WCS is now starting to transition HACCP MS 1480 management systems to the new 2025 version.
All clients may have planned on attending transition training events, anytime from now.

CLIENT TRANSITION PROCESS

Clients will be able to transition to the new standard(s) during surveillance audits, recertification audits or special audits.

1. If a client wishes to transition during a surveillance audit, extra time will be required in order to review the changes to the management system and to verify the changes meet the requirements of HACCP MS 1480:2025. An audit report will be provided and a checklist will be used by the WCS auditor. The extra time is likely to be 0.5 days on site per standard and will be chargeable.
2. If a client wishes to transition during a recertification audit, extra time will be required in order to review the changes to the management system and to verify the changes meet the requirements of HACCP MS 1480:2025. This extra time will be in the form of a stage one audit. This will be either off site or on site depending on the scope of the certification and the extent of the changes. The extra time is likely to be 0.5 days per standard and will be chargeable.
3. If a client wishes to transition prior to surveillance or recertification audits then a special transition audit can be scheduled. A transition checklist will be completed by the WCS auditor. The special audit will typically be 0.5 days in duration with 0.5 days report writing. This will be chargeable.
4. Some clients may wish to identify where their management system does not meet the new requirements of HACCP MS 1480:2025 and may request a gap analysis audit. Typically this will be of one day duration. This is a chargeable event and will make use of the transition checklist.
5. All current HACCP MS 1480:2019 certified clients must transition to the new standard by 23 October 2027. After this date HACCP MS1480:2019 standard becomes obsolete.

NEW WCS CLIENTS

WCS is still accepting applications to HACCP MS 1480:2019. However, any certificates issued will expire on 24.10.2027. This means the client will not receive a three-year certificate as they will be required to transition to the new standards before 23.10.2027. It is not expected that WCS will receive applications for certification to the old HACCP MS1480:2019 later than 1 October 2026.

For any new applications to HACCP from 1 October 2026 and onwards, the new standard MS1480:2025 is applied.

Any applications to the new standards will be processed via the normal Stage one and Stage two audit process, and, following a positive certification decision, the certificate(s) will be issued for a period of three years from the certification decision date.

ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES

WCS will issue DSM Accredited certificates after the clients successfully complete the transition audit and clear any relevant non-conformances for HACCP MS 1480:2025.

Transition at Recertification:
The new HACCP MS 1480:2025 certificates will be issued for 3 years from certification decision.

Transition at Surveillance:
The new HACCP MS 1480:2025 certificates will be issued with an expiry date of remaining validity period (which is less than 3 years from the previous certification decision) and an issue date mirroring the date of certification decision to the new standard. A certificate replacement fee is incurred.

Transfer during Special (separate) Audit:
The new HACCP MS 1480:2025 certificates will be issued with an expiry date of 3 years from the previous certification decision and an issue date mirroring the date of certification decision to the new standard. A certificate replacement fee is incurred.

UPDATING YOUR SYSTEM

As a DSM accredited certification, WCS is not allowed to offer consultancy. However, WCS will be happy to discuss potential changes and updates required. You can call the office at any time to speak with our certification manager.

If you think you may need help with the transition process then WCS can forward you contact information for local consultants. WCS cannot recommend but is allowed to forward details of consultants to clients. The selection process must be your decision as WCS cannot get involved in this process.