FDSA

Accreditation Program

The FDSA accreditation signals a distributor's strict compliance with the FDSA's six-step flyer accreditation process. The six steps include:

• Receiving Product
• Packaging
• Truck Loading
• Delivery
• Verification
• Non-Delivery Resolution

Distributors must continually monitor their adherence to each of these six steps and undergo an accreditation conducted by one of two FDSA-appointed audit organizations.

The six-step accreditation process is comprised of a cumulative count of 65 criteria. Every year, the auditors evaluate all distribution centres' adherence to these 65 criteria and formally present these findings to the FDSA Board. Evaluating close to 5,000 pieces of data reveals how the industry is meeting each of the 65 criteria comprising the six-step accreditation process. Based on this information, the FDSA Board thoroughly reviews and makes adjustments to the FDSA accreditation checklist.  Accreditation is achieved by scoring 87.5% or more on the total points making up the 65 criteria.

Current FDSA six-step accreditation checklist

FDSA accreditation checklist - FRENCH VERSION
French translation generously sponsored by:

To view the updates/changes to the audit, click on the link below:

7 point system-all changes

Auditor Information
FDSA-appointed audit organizations:

Quotes for accreditation services can be obtained by contacting the audit organizations. In order to apply for an accreditation or re-accreditation, a distributor must be a member in good standing with the FDSA. To become a member of the FDSA, please contact Mary Markou at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 416-922-0553.

FDSA-Accredited Logo

A distributor may prominently display the FDSA-accredited logo once they have successfully passed the six-step accreditation and received their accreditation certificate from the FDSA.

Distributors serving markets with a cumulative count of more than 100,000 households are audited and awarded accreditation annually. Those serving markets with a cumulative count of fewer than 100,000 households are audited bi-annually and awarded a two-year accreditation. Distributors must be re-audited within 90 days following the end of their one or two-year accreditation period in order to remain accredited. If a distributor is not re-accredited within 90 days, they must remove the FDSA-accredited logo from all promotional material.

FDSA Accredited Distributors

When a distribution centre has been accredited, all newspaper and flyer products handled through that centre are also accredited. The roster of all accredited distribution centres is updated on a monthly basis. The current roster of accredited distribution centres can be obtained by accessing the link below:

FDSA Accredited Distributors