Pricing for BRC V9 certification isn’t always straightforward, and most companies quickly realize there’s no universal rate across certification bodies. I’ve worked with manufacturers, certification bodies, and auditors across different regions, and the same question still comes up:
“Why are two certification bodies quoting completely different prices for the same certification?”
The short answer: pricing depends on multiple variables — some fixed, some flexible, and some negotiable if you know how the system works.
This guide walks you through:
What drives the cost of certification
How certification bodies build their quotes
Where hidden costs appear
How to compare pricing the right way
What’s worth negotiating — and what isn’t
By the end, you’ll be able to look at any quote and understand exactly what you’re paying for — and whether it’s fair.
Audit Duration and Man-Day Calculations (Primary Cost Driver)
Here’s something important upfront: audit duration is the foundation of BRC V9 pricing. The more man-days required, the higher the cost. Certification bodies don’t decide audit time on a whim — BRCGS rules define audit length based on site complexity, product category, employee count, and operational risk.
A small, low-risk dry food packaging facility might need two audit days. A high-risk meat processor, ready-to-eat facility, or global manufacturing site may require five or more.
A mistake I see often: companies compare quotes based solely on the day rate, without noticing differences in total required audit days. One certification body may quote three days, another four. One extra day can add thousands — even if the rate looks cheaper.
Pro Tip: Always compare based on total man-days, not just the day rate.
Common Pitfall: Assuming you can reduce audit duration by negotiation. You can’t — the rules determine the minimum.
A bakery I worked with recently received two quotes:
€1,100/day for three days
€950/day for four days
At first glance, the second seemed cheaper — until they calculated the total. The cheaper daily rate was €650 more overall.
Certification-Body Pricing Models (Fixed Fees, Day Rates, Add-Ons)
Certification bodies don’t all structure their fees the same way. Some give a clean, all-inclusive number. Others break it down — sometimes a little too much.
Typical components include:
Application or onboarding fee
Audit day rate
Report writing fee
Certificate issuance fee
Travel and accommodation
Annual fee (for some bodies)
Corrective-action review fee
Some include certification and reporting in the daily audit cost. Others invoice it separately.
If a quote looks dramatically cheaper, it’s usually because something has been excluded — and you’ll see it later as a “supplemental fee.”
Pro Tip: Ask for a full fee breakdown with included and optional line items.
This makes comparison easier — and forces transparency.
Additional Cost Influencers (Experience, Risk, and Location)
Even if two certification bodies apply the same number of audit days, the final price may still vary. That’s because several variables influence pricing beyond duration.
Common cost influencers include:
Whether your product category requires a specialist auditor
Whether the auditor must travel or stay overnight
Whether your certification body has local representation or must send someone from abroad
Whether your site requires additional modules or GFSI add-ons
For example, ready-to-eat meat processing, high-risk chilled products, and infant formula require auditors with specific competencies — and those auditors are in demand. That scarcity affects pricing.
One company I worked with paid an additional USD $2,500 per year — not because the audit duration changed, but because there were only two suitable auditors regionally, and both required long-distance travel.
Hidden Fees and Avoidable Charges (Travel, Extra Audit Time, Re-Audits)
This is where costs often spiral.
Some costs are predictable. Others appear after the contract is signed — especially when the process doesn’t go smoothly.
Watch for:
Travel and accommodation charged at actual costs
Cancellation or rescheduling penalties
Extra charges for late corrective actions
Additional days if major non-conformities trigger a follow-up audit
Most companies can prevent these extra expenses with better planning.
Pro Tip: Ask whether the certification body has local auditors, or whether travel can be agreed at a fixed rate or capped allowance.
One food manufacturer reduced their annual cost by €2,500 simply by moving from an overseas auditor to a regional one.
How to Compare Quotes and Negotiate Better Value (Not Just Lowest Cost)
Comparing certification quotes can feel like comparing apples, oranges, and potatoes. Rates don’t mean much unless you evaluate them on equal criteria.
A good comparison should include:
Total required audit days
Included vs optional costs
Auditor qualifications
Travel impacts
Long-term annual pricing
Price matters — but auditor competence matters more.
I’ve seen companies switch to cheaper bodies, only to face non-stop disputes, misalignments, and rework because the auditor didn’t understand their industry well enough.
A strong auditor helps your system mature — not just pass the audit.
Budgeting for Year 1 vs Surveillance Years (Long-Term Cost Planning)
Year 1 pricing (initial certification) is usually higher. You’re establishing certification, aligning scopes, and completing the full audit cycle.
Years 2 and 3 (surveillance and re-certification) are often lower — but not always. Some certification bodies front-load the discount, while others lower costs in later years once the system stabilizes.
Common oversight: budgeting only for year one and assuming future audits will be the same cost.
Treat this as a multi-year financial plan — not a one-time expense.
FAQs: BRC V9 Certification-Body Pricing
Q1: Are audit costs negotiable? Sometimes — but not always. Day rates are often fixed, but travel, certificate fees, and reporting costs may be flexible. You can negotiate clarity, not shortcuts.
Q2: Why did two certification bodies quote different audit durations? One may have applied different assumptions or used outdated audit-time classifications. Always ask for justification and compare against BRCGS audit-duration rules.
Q3: Does a higher-priced certification body lead to an easier audit? No. Audits are standardized. What changes is the auditor’s experience and approach — not the level of scrutiny.
Conclusion: Understanding Certification Pricing Before You Commit
Pricing for BRC V9 certification varies because it reflects risk, complexity, audit duration, and certification-body structure. When you compare quotes based on the right criteria — total audit days, included fees, auditor competence, and long-term planning — the picture becomes much clearer.
If you’re evaluating certification bodies now or planning your first BRC certification, take your time reviewing pricing structure before signing anything.
If you’d like, I can help evaluate quotes or build a comparison matrix so you choose confidently — not based on assumptions.
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.
