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BRC Certification – An Overview

BRC certification, which stands for British Retail Consortium certification, is a leading food safety certification Programme recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The issuance of BRC certification in the food industry further ensures that stringent criteria and guidelines are met across manufacturers and processors' operations.

In simple terms, obtaining a BRC food safety certification is considered a testament to a company's commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and hygienic food products to consumers. Get Corpbiz support to meet the primary goal that guarantees all products are produced in a HACCP-compliant environment.

BRC Certification
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What are the Benefits of Obtaining BRC Food Safety Certification?

Manufacturers with a BRC food safety certification enjoy multiple food safety benefits, as discussed below:

  • Global Market Access
    Obtaining a BRC food safety certification facilitates global trade and access to major retail chains in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
  • Ensures Supply Chain Management
    Obtaining a BRC food safety certification ensures confident supply chain management by guaranteeing the standardisation of quality, safety, and operational principles.
  • Reduced Recall Risk
    Obtaining a BRC certification strengthens traceability, supplier verification, and hazard identification to minimise the likelihood and costs of product recalls.
  • Enhances Operational Efficiency
    Obtaining a BRC certification establishes a standardised process to enhance operational efficiency while complying with domestic and international legal requirements.
  • Increased Customer Confidence
    Obtaining a BRC food safety certification helps increase customer confidence and demonstrates a commitment to food safety and due diligence.
  • Streamline Audits
    Obtaining a BRC food safety certification online helps entities streamline audits by providing a single, globally recognised framework in India.

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Eligibility Requirements to Obtain BRC Certification for Food Safety

The key eligibility requirements to obtain a BRC certification for food safety in India are as follows:

  • Implement the latest version of the BRCGS Food Safety Standard.
  • Ensure alignment of the facility's processes with its criteria.
  • Create clear policies, procedures, and work instruction guides.
  • Must have a complete HACCP or hazard analysis plan.
  • Conduct a thorough self-assessment or gap analysis.
  • Choose a BRCGS-recognized auditing body to schedule the on-site audit.
  • Pass the on-site audit and address any corrective actions within 28 days.

Applicants Eligible to Obtain BRC Certification Online

The list of applicants eligible to obtain a BRC certification online is as follows:

  • Food manufacturing facilities handling raw materials, ingredients, and processing.
  • Packaging manufacturing companies producing packaging materials for food and consumer goods.
  • Storage and distribution entities handling operations to maintain product integrity.
  • Agents, trading companies, importers, and brokers managing the supply chain.
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Documents for BRC Packaging Certification

What are the Documents Required for BRC Packaging Certification?

The list of mandatory documents required to obtain BRC packaging certification in India is as discussed below:

  • Signed quality and food safety policy
  • Organisation chart detailing lines of responsibility
  • Minutes of annual management review meetings
  • HACCP study for chemical, biological, and allergen hazards
  • Process flow diagram or confirmed plant layouts
  • Critical control point records and established critical limits
  • Procedure and mass-balance test records
  • Evidence of product withdrawal/ recall drills
  • Consumer complaint records or investigation records
  • Hygiene and cleaning logs
  • Maintenance of routine upkeep and lubrication
  • Signed and dated material specifications
  • Process parameters and printing specification logs
  • Validated calibration records for measuring instruments
  • Competency and induction training records
  • Vulnerability Assessment for food fraud
  • Threat Assessment for food defence plan
  • Additional Documents, if required
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What is the Process to Obtain BRC Certification for Food Safety?

The step-by-step process to obtain a BRC certification for food safety is as discussed below:

  1. Step: Understand and Procure the Standard
    The first step requires applicants to better understand and review the specific BRCGS standards applicable to their business.

  2. Step: Conduct a GAP Analysis
    The next step requires applicants to download the standard and assessment tools to conduct a GAP analysis and further evaluate the facility's current infrastructure, processes, and hygiene against BRCGS.

  3. Step: Ensure Document Preparation
    The applicants are further required to document policies, procedures, and prerequisite programs to build a Food Safety Management System, and implement TACCP for food defence and authenticity.

  4. Step: Implement Changes
    In the next step, the applicants are required to apply the documented procedures and address physical gaps for updating cleaning schedules, improving employee hygiene, and upgrading equipment maintenance.

  5. Step: Conduct Staff Training
    Next, the applicants must ensure that all staff involved in production, quality assurance, and management complete all required training and maintain records to demonstrate competency.

  6. Step: Internal Audit
    In the next step, the accredited certification body conducts a comprehensive internal audit of your management system, verifying its effectiveness and ensuring readiness for the official third-party audit.

  7. Step: Grant of BRC Certification
    Upon a successful official on-site certification audit, the certification body grants the final BRC certification with a corresponding grade confirming with a corresponding grade.

