SQFI Info Sheets

SQF Food Safety Code: Storage & Distribution

Certified Confidence Across the Supply Chain

The SQF Food Safety Code for Storage & Distribution helps facilities implement a rigorous, GFSI-recognized food safety system that protects products, brands, and operations.

Benefits

Certification to the SQF Food Safety Code: Storage & Distribution delivers measurable value across food safety, compliance, and operational performance.

Earn your Quality certification to:

Enhance brand credibility with globally recognized GFSI-benchmarked certification.
Reduce product safety risks through a HACCP-based food safety plan and good distribution practices (GDP).
Streamline compliance and audit readiness with documented, standardized processes.
Improve supply chain access by meeting buyer requirements for approved supplier status.
Drive operational efficiency through clearer procedures, training, and corrective action tracking.

Eligibility

Companies eligible for SQF Storage & Distribution certification include storage, warehousing, and distribution facilities handling food, beverage, food sector packaging, or pet food products. Eligible operations must implement HACCP-based food safety systems supported by prerequisite programs such as sanitation, temperature control, traceability, and pest control. Sites must be able to undergo third-party certification audits.

Costs

Certification costs vary based on site size, complexity, and audit duration:

SQFI Registration Fee: $650–$800 annually per site.
Third-Party Audit Fees: Costs vary depending on facility size, complexity, and location. Please contact your Certification Body for specific pricing.

Certification Process

SQF recommends a minimum of three months of documentation to demonstrate implementation. Please contact your Certification Body for specific timing.

Selecting and Customizing Your SQF Quality Code:

Use the SQF Code Selector to ensure your site applies the right food safety requirements.
Identify your operation and products.
Select the Food Sector Category (FSC) that matches your products and activities.
Prepare for certification using the selected code.

Steps to Certification

1. Learn about the SQF Storage & Distribution Code.

2. Register for SQF Certification.

3. Prepare for your audit:

Conduct a GAP assessment and define your implementation plan.
Implement your HACCP-based system, GDP programs, and documentation.
Verify readiness through internal audits and staff training.

4. Schedule and undergo the audit.

5. Address nonconformities and complete audit closeout.

6. Receive your SQF certificate and maintain it through surveillance and recertification audits.

Training

To achieve and sustain SQF Storage & Distribution certification, your team must be trained to consistently apply HACCP-based food safety principles, good distribution practices, and documented procedures that stand up to external audits. Training should focus on understanding the SQF Code, executing storage and distribution procedures on the floor, and demonstrating competency through records, internal audits, and corrective actions.

Courses include:

The SQF Code: Understand the SQF Code, methodology, changes, and requirements.
Internal Auditing: Learn how to implement a robust SQF internal audit program.
Food Safety Culture: Address food safety culture expectations for SQF-certified sites.
Approved Supplier Program: Explore how to implement an approved supplier program.
Root Cause Analysis: Walk through the RCA process with tools.
Corrective and Preventive Actions: An in-depth overview of the CAPA process and tools.
Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate food safety, food fraud, and food defense risk.

Access the full SQF Storage & Distribution Code: SQF Storage & Distribution Code