months before or

and maintain the JFS Standard

after the first letter of conformance or one
12requirements.

or two years after the date of the renewal of
the letter of conformance.
When an audit is postponed for more than
3 months, a risk assessment shall be madeand recorded based on the results ofprevious audits, the status of response to
non-conformities, and the impact on thestate of conformity due to the event that is
the reason for the postponement of theaudit. The reasons for the postponement
and the results of the risk assessment shallbe submitted to JFSM for approval topostpone the audit.

Additional

An audit was conducted to expand

Audit

the scope of conforming

When necessary

assessment. For the expanded
scope, it is confirmed that asystem conforming to therequirements of the JFS standard
has been established and is being
effectively operated in the samemanner as the initial audit.
Extraordinary

If an event as specified in 4.12.1

audit

occurs, the audit is conducted

When necessary

temporarily to confirm theconformity and effectiveness ofthe conforming organization.
re-audit

Audits were conducted on

When the suspension occurs. The

organizations that have beensuspension is to be completed, including

suspended under 4.12.2 to lift thethe review, within six months from the datesuspension.

of notification to the conforming
organization of the suspension, up to andincluding the lifting of the suspension.

4.2 Application for Audit and Conformity Assessment
The audit company accepts applications for an audit and conformity assessment from organizations
seeking to receive an audit and conformity assessment that are submitted using an Application Form on
Audit and Conformity Assessment (for the organization to be audited)
To conduct an impartial audit, upon receiving an application from an organization seeking to be13

audited and conforming organization, the audit company shall investigate any potential threats to
impartiality under 3.2. The results of the investigation shall be recorded. Audit companies shall not
conduct audits of organizations for which threats remain that cannot be eliminated.
4.3 Contracting and Management of Audit Conforming Assessment Services
If an audit company receives an Application Form on Audit and Conformity Assessment as stipulated
in 4.2 from an organization seeking to receive a conformity assessment, the audit company shall specify
the labor hours for performing the audit and conformity assessment, the auditor in charge, and othernecessary items related to the audit, and upon the agreement of the organization to be audited withsuch terms, a contract for the audit and conformity assessment shall be concluded.
The audit company shall record the number of man-hours to perform the audit and conforming
organization, the auditor/reviewer in charge, whether or not consulting services are provided to the audit
company and the organization to which the audit and review are entrusted, and if so, the person in
charge of consulting services and the date of completion of such services.
4.4 Appointment of Auditors and Reviewers, and Determination of Audit labor-hours(1) The auditors audit the activities of the organization seeking to be audited to confirm that it conforms
to the JFS Standard requirements relevant to the organization and that the organization's systems
are functioning effectively.
(2) The audit company may outsource the audit work to auditors who do not have a direct employment
relationship with the audit company and meet the requirements outlined in this program (called“outside auditors”). When outsourcing to external auditors, it must also be ensured that they arecompetent as auditors under the 5 Requirements for Personnel.
(3) Audit services may be outsourced to an organization registered as an audit company under JFS
standards. Have procedures and agree with the contractor to ensure that the competence of theauditors conducting the audit and the audit process is equivalent to those of the contractor. The
procedures shall include a process for receiving information on the auditor determined by thecontractor and determining the availability of the auditor. The outsourcing of audit services shall beagreed upon with the organization to be audited. The information of the outsourced organization
shall be notified to JFSM in the designated form. Even when audit services are outsourced, theresponsibility for the audit remains with the outsourced audit company.
(4) The audit company shall appoint auditors and reviewers registered with JFSM and shall notify theorganization to be audited of the names of the auditors in advance, after confirming the following.
① The auditor shall be an auditor registered in the sector to be audited (or in the case of the food
manufacturing sector, in the sub-sector). However, in the case of multiple auditors in the food
manufacturing sector and the chemical products manufacturing sector, at least one auditor
shall be an auditor registered in the sector (or subsector in the case of the food manufacturingsector) to be audited. The scope of expertise required for each sector/subsector shall be
performed by an auditor registered in the sector (or subsector in the case of the manufacturing14

sector of food products) to be audited. The other auditors shall be auditors registered in either
the food manufacturing sector or/the chemical manufacturing sector.
② The reviewer (in the case of a review committee, at least one of the members of thecommittee) must be a reviewer registered in the sector to be reviewed. However, in the case ofa reviewer, a reviewer registered in the sector of manufacturing food products may review thesector of manufacturing chemical products.
③ There is no potential threat to impartiality and independence in auditing and review. Threats to
impartiality and independence are judged under 3.2.
(5) An auditor who has performed audit work for an organization may not concurrently serve as areviewer for that audit.
(6) The audit company shall determine the labor hours to be audited based on Annex 1 and keep arecord as a basis for the calculation.
(7) If the audit company allows observers to participate, it must agree with the organization being audited
on rules to ensure that observers do not influence the audit. If observers are allowed to participate,
the organization is being audited and the audit company shall agree on rules to ensure that observers
do not influence the audit. The presence or absence of observers and the results of confirming thatthey do not influence the audit shall be documented.
4.5 Implementation of Audit(1) Auditors shall conduct audits under the "Audit Protocol.
(2) The audit company shall send a written audit plan to the organization to be audited in advance. The
audit plan shall include at least the following.
① Audit type (Initial audit, Surveillance audit, Renewal audit, etc.)② Scope of audit (sector/subsector, products/types covered (in the case of food services), etc.)③ Audit standard (name and version of the standard)④ Audit man-hours⑤ Audit Date
⑥ Names of all auditors⑦ Schedule an on-site audit⑧ The availability and scope of observers and training auditor candidates on the audit side. If
there are training auditor candidates, the scope of their activities.
(3) Auditors shall prepare an audit report immediately after the audit of the organization to be audited,and submit requests for correction requests and reports to the organization as necessary. Auditors
shall confirm the completion of the correction based on the correction request and report submitted
by the organization, and promptly submit the necessary documents for review, including the audit
reports, checklists, and correction requests and reports to the reviewer or Review Committee.
(4) At a minimum, the following must be included in any of the documents used for review, including
audit reports, audit checklists, and corrective action requests and reports.
① Name of the audit company
15

