Foundation FSSC is a not-for-profit organization based in the Netherlands that develops, owns, and governs voluntary certification schemes for global supply chains, best known for FSSC 22000 for food safety management systems and FSSC 24000 for social responsibility. Established in 2009, the foundation operates independently from certification bodies and certified organizations, using a licensing model under which approved certification bodies are authorized to deliver audits against its schemes. Its purpose is to provide credible, globally applicable certification frameworks supported by defined scheme requirements, structured governance, and integrity and oversight mechanisms designed to safeguard consistency and trust, while remaining neutral and independent from commercial interests in certification outcomes.

The foundation is globally recognized for its two flagship schemes, which explain why Foundation FSSC matters in practice. FSSC 22000 is a food safety management system certification scheme that builds on ISO 22000 and sector-specific prerequisite programs and is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), making it widely used across food manufacturing, packaging, and related supply chains. The scheme is designed to support consistent food safety assurance along the entire food chain and is periodically updated to reflect regulatory, market, and stakeholder expectations. FSSC 24000 is a social management system certification scheme aligned with ISO-based principles and international labor and human rights frameworks, and it is recognized by the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) under the Consumer Goods Forum’s Social Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI), positioning it as a tool for assessing social responsibility in global operations, particularly for organizations seeking a structured, auditable approach to social performance management.

Beyond scheme ownership, Foundation FSSC positions itself as a global scheme owner with a small central organization supported by regional representatives and liaison arrangements. Its governance model includes defined decision-making and stakeholder input mechanisms intended to ensure transparency, impartiality, and continual improvement of its schemes. The foundation highlights engagement in international initiatives such as the UN Global Compact and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, alongside activities aimed at capacity building and broader impact. This includes its Development Program, which is intended to support smaller organizations and emerging markets on a structured pathway toward full FSSC 22000 certification. For more information, please visit its official website.