A New SQF Code Built for Agents and Brokers

What's New:

The SQF Institute has developed the SQF Agents & Brokers Code (Edition 9), a certification standard designed specifically for businesses involved in the buying, selling, and facilitation of trade across food and general merchandise.

As retailers, manufacturers, and industry increasingly rely on agents and brokers to facilitate global trade, trust in these service providers is critical to ensuring confidence, transparency, and the integrity of the supply chain.

The Code has been developed to align with GFSI benchmark requirements and is expected to achieve formal GFSI benchmarking in 2027.

Why It Matters:

Retailers and brand owners globally are requiring agents, brokers, and merchants to hold recognized third-party certification. Aldi, among other retailers globally, are among those already setting that expectation. Certification under the SQF Agents & Brokers Code signals to your clients that your operations meet the rigorous standards of certification — and that you take your role in the supply chain seriously.

Whether you source ingredients, represent suppliers, or manage procurement across trading partners, this Code gives you a credentialing path that reflects how you actually operate.

What the Code Covers:

The SQF Agents & Brokers Code applies to organizations involved in trade facilitation — not physical handling. The certification scope specifically excludes receiving, storage, and physical handling of products. Where those activities occur, separate SQF codes apply.

Importantly, virtual operations are eligible for certification, so the size or physical footprint of your business is not a barrier.                                                        

How Audits Work:

SQF Agents & Brokers audits can be conducted remotely or onsite — your choice, across all audit types. All audits are conducted annually and are announced in advance, with no unannounced audits unless specifically requested by your business or a customer. This flexibility gives SQF a practical advantage over comparable schemes.

Annual registration is $650 USD.

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

Questions and Answers