② Name, address, and representative of the audited organization (management or managementlevel representative *see Annex 6 Definition of Terms)③ Type of audit (Initial audit, Surveillance audit, Renewal audit, etc.)④ Scope of audit (sector/subsector, products/types covered (in the case of food services), etc.)⑤ Audit standard (name and version of the standard)⑥ Audit man-hours⑦ Audit date
⑧ Audit location (only if part of the audit was conducted at a location other than the organization
being audited)(For example, when interviews with management were conducted at the head office, which isdifferent from the factory that is the subject of the audit when some processes such as
interviews and initial and closing meetings were conducted in a rented conference room, etc.)⑨ If remote audits were conducted, the scope of such audits⑩ Names of all auditors who conducted the audit and their registered sectors/subsectors⑪ Summary of audit results, conclusions⑫ Individual evaluation results for all requirements and the basis for judgment(conformity/nonconformity) necessary for the reviewer to judge conformity (nonconformity).
⑬ Details of Nonconformities and Observations and Basis for Determination⑭ Guidance and advice (only if implemented)⑮ Whether the JFS standard logo is used and the appropriateness of its use (if applicable)⑯ Persons present at the audit other than the audited organization and auditors and their impact(if applicable)⑰ Follow-up results of nonconformities in previous audits⑱ The availability and scope of observers and training auditor candidates. If there are candidate
training auditors, the scope of their activities(5) The corrective action request/report shall have at least the following items.
① Nonconformity found and the section number of the applicable requirement② Nonconformity Category③ Basis for determination of nonconformity④ Deadlines for correction and corrective actions in the audited organization⑤ Date of correction completed⑥ Causes of nonconformity⑦ Corrective action (planned or completed) and date implemented⑧ A record and date of the auditor's confirmation of the completion of correction and corrective
actions or confirmation of plans for corrective actions⑨ A record and date of the reviewer's confirmation of the completion of correction and corrective
actions or confirmation of plans for corrective actions

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4.6 Remote Auditing using ICT
Audit companies may conduct audits by remote auditing using ICT. When conducting remote audits,the "Provision for Remote Audits for JFS Audits and Conformity Assessment Programs" shall be followed.
4.7 Conformity Assessment Criteria(1) After receiving the documents necessary for review, including the audit plan, audit report, audit
checklist, corrective action request/report, and evidence of correction/corrective action fornonconformity submitted by the auditor, the reviewer or review committee shall determine whether
the audited organization is in conformity with the standard and is functioning effectively, and shalldecide whether to grant or maintain the conformity assessment. The reviewers or the review
committee shall decide on whether or not to grant or maintain the conformity assessment. The
reviewer or the review committee shall keep a record of the results and basis for their decision.
(2) In making a review, the reviewer or review committee shalla) Is the content of the audit report sufficient in light of the requirements of the JFS standard and thescope of the audit?
b) Have the corrections and corrective actions been reviewed and validated for all nonconformities?
Details of the method and criteria for reviewing conformity shall be described in Annex 2.
(3) Upon reviewing the organization's compliance with the standard and determining that it isfunctioning effectively, the audit company shall certify the conforming organization's compliance.
The audit company shall document the basis for its review.
(4) When a person other than the reviewer (observer), including the auditor, is present at theassessment, it must be ensured that he/she does not influence the assessment, and a record ofthis must be kept.
(5) A person who has provided consulting services to an organization undergoing a review shall not be
involved in the review until two years have elapsed from the date of completion of the consulting
services.
(6) The audit company may outsource the review work to reviewers who meet the requirements
outlined in the Program (so-called "external reviewers") and who do not have a direct employment
relationship with the audit company. However, it shall be clarified that the audit company shall be
responsible for the review. Even when outsourcing to external reviewers, it must be ensured thatthey are competent as reviewers within “Requirements for Personnel” in 5. Review services may
not be outsourced to another audit company.
4.8 Guidance and Suggestions during Audit
Auditors are encouraged to provide guidance and suggestions during the audit, keeping in mind thatthe organization shall remain autonomous. If any guidance or suggestions have been given, the auditor
shall record this fact.

17

4.9 Audit Results Notification
The audit company shall inform JFSM and the auditee of the result determined by the reviewer or theAssessment Review Committee. In case the letter of conformance is not issued, the audit company
shall provide the auditee reasons with the result.
4.10 Issue of a Letter of Conformance(1) When an audit company determines an organization to conform to the initial audit, it issues a letterof conformance to the organization after entering the information into JFSM-DB and confirming it by
JFSM. The validity period of the conformity assessment shall be under 4.1.
When an organization is reviewed as conforming organization in the renewal audit, an audit
company shall enter into JFSM-DB and issue a letter of conformance to the organization. However,in the case of a change in the registered items of the letter of conformance, it shall be under 4.14.
(2) The letter of conformance shall have the registration number assigned by JFSM (hereinafterreferred to as the “JFSM registration number”) written below the JFS Standard logo and shall
include the following items. The audit company may separately write a uniquely determinedregistration number at a position decided by the audit company.
①

Conforming organization name②

Site name③

Location of the site (if the site spans multiple addresses, only the address representing the site

may be used)④

Product group⑤

Sector (or subsector in the case of the food manufacturing sector)⑥

JFSM registration number⑦

Conformity to applicable standards Evidence of conformity in writing⑧

Applicable standards and their version numbers⑨

Date of initial conforming assessment (date of initial audit review)⑩

Date of review (date of the most recent review of any review conducted at the time of issuanceof the conformity assessment)⑪

Date of issuance (in case of reissuance after the initial conforming assessment)
For example: when there is a change in the description of a product group, etc., at the time of arenewal audit of a conforming organization, after an additional audit, when a change in thename of the Organization occurs, when there is an upgrade of the standard, etc.