Difference Between BRC and BRCGS: Key Aspects

BRCGS is not a separate certification from BRC, as the standard was rebranded in 2019. However, have a look at the key differences between the old BRC and the rebranded BRCGS standards, as discussed below:

Aspect BRC BRCGS
Abbreviation British Retail Consortium Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards
Meaning It is a leading trade association for UK retailers that initially established the food safety standards in 1996. It is a globally recognised accreditation standard, developed as a division of BRC, that harmonises food safety standards.
Introduced Food Safety Standard launched by the British Retail Consortium. Rebranded as BRCGS in 2019.
Scope It initially focuses on food safety standards for UK retailers. It also covers multiple global certification standards for packaging materials, storage & distribution, ethical trading, and many more.

Our Services for Obtaining BRC Food Safety Certification

  • Pre-Assessment & GAP Analysis: Contact our Corpbiz experts to identify pre-assessment & GAP analysis against BRCGS requirements before the BRC food safety certification audit.
  • Documentation & Compliance Review: Our Corpbiz services include preparing documentation and reviewing compliance policies, SOPs, records, and food safety manuals.
  • Internal Audit & Corrective Action: At Corpbiz, our professionals help conduct an internal audit, identify non-conformities, and support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
  • Employee Training & Awareness: Partner with our Corpbiz experts to ensure that management and operational staff are trained on BRCGS requirements, food safety culture, hygiene practices, and compliance responsibilities.
  • HACCP Implementation Support: At Corpbiz, our team of experts provides assistance in establishing, reviewing, and validating HACCP plans, hazard analysis, and critical control measures.
  • Post-Certification Compliance Support: Get ongoing Corpbiz support to ensure surveillance audits, rectifications, documentation updates, and continuous compliance improvement.

Why Partner with Corpbiz to Obtain BRC Certification in Food Industry?

  • 521+ BRC Certifications Delivered
    At Corpbiz, our team of professionals has successfully delivered 521+ food safety and quality compliance projects.
  • Faster BRC Certification Support
    Our experts provide faster BRC certification support to streamline documentation, GAP assessments, and audit preparedness.
  • Transparent & Fair Pricing Structure
    At Corpbiz, enjoy transparent & fair pricing throughout the BRC certification process, with no hidden charges.
  • Expert-Led Compliance Assistance
    Get assistance from our expert-led, experienced, and compliance-handling professionals familiar with BRCGS requirements.
  • End-to-End Audit Readiness
    Get end-to-end audit readiness and smooth coordination of corrective actions that better support every stage of BRC certification.
  • PAN-India Consulting Support
    Partner with Corpbiz experts to get PAN-India remote and on-site consulting support, regardless of location in India.

Apply for BRC Certification with 200+ Seasoned BRC Consultants

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FAQs on BRC Certification Online

BRC, commonly known as the British Retail Consortium, is a globally recognized safety and quality certification that requires suppliers to uphold strict food safety, traceability, and quality control.

BRC and BRCGS are now the same. BRCGS operates as a Programme of global schemes designed to protect brands and consumers, covering food and non-food through risk-based process and system evaluation. This food certification is further recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which mainly focuses on senior management and the development of a culture of product safety.

The process to obtain a BRC packaging certification requires applicants to first download the standard from BRCGS, conduct a GAP analysis, implement required controls, train staff, conduct an internal audit, select a certification body, undergo a facility review, and implement corrective actions within 28 days.

The most recent BRC standard for food safety is Issue 9 of the Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards, formerly known as the British Retail Consortium.

HACCP, which stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, is an internationally recognized, systematic approach that ensures the identification, evaluation, and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout the entire food supply chain.

The BRCGS certification is typically valid for 12 months. However, it is important to complete the required recertification/surveillance process before the current certificate expires before the current certificate expires.

No, obtaining a BRC certification is not legally mandatory like an FSSAI license in India. However, it helps regulate food safety globally.

Yes, BRC certification, now BRCGS, is internationally recognized and benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative, making it one of the most widely accepted food safety and quality certifications across the globe.

The highest BRC grade awarded in a BRCGS audit is AA for announced audits or AA+ for unannounced audits. This top-tier grade is generally given to facilities that achieve exceptional compliance with the food safety and quality standards, resulting in zero critical or major non-conformances.

About the Author


NE
Neha Dawra

Legal Researcher

Written by Neha Dawra. Last updated on Jul 17 2026, 04:58 AM

Neha Dawra has 4+ years of experience in legal research and intellectual property advisory. Her expertise lies in analyzing IP laws, drafting structured legal content, and simplifying complex registration procedures into clear, simple insights.

 

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