When I speak with food business owners, one question comes up almost every time: “Do we actually need HACCP certification?” Some assume it’s mandatory for everyone working with food. Others think it’s optional unless you’re exporting or mass-producing products. The real answer sits somewhere in the middle.
What I’ve seen over the years is that the need for HACCP certification depends on three things: legal requirements, customer expectations, and the type of food you produce or handle. If you’re unsure which category you fall into, you’re not alone.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly who needs HACCP certification, who may only need a HACCP plan, and when certification becomes a business advantage rather than a compliance burden.
Businesses Legally Required to Have HACCP Certification
Depending on your country, HACCP can be a legal requirement for certain food sectors. Regulators typically mandate HACCP when the food carries a higher risk of contamination, spoilage, or harm.
Industries where HACCP is often mandatory:
Meat and poultry processing
Dairy manufacturing
Seafood and fish processing
Ready-to-eat (RTE) products
Infant food or medical nutrition products
Some regions accept a HACCP-based food safety plan without third-party certification, but others require documentation plus external verification or certification.
Here’s the part many businesses overlook: regulators don’t just want a written plan. They expect training, implementation, verification records, and ongoing review.
Pro Tip: If you receive regular inspections from food safety authorities, certification often streamlines compliance and reduces audit friction.
Businesses Handling High-Risk Food Products
A simple rule: the higher the food safety risk, the stronger the expectation for HACCP certification.
High-risk categories include:
Fresh or raw animal products
Cooked products requiring refrigeration
Products with high moisture and protein content
Foods intended for vulnerable populations (children, elderly, hospital patients)
I once worked with a sauce manufacturer who initially sold locally. Everything changed when they started supplying refrigerated products to regional supermarkets. Suddenly, their existing food safety documentation wasn’t enough. HACCP certification became a requirement for the new market level.
HACCP certification helps demonstrate that your controls aren’t just written—they’re monitored, verified, and effective.
Companies Supplying Major Retailers, Food Chains, or Distributors
Even if HACCP isn’t legally required, your customers may require it.
Typical buyers who demand HACCP certification:
Supermarkets and grocery chains
Airline catering and large food service brands
Hotels and restaurant groups
Wholesalers and distributors
Private label food brands
For these organizations, HACCP certification isn’t just about compliance. It’s about reducing supplier risk.
A common mistake I see is waiting for a buyer to request certification before starting the process. At that point, it’s reactive and rushed. Certification becomes smoother when it’s planned before customer pressure arrives.
Exporters and Businesses Entering International Markets
If you’re planning to export food, HACCP certification often becomes a non-negotiable requirement.
Why? Because HACCP is:
Globally recognized under Codex Alimentarius
A standard baseline requirement across regulatory systems
A common prerequisite for customs clearance or supply chain approval
Export markets such as the US, EU, Australia, and the Middle East frequently expect documented HACCP implementation and third-party certification.
One of my clients attempted to export without HACCP certification and faced product delays and additional inspections. After certification, shipments moved faster and approvals became easier.
SMEs Preparing for Higher-Level Food Safety Certifications
For businesses planning to grow, HACCP often becomes the strategic first step toward more advanced certifications, including:
ISO 22000
FSSC 22000
BRCGS
IFS Food
These certifications require solid HACCP implementation as part of the food safety system. Starting with HACCP certification helps teams build habits around documentation, monitoring, and control before moving to a multi-layered FSMS.
Pro Tip: If you see HACCP as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint, implementation becomes much smoother.
Businesses That May Not Need HACCP Certification (But Still Need a Plan)
Some low-risk businesses may not need full certification, but they still must demonstrate food safety.
Examples include:
Dry goods packaging
Shelf-stable low-risk foods (tea, spices, grains)
Distributors with no food processing activities
Packaging manufacturers
A HACCP-based plan may be sufficient, especially when paired with GMP or basic prerequisite programs.
However, even in these cases, buyer requirements can change everything. Some distributors and packaging suppliers obtain certification simply to remain competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HACCP always mandatory? No. It depends on your food category, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
Do small food businesses need HACCP certification? Not always. Some only need a HACCP plan, while others require certification for retail approvals or growth.
What’s the difference between a HACCP plan and HACCP certification? A HACCP plan outlines controls. Certification verifies implementation through an external audit.
Conclusion — Final Guidance and Next Step
Whether you need HACCP certification comes down to risk, regulation, and business direction. For some companies, it’s required. For others, it becomes a competitive advantage or a stepping stone toward global food safety certification.
If you’re unsure where your business fits, the next step is simple: assess your food risk level, customer expectations, and regulatory obligations.
Melissa Lavaro is a seasoned ISO consultant and an enthusiastic advocate for quality management standards. With a rich experience in conducting audits and providing consultancy services, Melissa specializes in helping organizations implement and adapt to ISO standards. Her passion for quality management is evident in her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Melissa’s expertise and energetic commitment make her a sought-after consultant, dedicated to elevating organizational compliance and performance through practical, insightful guidance.