⑫

Expiration date of the letter of conformance⑬

Name and location of the audit company (prefecture)⑭

Audit company representative name and seal⑮

Name of representative auditor⑯ Name of the reviewer or representative of the Assessment Review Committee(3) When a conforming organization uses the logo of the JFS standard, the audit company shallensure that the conforming organization complies with the "JFS Standard Logo Handling Rules".
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(4) JFSM may investigate any misrepresentation found in the Letter of conformance and require theaudit company to take corrective action.
4.11 Registration of conforming organization(1) Audit companies shall register information on conforming organizations with JFSM by entering it
into JFSM-DB, following the "JFSM Database System Operation Manual".
If requested by JFSM, the audit company shall submit documents related to the audit, including theaudit report, to JFSM (see 3.4).
(2) The audit company shall collect the registration fee from the conforming organization and pay it to
JFSM. The registration fee shall be determined separately by JFSM.
(3) Audit companies shall submit documents related to the audit to JFSM when requested by JFSM.
The handling of confidential information is specified in 3.6.
4.12 Renewal, Suspension, and Withdrawal of Conformity Assessment
4.12.1 Extraordinary Audit(1) When any of the following ① and ② applies, the audit company shall receive a report fromthe conforming organization without delay that the incident in ① and ② has occurred.
If ③ applies, JFSM shall receive a report from the conforming organization upon completionof the initial response by the conforming organization.
The audit company shall report to JFSM within three business days of being contacted by the
conforming organization.
① If products manufactured on lines subject to conformity assessment are seized (recalled)
or voluntarily collected for food safety reasons② If the conforming organization receives an administrative action, such as administrative
guidance or a business suspension order, due to a food safety problem③ If there is a possibility that the product may not conform to the requirements of thestandard due to a natural disaster, fire, etc.
(2) The audit company shall determine whether it is necessary to conduct an extraordinary audit
to confirm the status of the conforming organization's conformity. When a situation describedin (1) ①, ②, or ③ occurs, the audit company shall report to JFSM in writing the details of
the occurrence, the response taken, and whether or not an extraordinary audit will be
conducted and the basis for the decision. (In principle, the report shall be made within 5business days after the decision on whether or not to conduct an extraordinary audit.
(3) The audit company shall conduct an extraordinary audit when it is considered necessary.
When an extraordinary audit is conducted, the results shall be reported to JFSM by the 15thof the month following the date of completion of the review by inputting them into JFSM-DB
and submitting audit documents (audit report, nonconformity, and corrective action report,
review record, etc.).
(4) Upon request of JFSM, the audit company shall submit additional information regarding the19events in (1) ①② and ③ and the extraordinary audit.
4.12.2 Suspension of Conforming assessment(1) The audit company shall suspend the conformity assessment of the conforming organization
if any of the following applies.
① If the conforming organization does not conform to the requirements of the standard andthere is no prospect of correction (including cases in which the organization's operations
are continually stopped due to a natural disaster, fire, etc.)② If there is a major nonconformity with the requirements of the standard at the conforming
organization③ When a nonconformity to the requirements of the standard is found in a conforming
organization and the audit company requests correction and corrective actions (orcorrective plans in case of minor nonconformities) within a reasonable period (in principle,
within three months), but appropriate corrective actions are not taken within this period④ The conforming organization does not allow a surveillance or renewal audit to be
conducted(2) The audit company shall notify the conforming organization and JFSM in writing of thesuspension of the conformity assessment with the reasons for the suspension, in principle
within 5 working days of the decision to suspend.
(3) Audit companies must ensure that the letter of conformance and logo is not used in principle
by the conforming organization during the suspension, or that the use of the logo does not
mislead the public into believing that the organization has been certified as conforming during
the suspension.
(4) The period of the suspension of the conformity assessment shall, in principle, be six months
from the date of notification to the conforming organization. The audit company shall cancel
the suspension after confirming that the nonconformity that caused the suspension has beencorrected. The audit company shall notify the relevant conforming organization and JFSM in
writing of the lifting of the suspension and the basis for it. The notification shall be made within
5 business days of the lifting of the suspension. Audit companies are encouraged to provide
appropriate guidance and advice to the conforming organization in correcting thenonconformity.
4.12.3 Withdrawal of Conforming Organization(1) The audit company shall withdraw the conformity assessment of the conforming organization
if any of the following applies.
① If no corrective action has been taken by the conforming organization within six months, inprinciple, after the suspension of the conformity assessment and the conformity andeffectiveness of the identified nonconformity cannot be confirmed.
② If the contract between the audit company and the conforming organization has been
20

canceled.
(2) The audit company shall notify the relevant conforming organization and JFSM of thewithdrawal of the conformity assessment in writing with the reason for the withdrawal.
Notification to JFSM shall be made within 5 working days of the revocation in principle. If a
conformity assessment is expired without conducting a renewal audit before the expiration
date, the conforming organization concerned and JFSM shall be notified in the same manner.
(3) The audit company shall ensure that the letter of conformance and the logo are not used inprinciple by the conforming organization whose letter of conformance has been withdrawn.
4.13 Reinstatement of Conforming Assessment
Failure to complete a renewal audit review within the period of validity of the letter of conformance will
result in the letter of conformance being revoked. A conformity assessment may be reinstated if arenewal audit review is completed within 6 months of the expiration date of the expired conformity
assessment. The effective date of the reinstated letter of conformance shall be the date of the renewal
audit review, and the letter of conformance shall be valid for three years from the day after the expiration
date of the expired conformity assessment.
4.14 Minute Changes of Registration Data on Letter of conformance
If any part of the information described in the letter of conformance needs to be changed, theconforming organization shall submit a copy of the letter of conformance that describes the changes tothe audit company that issued the letter of conformance.
If the audit company deems it necessary to change the registered items of the letter of conformance,
the company shall change the registration of JFSM-DB and send the changed letter of conformance to
JFSM (See 3.4).
4.15 Announcement of Conforming Organization
JFSM announces the information specified in 2.5 ② about conforming organizations on JFSM
website.

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5. Requirements for Personnel
5.1 Competence Requirements for Auditor or Reviewer
Regardless of whether or not the personnel are outsourced, the audit company shall ensure that theauditor possesses the competence stipulated in (1) to (3) below and that the reviewer possesses thecompetence stipulated in (1) to (4) below.
(1) Audit skills and knowledge to① Effectively plan and organize the audit② Conduct audits within the agreed period③ Communicate with people at all levels of the audited organization④ Conduct interviews and gather evidence⑤ Gather evidence by observation and investigation⑥ Review materials and records and gather evidence⑦ Analyze, verify, and organize audit evidence and summarize audit findings⑧ Prepare audit reports(2) Technical skills and knowledge of sector and subsector① Management system standards② Codex HACCP③ Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)④ Food safety laws and regulations(3) Behavior and systematic thinking① Leadership and behavior② Systematic thinking (problem-solving, root cause analysis)③ Organization and social code of conduct(4) Skills to review conformity① Auditing or consulting experience② Ability to understand and confirm the content of the audit report③ Ability to review conformity
5.2 Auditor or Reviewer Registration(1) Initial registration
The audit company evaluates whether the person has the competence stipulated in 5.1 by thefollowing method, and submits an application for registration of the auditor to JFSM along with
documents supporting the evaluation.
If a person whose registration as an auditor/reviewer has been suspended due to the requirements
in 5.4 (1) (ii) or (3) or a person whose registration as an auditor/reviewer has been withdrew due tothe requirements in 5.5 (1) registers for the first time, the completion of correction of the nonconformitythat was the reason for suspension or revocation shall be confirmed and the record of such correction
shall be submitted to JFSM.
① Confirm that the prospective auditor has completed training conducted by a training organization
22

