5 replies to this topic

[Tony-C]

Hi everyone,

 

NEW from SQF: Introducing the SQF Agents & Brokers Code: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get Started – SQF Blog Jul 6, 2026

 

‘The SQF Institute has launched the SQF Agents & Brokers Code (Edition 9), a dedicated certification standard for businesses involved in the buying, selling, and facilitation of trade across food and general merchandise. If your business sources products, represents suppliers, or manages procurement across trading partners — this Code was built for you.’

 

A New SQF Code Built for Agents and Brokers

 

‘The SQF Program now includes a dedicated certification code for agents and brokers — covering both food and general merchandise. We'd love to walk you through what it means for your business. 

Fill out our form to the left, and an SQF team member will contact you to share more about the new Agents & Brokers Code and what certification could look like for you.

What to Expect After You Submit:

A member of our team will reach out to:

Walk you through the new Agents & Brokers Code requirements

Answer your questions about the certification process

Help you figure out next steps for getting started

How much will it cost to become certified?

SQF has annual registration for $650 USD. Other associated fees include the cost of the certification audit, which is conducted by SQF-approved Certification Bodies. Unlike other Agents and Brokers certifications, the SQF Agents and Brokers certification can be completed 100% remotely, saving thousands of dollars on audit fees. Visit our Register for SQF Certification page for more information.'

 

FSC 35 - Agents and Brokers, Edition 9/SQF Code: Agent and Brokers, Edition 9

 

Resources: Agents & Brokers Checklist Edition 9

 

Says Edition 9 but the download looks like Edition 10

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

 

[TimG]

Huh..do agents/brokers really have a customer base that will push them to get this? It is interesting though..

[jfrey123]

Interesting.  It reads as just a light version of Module 2 but does place some earnest on brokers maintaining reputable suppliers instead of being able to claim "I'm just the broker" every time they end up supplying a steaming pile of crap and blaming the manufacturer/grower.  They'll actually have to demonstrate some type of supplier approval, ingredient specs, traceability, etc.

 

Hear Hear, I'm all for it!  And if they're openly stating Aldi and "other major retailers" are pushing for it, then I'm even more for it.  I currently get a ton of pushback from fruit and veg brokers who don't understand how strictly a farm IPM certification is being pushed for by Walmart, they want to keep sending "good product" from every farm or pickup truck they can find it.

[MDaleDDF]

If my brokers would sell something (anything), I would be much happier with them than if they had this, lol.  

But I can see how it would benefit some folks.   Jfrey makes a good case for it, so that's cool.

Personally, I don't care if my brokers have this as a supplier, but I can see that their customers might.

[Tony-C]

The BRCGS Global Standard Agents and Brokers standard is quite popular, so there definitely is a market out there.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

[CaptainCalzone]

Thanks for posting this! My company currently uses the IFS broker and it's nice to see that there could be some more options coming out!