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BRCGS: complete guide, articles and resources

Global Standard for Food Safety — expert articles, practical resources, and solutions to structure your certification project.

Version
BRCGS:Issue 9 (Food Safety)
Type
GFSI-recognised certifiable scheme
Articles
0 published
Definition

What is the BRCGS standard?

The BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards), historically British Retail Consortium, is a British food safety standard recognised by the GFSI. The Food Safety Issue 9 standard is currently in force.

The standard covers senior management commitment, the food safety plan (HACCP), the food safety management system, site environment standards (facilities, equipment), product control, process control, personnel, high-risk / high-care zones, and traded products requirements.

BRCGS is known for its detailed grading system (AA, A, B, C, D, non-certifiable), mandatory annual audits, and a very precise nonconformity grid (minor, major, critical). It is widely deployed by Anglo-Saxon retailers (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, Costco, Aldi) and increasingly required across the Americas and Asia.

Who is BRCGS for?

The standard targets food product manufacturers producing for private label or branded retail. BRCGS also publishes standards for packaging, storage and distribution, consumer products, and agents and brokers.

Why get certified?

BRCGS certification is widely required by Anglo-Saxon and international retailers, GFSI-recognised, structures food safety with a high level of detail, provides export market access, and enables private label commercialisation.

Version
BRCGS:Issue 9 (Food Safety)
Certified
30,000+ sites
Validity
12 months (annual audit)
Avg. timeline
9 to 12 months
Articles & guides

All our articles on BRCGS

Articles coming soon. In the meantime, here is a selection from related standards.
Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about BRCGS

Difference between BRCGS, IFS, and FSSC 22000?
All three are GFSI-recognised: BRCGS (British origin, very prescriptive), IFS (Franco-German, supplier-retailer matrix-style), FSSC 22000 (ISO-based, Dutch foundation). The choice depends on your customers' preferences.
How is BRCGS grading determined?
BRCGS scores audits with letter grades from AA (best) to D (lowest passing) based on the number and severity of nonconformities. The grade affects the next audit type (announced vs. unannounced) and frequency.
Are BRCGS audits announced or unannounced?
BRCGS offers both announced and unannounced audit options. Unannounced audits earn a "+" added to the grade (e.g., AA+) and are increasingly preferred by major retailers.
How much does BRCGS certification cost?
For a food manufacturing site, expect $8,000 to $25,000 for the initial audit depending on size and complexity. Annual surveillance is mandatory.
How long does BRCGS certification take?
Expect 9 to 12 months. BRCGS is known for being prescriptive and time-intensive to prepare for, especially around site environment requirements.
Related standards

Connected references

BRCGS is often deployed alongside other standards to build an integrated management system.

FSSC 22000
GFSI-Recognised Food Safety Scheme
IFS Food
International Featured Standards — Food
ISO 22000
Food Safety Management
HACCP
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
ISO 22716
Cosmetics GMP
ISO 9001
Quality Management

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