approved by JFSM or designated by JFSM within the past 10 years. (ii) Confirm that the candidate
has been registered with another audit company as an auditor for the sector concerned under
JFSM standards.
② Confirm that each potential auditor has a minimum of three audits/consulting experiences in foodsafety, including HACCP, with different organizations.
③ The competent assessor specified in 5.6 shall attend an audit of a prospective auditor within one
year before the date of application for registration with JFSM to assess the auditor's competence
to audit.
④ At least one year of work experience in food safety for each sector (or sub-sector in the case of
the food manufacturing sector, same below). Three audits or consulting experiences, eachconducted by a different organization, shall be considered equivalent to one year of work
experience. The head of the audit company shall confirm that the applicant has competence insector-specific audits. Sector-specific food safety-related work experience is specified in Annex 4.
Audits in ② through ④ of this section include internal audits, two-party audits, substitute two-party
audits, and third-party audits related to food safety, including HACCP, and mock audits of JFS
standards conducted under this program document (letter of conformance is not given) Including
audits in which you participated as a training auditor candidate (see Annex 6) in an audit of JFS
standards.
One person may be registered as an auditor and a reviewer at the same time. The audit company
shall maintain a record of these assessments and shall submit this record to JFSM if requested by
JFSM.
(2) Maintaining registration（Requirements for auditors in the JFS-A/B standard）① To maintain audit competence, auditors must conduct at least one audit per year of the food
manufacturing sector or the chemical manufacturing sector according to JFS standards. Auditors
who have not performed at least one audit engagement per year shall complete maintenancetraining.
② To maintain the knowledge required for auditing, auditors must pass the annual auditor/reviewer
examination provided by JFSM. If they fail or have not yet taken the auditor/reviewer examination,
they must complete follow-up training.
③ If required by JFSM, auditors shall complete an examination or training course designated by
JFSM.
(3) Competence assessment of auditors (Requirements for auditors in the JFS-A/B standard)
The audit company shall have a mechanism for a competence auditor, as defined in 5.6, toperiodically attend the auditor's audits and evaluate the auditor's auditing skills. This mechanism shall
include one assessment within three years of initial registration and at least once every five years
thereafter. Include a mechanism for training or reassessment on a risk-based basis (for example,
23

when competence is called into question during JFSM office audits, complaints, reviews in judgments,
internal audit reviews, etc.).
(4) Expansion of Sector or Subsector
If an audit company wishes to expand the registration of auditors' subsectors (CI-CIV) in the food
manufacturing sector or the chemical manufacturing sector (K), the responsible person of the audit
company shall evaluate the competence of the auditors to audit each sector or subsector according
to the procedure specified in 5.2 (1) (iv), and shall apply to JFSM for the expansion of the sector orsubsector together with the results of the evaluation. (2) (1) (iv), and apply to JFSM for the sector orsubsector expansion with the results of the evaluation.
5.3 Renewal and Suspension of Reviewer Registration(1) Initial registration
The audit company shall evaluate that the reviewer has the competence specified in 5.1, in addition
to 5.2 (1), by the method specified below, and apply for registration of the reviewer to JFSM with
documents supporting the evaluation, and JFSM shall assess the competence of the reviewer andregister the reviewer.
① Confirm that the candidate for reviewer has audit experience according to JFS standards orother food safety management standards including HACCP.
② The candidate for reviewer shall conduct at least one mock review of an audit report by JFS
standards or other food safety management including HACCP within one year before the date ofapplication for registration to JFSM, and the competent assessor specified in 5.6 shall evaluate
the candidate's skills as a reviewer base on the contents of the mock review.
One person may be registered as an auditor and a reviewer at the same time. The audit company
shall maintain a record of these assessments and shall submit this record to JFSM when requested
by JFSM.
(2) Maintaining registration（Requirements for reviewers of the JFS-A/B standard）① To maintain competence in reviewing, reviewers must conduct at least one review per year
using JFS standards in the food manufacturing sector or the chemical product manufacturingsector. Reviewers who have not conducted at least one review per year shall complete
maintenance training.
② To maintain the knowledge necessary for review, the auditor/reviewer must pass theauditor/reviewer examination provided by JFSM. If an auditor/reviewer fails or does not take theexam, the auditor/reviewer shall complete the follow-up training.
③ Reviewers shall complete examinations or training designated by JFSM if requested by JFSM.
(3) Assessment of the competence of reviewers（Requirements for reviewers of the JFS-A/B
24

standard）
Audit companies shall have a mechanism in place to assess the competence of reviewers by acompetent assessor as specified in 5.6 at least once every three years. The assessment
mechanism shall include a mechanism for training or reassessment, as appropriate to the risk (forexample, when competence is questioned during JFSM office audits, complaints, internal audit
reviews, etc.).
5.4 Withdrawal of Auditor / Reviewer Registration(1) JFSM suspends the registration of auditors or reviewers who fall under any of the following cases.
①Persons who have not conducted at least one JFS standard audit or review per year andhave not completed the maintenance training prescribed in 5.2 (2) and 5.3 (2)②Persons who have not, as a result of the examination by JFSM, conducted appropriate
audits or reviews and who have not had their audit or review competence confirmed③Those who have not taken or failed the auditor/reviewer examination and have not attended orcompleted the follow-up training. or have not completed the follow-up training.
When JFSM suspends the registration of an auditor or reviewer, JFSM shall notify the audit
company in writing.
Auditors or reviewers whose registration has been suspended shall not conduct audits or reviews.
(2) An auditor/reviewer who has been suspended under the above requirements may lift thesuspension in the following cases (1) When more than one of ①, ②, or ③ applies, allrequirements for lifting suspension must be met to lift the suspension.
An auditor or reviewer who has been suspended under ① above may have the suspension lifted
upon completion of maintenance training.
An auditor or reviewer who has been suspended under ② above may lift the suspension upon
confirmation by JFSM that the correction of the nonconformity has been completed.
The suspension of an auditor or reviewer who has been suspended under ③ above may be lifted
upon passing the auditor/reviewer examination or upon completion of follow-up training.
(3) If the audit company cannot confirm that the auditor or reviewer is not performing proper audit orreview work and is competent to perform audit or review, the audit company shall, at its discretion,suspend the registration of the auditor or reviewer. Suspended auditors or reviewers may have theirsuspension lifted upon confirmation of completion of correction of nonconformities and fulfillment of
the requirements in 5.2 (2) or 5.3 (2). The audit company shall notify JFSM in writing when it
suspends the registration of an auditor or reviewer and when it lifts the suspension.
5.5 Cancellation of Registration of Auditors and Reviewers(1) If the audit company determines that an auditor/reviewer does not meet the competence
requirements of 5.1, the audit company shall notify JFSM of such determination, and JFSM may
cancel the registration of such auditor/reviewer based on such notification.
(2) If the audit company, at its discretion, cancels the registration of an auditor or reviewer, or cancels
25

