What is BRC Certification? | Certify Consulting

Understanding the Standard

What is BRC/BRCGS?

The BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards) Global Standard for Food Safety, commonly known as BRC, is one of the most widely recognized GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification standards in the world. It provides a framework for managing product safety, integrity, legality, and quality, along with the operational controls needed in the food manufacturing and processing industry.

Originally developed by the British Retail Consortium in 1998 to protect consumers and ensure a common standard for food safety among retailers' suppliers, BRC has evolved into a truly global standard. Now in Issue 9, it covers food safety, quality management, product and process management, and facility management.

GFSI Benchmarked

Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative, accepted by retailers and food companies worldwide.

Global Standard

Over 30,000 certificated sites in more than 130 countries trust BRC for food safety management.

Issue 9 (Current)

Enhanced food safety culture, environmental monitoring, and allergen management requirements.

Comprehensive Scope

Covers food safety, quality management, product and process management, and facility standards.

Audit Outcomes

BRC Audit Grades

BRC audits result in a grade that reflects your site's level of compliance. The grade determines your certification status and audit frequency.

AA

Grade AA

Highest grade. No critical or major non-conformities. Fewer than 5 minor non-conformities. Annual audit cycle.

A

Grade A

Strong compliance. No critical or major non-conformities. 5-10 minor non-conformities. Annual audit cycle.

B

Grade B

Certified with conditions. May include major non-conformities that are closed within 28 days. Annual audit cycle.

C

Grade C

Requires re-audit. Significant non-conformities found. 6-month re-audit cycle until issues are resolved.

D

Grade D

Not certified. Critical non-conformities or excessive major findings. Full re-audit required for certification.

Announced vs. Unannounced Audits

BRC offers two audit programs: announced (scheduled in advance) and unannounced (auditor arrives without prior notice). Sites that choose the unannounced audit program and perform well can earn a "+" designation on their grade (e.g., AA+, A+, B+), which signals an even higher level of confidence in their food safety systems.

The unannounced program demonstrates ongoing readiness and is increasingly preferred by major retailers and food service companies.

What the Standard Covers

BRC Key Requirements

The BRC Global Standard for Food Safety is built around seven fundamental areas. Each area contains detailed requirements that your site must meet.

1

Senior Management Commitment

Top management must demonstrate commitment to food safety and quality. Includes food safety culture, policy, organizational structure, and management review.

2

HACCP Plan

A fully developed, science-based HACCP plan covering all products and processes. Must follow Codex Alimentarius principles and be regularly reviewed.

3

Food Safety & Quality System

Document control, internal auditing, supplier management, traceability, complaint handling, and corrective action procedures.

4

Site Standards

Facility design, utilities, equipment, cleaning, pest management, waste management, and environmental controls for food safety.

5

Product Control

Product design, allergen management, product authenticity, packaging, product inspection and testing, and product release procedures.

6

Process Control

Control of operations, weight and volume control, calibration, and management of foreign body detection equipment (metal detectors, x-ray).

7

Personnel

Training and competency requirements, personal hygiene, medical screening, protective clothing, and access controls. Ensuring all personnel understand their role in maintaining food safety.

The Path to Certification

Getting BRC Certified

The BRC certification process involves preparation, implementation, and a formal audit. Here is what to expect.

1

Gap Assessment

Evaluate your current systems against BRC Issue 9 requirements to identify gaps and build an action plan.

2

System Development

Develop your food safety management system, HACCP plan, prerequisite programs, and all required documentation.

3

Implementation & Training

Implement all procedures, train your team, conduct internal audits, and verify everything is working as designed.

4

Certification Audit

Schedule your audit with a BRCGS-approved certification body. The auditor verifies compliance and assigns your grade.

Need Help Getting BRC Certified?

Our BRC consultants have guided facilities of all sizes through the certification process — from initial gap assessment to achieving Grade AA on audit day.

Talk to a BRC Consultant

Common Questions

BRC Certification FAQ

What is the difference between BRC Issue 8 and Issue 9?

BRC Issue 9 (released in 2022) introduced several key changes from Issue 8, including enhanced requirements for food safety culture, stronger emphasis on environmental monitoring programs, updated allergen management requirements, expanded product authenticity and fraud prevention clauses, and a greater focus on root cause analysis for corrective actions. Sites certified to Issue 8 were required to transition to Issue 9 by February 2023.

How often do you need BRC recertification?

BRC recertification is required annually. The audit must be completed within the 28-day window before the anniversary of your previous audit. Sites with Grade AA, A, or B are audited every 12 months. Sites receiving a Grade C are placed on a 6-month re-audit cycle. Choosing the unannounced audit program can earn a + grade designation, signaling higher readiness.

What happens if you fail a BRC audit?

If a site receives a Grade D, it is not certified. The site must address all non-conformities identified during the audit and undergo a full re-audit. Critical non-conformities can also result in certification being withheld regardless of other findings. Sites have a defined window to close out non-conformities and arrange a re-audit with their certification body.

Is BRC certification the same as BRCGS?

Yes — BRC and BRCGS refer to the same organization and standards. BRC (British Retail Consortium) rebranded to BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards) to better reflect its global scope beyond the UK retail sector. The standards, certification process, and requirements remain the same. The terms BRC and BRCGS are used interchangeably in the industry.

Have more questions about BRC certification?

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