the registration of a sector or subsector in part, it shall notify JFSM of such cancellation and JFSM
shall cancel such registration.
5.6 Requirements for Competent Assessors(1) Appointment of competent assessors
Persons assessing the competence of auditors or reviewers under the requirements of 5.2(1)③,
5.2(3), 5.3(1)②, and 5.3(3) shall be competent assessors registered with JFSM.
Only if there is an agreement between the audit company and the organization to be audited, it isalso possible to outsource the work as an auditor to a person who has been assessed and registeredby another audit company.
When an witness is provided to the auditor conducting the on-site audit, the evaluation shall be
conducted in accordance with the rules for witness evaluations.
(2) Competence and Registration of Competent Assessors
The audit company shall ensure that the competent assessor meets the requirements of ①
through ④ below.
If the audit company wishes to register a new competent assessor, it shall evaluate the candidate
for a competency auditor to ensure that he/she meets the following criteria ① to ④ and apply to
JFSM for registration as a competency auditor with documentation supporting such evaluation.
① Possess the competencies specified in 5.1.
② Registered and maintained as either an auditor or reviewer for the sector concerned in the JFS
standard. If before audit company recognition, meet the requirements for initial registration as anauditor.
③ Competence to evaluate the performance of auditors and reviewers in light of the requirementsof the standard.
④ Have the necessary knowledge and skills for each sector or subsector covered and thecompetence to apply them in assessing the performance of auditors and reviewers.
As an example of the evaluation basis for ③ and ④, the auditor must have experience in auditing
and reviewing food safety management systems in the relevant sector or sub-sector*1 for at least
five cases, must have experience as an audit and review leader, must be confirmed to haveappropriate competence in the evaluation of competence in auditing, must have experience in at least
three cases of review and the content must be confirmed to be appropriate, and must conduct anappropriate evaluation of the competence of other auditors and reviewers. The applicant must haveexperience as an audit/audit leader, must be confirmed to have appropriate competence in theevaluation of competence in audits, must have at least 3 cases of experience in reviewing, and must
appropriately evaluate the competence of other auditors/reviewers. The basis for evaluation is not
limited to the above.

26

※1 Auditing/audit experience includes internal audits of food safety management systems, twoparty audits, substitute two-party audits, third-party audits, and mock audits of JFS standards
conducted under this program document (No letter of conformance is given), including audits
participated in as a candidate for training auditor (see Annex 6) for JFS standard audits.

27

Annex1 Determination of Audit man-hours (JFS-A/B standard)(1) Preparation of man-hours
The minimum audit man-hours for the preparation of the audit plan and document review the for
initial audit is 0.25 man-days the for JFS-A standard and 0.5 man-days for the JFS-B standard. For
Surveillance audits, Renewal audits, Re-audit, Additional audits, and extraordinary audits, thechanges from the previous audit in the organization shall be investigated, and if necessary, theman-hours for preparation shall be determined.
(2) Calculation of man-hours for the on-site audit
The audit company shall calculate the number of audit man-hours (man-days) that will allow theorganization being audited to adequately perform the audit, based on the formula for calculating thenumber of on-site audit man-hours outlined in this section. Records of the basis for such calculation
shall be maintained.
The audit company may increase or decrease the number of audit man-hours from the number of
man-hours calculated based on the calculation formula if it deems it necessary to conduct anappropriate audit and there are reasonable reasons*1 such as HACCP plan, facility size, andwhether the audit is a JFS-A/B audit. However, the basis for man-hour calculation must be recorded
Even if increased or decreased for any reason, the number of man-hours shall not be less thanthe minimum number of man-hours specified below.
In principle, each man-day is 8 hours (excluding travel time and including lunch break. However,
if audit activities are conducted while traveling, the travel time may be included.) (However, if audit
activities are conducted while traveling, the time spent traveling may be included.
※1 Examples of cases where man-hours are subtracted from the man-hours based on thecalculation formula are shown below. However, this is not limited to the following.
・In the JFS-A standard, the organization is very small, with only one or two rooms, and the on-site
audit takes only about one hour, so the minimum man-day was set at 0.5 man-days.
・Only one target product and a simple manufacturing process.
・Initial audit of the JFS-B standard, which is a step up from the JFS-A standard to the JFS-B
standard, focusing on the gap between the JFS-A and JFS-B standards.
① Formula for calculating man-hours for on-site audits for initial and Renewal audits
The formula and criteria for calculating the on-site audit man-hours (Ts) for initial and Renewal
audits shall be as follows. If the result of the man-hour calculation is a fraction, the audit time
may be rounded up to the nearest half-day and adjusted accordingly. The minimum man-days
for the JFS-B standard are 1.0 man-days, even if it is increased or decreased from the formula;
the minimum man-days for the JFS-A standard is 0.5 man-days.
Ts= TD+ TH + TFTW ＋TGMP
28

TD

Basic audit labor hours for conducting on-site audits (0.5 man-days inprinciple)

TH

Additional audit man-hours when the number of HACCP plansexceeds 2 (as shown in Table 1)
Even if there are multiple products to be audited, the number
of HACCP plans can be set to 1 if the plan to control thehazards related to the target products (groups) based on the 7 principles of
HACCP 12 procedures can be said to be thesame. (as shown in Table 1)

TFTW

Audit duration according to the number of workers (as shownin Table 1)
The number of employees shall be taken as the number of fulltime equivalent employees (full-time workers), calculated on
the basis of an eight-hour working day, five days a week.
Where shifts are worked (including seasonal workers) and the
products and/or processes are similar, the number of full-time
equivalents shall be the number of employees involved in themain shift plus administrative staff.

TGMP

Audit labor hours for GMP (in principle, 0.5 man-days)

Table 1 Criteria for calculating durations of the on-site audit
SectorCI～IV/K

TD

0.5

TH

TFTW

Number of HACCP plans

1～50＝01～2＝051～100＝0.25

3～4＝0.25

101～500＝0.5

5～6＝0.5

501～1000＝1.0

7～8＝0.75

1001～5000＝1.5≧9＝1.0≧5000＝2.0

TGMP

0.5

② Surveillance audit
The minimum man-days for Surveillance audit for JFS-B standard is 65% of Ts calculated by theformula shown in ① above. 0.5 man-days for JFS-A standard. However, in such cases, the onsite audit shall be the main focus of the audit.
③ Extraordinary audits, reaudits, and additional audits
Calculate based on the number of applicable requirements, the time required for an on-site auditof the audit scope, etc. The basis for the calculation must be documented.
29

Annex 2 Audit and Conformity Assessment Flow and Procedure(1) Conformity assessment criteria and handling method
Table 1 shows the assessment criteria and handling methods for each conformity or
nonconformity category.
Table 1-Conformity assessment criteria and handling methods for each conformity or
nonconformity category
SymbolStatus ofDefinition

Assessment criteria

Handling method

conformityaCritical

Failure to

If the requirements are

In the case of an initial audit,

nonconformity

comply withnot met and the safety of

the audit shall be stopped,

laws andthe product has not been

and after the criticalregulations that

ensured, or the laws

nonconformity is

directly affect orrelating to food safety

eliminated, the audit shall be

could seriously

have not been complied

conducted again.

affect foodwithIn the case of a periodic

safety.

audit, renewal audit,
additional audit, or
extraordinary audit, the audit
and letter of conformanceshall be suspended(4.12.2(1)②) and the auditor
shall be requested tocomplete corrective actions
within 6 months, and a new
audit shall be conducted after
the completion of corrective
actions.
In the case of a re-audit, theaudit shall be suspended anda new audit shall be
conducted after the criticalnonconformity is removed.
If the suspension, including
review, cannot be lifted within
6 months from the date of
notification of the suspension
30

to the conforming
organization, theorganization's conformity
assessment shall bewithdrawn under 4.12.3.
b

Major

Potential foodIf the requirements are

In principle, thenonconformity

safetynot met and the productcompletion of correction andimplications or

may no longer be safe,

corrective

failure toor the risk to food safety

actions shall be confirmed

comply withmay increase, failure towithin 30 days. If it isfood safetycomply with food safety

unavoidable to exceed 30

laws andlaws and regulations.

days, the basis for justifying

regulations

the extension of the deadline
must be confirmed. In
principle, if appropriate
corrective action is not taken
within a period of threemonths, the conformity
assessment shall besuspended.

c

Minor

Less likely to

If the requirements are

In principle, correction shallnonconformity

impact food

not met, but the resulting

be implemented within 30

safety.

product is safe, or thedays, and a corrective action

risk to food safety isplan shall be requested andunlikely to increase

approved. If it is unavoidable
to exceed 30 days, the basis
for justifying the extension of
the deadline must be
confirmed. (In principle, if
appropriate corrective
actions are not taken within aperiod of three months, thesuspension shall beconsidered a temporary
suspension. Completion of
the correction shall be
confirmed by an audit one
year later.

dConformityThe31requirements
are being met.
Observations

Same asWhen it can be judged

Record observations notedabove

as "conforming" there isas observations in thea possibility offindings section of the audit

nonconformity if thechecklist.

operation is continued in
the same condition.
If the status of the audited organization concerning the requirements is deemed to be
excellent, that fact can be noted in the remarks column using an expression such as "good point".
(2) Procedures for non-conformities
If the audit company and the auditor determine that the audited organization is nonconforming andrequest the organization to correct the nonconformity or take corrective action, after confirming thatthe nonconformity has been corrected, a determination of conformity shall be made and a review
shall be conducted.
"Corrective action" is a measure taken to eliminate the cause of the nonconformity to prevent thenonconformity identified in the audit from recurring. The audited organization implements the action
laterally to other lines and other departments and reviews the risks as necessary to prevent therecurrence of the nonconformity. The audit company shall confirm whether the corrective action isappropriate for preventing a recurrence and whether the nonconformity has recurred.
“Correction” is a measure to eliminate the nonconformity identified in the audit.
The audited organization shall take action to eliminate nonconformities that directly or potentiallyaffect food safety as identified in the audit and to prevent the manufacture and shipment of nonconforming products.
The following figure shows the flow of the response procedure for each nonconformity category.

32

Nonconformity
category

Audit category

Auditor response

Stop audit
Initial audit, re-audit

a. Criticalnonconfor
mity

Request for correction
or corrective actions

Confirmation ofcorrection or
corrective actions byauditorDetermination ofconformity by auditor

Review by reviewer orAssessment Review
Committee

On-site audit isconducted again after
correction or corrective
actions

Confirmation of correction
If there are no othernonconformities,
determine conformity

Review and decide to issue
a letter of conformance.
OR decide to lift thesuspension.

Decision not to assess
conformity or withdrawalof conformity assessment(4.12.3)

Not submitted

Annual audit,
renewal audit,
additional audit

Suspension of audit orconformity
assessment(4.12.2)
Correction/ corrective
actions request

Confirmation by on-site
audit after correction or
corrective actions

Nonconformity
categoryb. Major
nonconformity

Correction or
corrective actions
report by auditedorganization

Confirmation ofcorrection or
corrective actions byauditorDetermination ofconformity by auditor

Review by reviewer orAssessment Review
Committee

Audited organization
makes
correction/corrective
actions and reports tothe audit company

Confirmation ofcorrection or corrective
actions using
documents, photos, etc.
Repeat on-site audit asnecessary.

Confirmation of correction
or corrective actions anddetermination ofconformity

Review and make adecision to issue a letter ofconformance or to maintainconformance.

Requestcorrection/corrective
actions to auditedorganization

If correction cannot be
confirmed, request forresubmission ofcorrection report
Continuation of correction
or suspension ofconformity
assessment(4.12.2)

Not submitted

Nonconformity
categoryc. Minornonconformity

Request byauditor forcorrection

Review and make adecision to issue a letter ofconformance or to maintainconformance.

Withdrawal ofconformity
assessment(4.12.3)

Not submitted

Request byauditor forcorrection or
corrective
actions

Confirmation of correction
or corrective actions anddetermination ofconformity if there is noother nonconformity

Correction or
correction plan
report by auditedorganization

Confirmation ofcorrection or
corrective actions byauditorDetermination ofconformity by auditor

Review by reviewer orAssessment Review
Committee

Audited organization
submits correction
report and correction
plan to audit company

Confirmation of thecorrection using
documents and photos.
Confirmation ofcorrective actions plan

Confirmation of correction
report and corrective
actions plan anddetermination ofconformity

Review and make adecision to issue a letter ofconformance or to maintainconformance.

Request correction
to auditedorganization
Request forcorrection plan

If a correction report orcorrective actions plancannot be made, a rereport / request
Continuation of Correction
or Suspension of
Certification ofCompliance (4.12.2)

Not submitted33

Annex 3 Standard Documents and Applicable Sectors
The following are the standard documents used for auditing organizations in this program, including
the sectors and subsectors corresponding to each standard document.
Regarding the JFS Standard (Food Service) Sector: G, JFS Standard(Food Service・Multisite)
Sector: GM, and the JFS Standard for sorting and packing facilities for fruits and vegetables for
Thailand, in addition to this program, rules for auditing and conformity assessment shall be establishedseparately.

Standard document

JFS-A Standard
JFS-B Standard

SectorSubsector

symbolsymbolC

CI

Processing of perishable animal products

CII

Processing of perishable plant products

CIII

Processing of perishable animal and plant products(mixed products)

JFS-A Standard
JFS-B Standard

Sector and subsector name

CIV

Processing of ambient stable products-

Manufacture of chemical products (including
biochemical products)

K(Manufacture of additives, vitamins, minerals, cultures,
flavors, enzymes, processing aids, etc.)

JFS Standard(Food Service)
JFS Standard(Food Service)
JFS Standard for
Thailand

G
GM
DT

-

Food Service
Food Service・Multisite
Related to sorting and packing facilities for fruits andvegetables for Thailand JFS Standard

Note: Here, chemical products refer to food-related chemical products (including biochemical products).

34

Annex 4 Scope of Conforming Assessment, Experience in Work Related to Food Safety(Requirements for Auditors and Reviewers)
Examples of the scope of coverage by sector or subsector in the JFS-A/B standard and this program
document and the work experience required for auditors/reviewers related to food safety are shown in
Table 1.
Audit companies shall ensure that auditors/reviewers know the risks per the scope of application of
the audited organization.
Examples of efforts to obtain knowledge include training, work experience, audit/audit experience,
consulting experience, etc.
Table 1: Examples of industries and end products that fall into the sector/subsector
Sector or subsector Applicable Industry *1
Example of end product *2
Meatprocessing
Pork, beef
CI
Processing of
perishable animal
products

CII
Processing of
perishable plant
products
CIII
Processing of
perishable animaland plant
products (mixed
products)

CIV
Processing of
ambient stable

Poultry processing
Fish processing
Seafood processing
Manufacture of meatproducts
Manufacture of fishmeat products
Manufacture of dairy
products
Egg processing
etc.
Processing of fruits andvegetables
Processing of grains,nuts, and legumes
etc.
Manufacture of meatproducts
Manufacture of fishmeat products
Manufacture of dairy
products
Manufacture of nonheated eating andcooking products
etc.
Meat Products
Processing
Fish Product Processing
Dairy Technology

Chicken, duck meat
Fish sashimi, fish fillets
Shellfish, seaweed, squid, cod roe
Ham, sausage, roast beef
kamaboko (fish cake)
Milk, yogurt, ice cream, cheese
Eggs, boiled eggs
Pet foods made exclusively from animal-derived
ingredients
Pickles, fresh fruits, fresh juices (those requiring
refrigeration), cut vegetables
Tofu, almond milk, soy milk, soy meat, fried tofu
Edible ice, ice cream, pet food made from plantderived ingredients only, raw noodles
Chilled side dishes, pizza, wheat paste products(shumai, dumplings), hamburgers, men chikatsu
Fried horse mackerel, fried fish cake withvegetables
Cakes, cream puffs, fruit yogurt, pudding
Lunch boxes, side dishes, delicatessen, readyto-eat foods, sandwiches
Fresh pet food of mixed animal and vegetable
originDried meat
Fish tsukudani, dried fish
Long-life milk (milk that can be stored at room
temperature)35

products

K
Manufacture ofchemical products(including

Food Processing

Freeze-dried products (miso soup, etc.),
dressings, seasonings, cup noodles, chocolate

Heat Processing
Baking Technology
Brewery Technology
Extrusion Forming
Technology
Vegetable and animal
fats
Sugar refining
Manufacture ofbeverages
Manufacture of alcoholic
beverages
etc.
Fermentation
technology

Canned products, retort pouch foods
Bread, biscuits, baked goods
Miso paste, soy sauce
Pasta, snack foods, shirataki

Chemical engineering

Supplements, Food Additives, Vitamins

Biochemical engineering

Amino acids, food additives

Oils and fats, dressings, sesame oil
Sugar
Soft drinks, drinking water
Alcoholic beverages, sakePet food stored at room temperature, salt
Baker's yeast, enzymes

biochemical
products)(Manufacture ofadditives, vitamins,
minerals, cultures,
flavors, enzymes,
processing aids, etc.)*1, *2 Not limited to these. May be classified differently depending on raw materials andmanufacturing methods.

36Annex 5 Experience in working with food safety for auditors and reviewers (JFS-A/B
standards)
Auditors and reviewers must have work experience or auditing or consulting experience related to foodsafety in each sector or subsector in which they are registered. This experience is defined as food safety
experience in a manufacturing environment. Examples of applicable experience are listed below.
Examples of applicable experience include, but are not limited to.
Applicable Examples)
・Experience in manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance, etc. in food production
・Experience in internal audits, bilateral audits, vicarious bilateral audits, and third-party audits/audits(including non-certified mock audits conducted by the organization) of food manufacturing organizations
using food safety-related standards
・Food safety consulting experience
・Development involving manufacturing, hazard factor management, etc.
Not Applicable Examples) *Experience in the following as well as experience listed in "Applicable
Examples" may be considered as experience if it was performed at the same time.
・Experience in departments not directly related to food safety, such as sales, accounting, etc. in a food
manufacturing company.
・Experience only in inspections in a laboratory.
・Experience only in dealing with insect and rodent control
・Experience in production, sales, quality control, etc. in a restaurant *Applies to food service
・Experience teaching lectures on food safety37Annex 6 Definition of Terms
The terms used in this program are defined as follows.
（1）

Organization

Food-related businesses, organizations, or individuals audited
under the Program (hereinafter referred to as "Food-related
Businesses")

（2）

Site

Places where food manufacturing, cooking, etc., subject toconformity assessment, is performed. Includes food
manufacturing factories, their offices, and their premises.

（3）

Audit company

An audit company that has been approved by the audit company
and Training Course Recognition Committee (2.2 (2) ①) and hasentered into a contract with JFSM.

（4）

Training

An audit company that has been approved by the Training

organization

organization and Training Course Recognition Committee (2.2 (2)①) and has entered into a contract with JFSM.

（5）

Consulting

Proposals that assist in establishing, implementing, or maintaining afood safety management system of an audited organization, andprovide specific suggestions, directions, or solutions, that are
separate from the audit (see 3.2).

（6）

Guidance

A proposal made by an auditor to an organization to correct orremedy a nonconformity found in an audit.

（7）

Suggestions

A proposal was made by the auditor to the organization to make theaudited organization's food safety management system more
effective and efficient, even though no nonconformity was found in
the audit.

（8）

Conformity

Proof that the initiatives of the audited organization are inassessment

compliance with the requirements of the conforming organization
and are functioning effectively.

（9）

Remote Audits（10） Observers

An audit conducted remotely by auditors using ICT.
In the case of an audit, a person who accompanies the audit teambut does not perform the audit (e.g., an auditor of the auditor'scompetence), and a person other than the audited organization who
participates in the audit (e.g., a consultant, a visitor from anotherorganization). In the case of a review, persons who are present at
the review but do not perform the review (e.g., scribes, moderators,
reviewers in training, etc.)(11)

Top Management

Managers with executive responsibility for the audit project.

(12)

Training Auditor

A person who is not a registered auditor, but who has completed

candidates

audit training specified by JFSM, and who performs part or all of theaudit process under the supervision of a registered auditor. The
38

activities of training auditors are not included in the audit man-hours.
(13)

Stakeholders

All parties involved in food safety, such as organizations, audit
companies, members, regulators, consumers, etc.

(14)

SectorScope of food-related operations subject to audits andcertifications.
*The scope covered by this program document is shown in Annex 3.

(15)

Subsector

Scope of a subcategory of the sector in consideration of food safety
risks.

（16） On-site audit

An audit is conducted within an audited organization's site by anauditor visiting the organization.

（17） Walk-throughaudit

Audits are conducted by auditors on the manufacturing lines,
buildings, facilities, equipment, surroundings, storage, etc. of theaudited organization.

（18） HACCP plan

A document or set of documents prepared under HACCP principles
to ensure control of critical hazards in food operations.
(From Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene 2020)（19） JFSM-DB

A database containing information on JFS Standard audit
companies, auditors, organizations that have received
conformity assessments (hereinafter referred to as “conforming
organizations”), and approved training organizations.

（20） Management or

An individual or group that directs and manages an organization atseniorthe highest level.

management (inNote 1: Management has the power to delegate authority andthe audited

provide resources within the organization.

organization)

Note 2: When the scope of the management system applies to only
a part of the organization, management is defined as the person orgroup that directs and controls that part of the organization.
Note 2: When the scope of the management system applies to only
a part of the organization, management is the person who directs
and manages that part of the organization.
(Adapted from the definition in ISO 22000:2018 3.41)

39

Documents for Reference / List of Forms and Templates
List of Forms and Templates
Definition of Forms and Templates
Form: Documents to be submitted to JFSM, in principle, with the contents of the form.
Template: A reference document for the documents that audit companies are required to prepare in the
program documents. Please refer to these documents for each audit company and utilize them in youraudit.
The file location of forms and templates: Downloadable from the page for audit companies only.
If you are not an audit company, please contact JFSM.
List of Forms
Program

Form #

Form file nameForm 1

Application for Sector Expansion of JFS Standards Audit andDocumentation
Related Section
Numbers
3.4

Conformity Assessment Services
5.2、5.3

Form 2Competence evaluation table of auditors and reviewers for eachsector and sub-sector

3.4

Form 3Form for Application for Change of Registration of Audit Company
for JFS Conformity Assessment Services

4.4

Form 4Form for Notification of Information on Audit Outsourcing

3.5.4

Form 5

Form of Application for Withdrawal of Registration of Audit Company
for JFS Conformity Assessment

3.4

Form 6

Form for Application for Additional Change of Registration of
Auditor's Reviewer

3.4

Form 7

Form of Application for Withdrawal of Registration of
Auditor/Reviewer for JFS Conformity Assessment

5.6

Form 8Form of Application for Additional Change of Registration ofCompetence Auditor

List of Templates
ProgramTemplate #Template file nameTemplate 1

Template Questionnaire for Organizations

Documentation
Related Section
Numbers
3.9

40

4.2

Template 2

Template for Application for Audit and Conformity Assessment (foran organization to be audited)

4.3

Template 3

Template for Audit and Conformity Assessment Agreement (for theorganization being audited)

4.3

Template 4

Template for Audit and Conformity Assessment Ledger template

4.9

Template 5

Template for a Letter of Conformance

4.5

Template 6

Audit Plan Template

4.5

Template 7

JFS-A Audit Checklist

4.5

Template 8

JFS-B Audit Checklist

4.5

Template 9

Audit Report Template

4.5

Template 10

Template for Corrective Action Request and Report

4.7

Template 11

Template for Record of Review (Meeting)

5.2，5.3

Template 12

Template for Competence Evaluation Sheet for Auditors andReviewers

Supplementary provision
Revision history
Document Number

Revision Number

Revision Date

Details

SP_101_01

R05

November 25, 2022

Establishment of Ver. 3.041

Disclaimer： This translated document is machine translated by JFSM and is provided for information
purposes only. In the event of a difference of interpretation or a dispute, the original Japanese versionof this document is binding.

42