BRCGS Certification & Audit Services

What's New: BRCGS Position Statements Effective August 2026

BRCGS has published updated position statements for all four global standards, effective for audits conducted from 10 August 2026. These changes align BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9, Packaging Materials Issue 7, Storage and Distribution Issue 4, and Agents and Brokers Issue 3 with the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements v.2024.

Key updates include new competency requirements for threat assessment and vulnerability assessment teams, strengthened prerequisite program documentation, and explicit protective footwear requirements under clause 7.4.2 of the Food Safety standard.

If your next audit falls after this date, your systems and documentation should reflect these changes. QIMA auditors are briefed on all current position statements and will assess against the updated requirements.

For a more detailed look at regulatory developments affecting food safety certification, see QIMA's food guidelines and legislation updates.

What You Gain with BRCGS Certification

BRCGS certification opens doors to major retail and foodservice supply chains:

• Meet retailer requirements. Costco, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Sysco, and US Foods all accept or require GFSI-recognized certification. BRCGS is one of the most widely accepted schemes globally.

• Reduce audit fatigue. Combine your BRCGS audit with other QIMA schemes (organic, sustainability, SQF) in a single visit to save time and cost.

• Strengthen risk management. The BRCGS framework requires a documented HACCP plan, prerequisite programs, and management review. These controls reduce the likelihood of recalls and nonconformities.

• Access global markets. BRCGS is recognized by retailers and brand owners across the UK, EU, North America, and Asia-Pacific. Certification is often a prerequisite for export.

• Track everything digitally. Manage your certification status, audit milestones, and corrective actions in myQIMA, our food safety certification platform.

What Is BRCGS Certification?

BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards) is a portfolio of food safety and quality certification schemes, originally developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and now owned by BRCGS. The schemes are GFSI-recognized and provide a consistent, auditable framework for managing product safety across the supply chain. BRCGS was the first food safety standard to be benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Today, more than 37,000 suppliers in over 140 countries hold BRCGS certification, making it one of the most widely adopted food safety schemes in the world.

BRCGS certification is the formal process by which an accredited certification body evaluates whether an organization's food safety management system meets the requirements of the applicable BRCGS global standard. A successful audit results in a graded certificate that communicates conformance level to buyers, retailers, and other stakeholders.

QIMA Food Certification, LLC (ANAB Accreditation ID #1226) is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board to conduct BRCGS audits under the following standards:

• BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9)

• BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials (Issue 7)

• BRCGS Global Standard for Storage and Distribution (Issue 4)

Our auditors evaluate whether an organization's management system meets the requirements of the applicable standard. The audit results in a graded certificate that communicates conformance level to buyers and retailers.

For a broader overview of BRCGS history, scope, and benefits, read our guide: What is BRCGS? Everything You Need to Know.

Do You Need BRCGS Certification?

BRCGS certification is primarily driven by buyer requirements. For US-based manufacturers, processors, and distributors, the most common trigger is a direct requirement from a retail buyer, foodservice customer, or importer. You likely need BRCGS certification if any of the following apply:

If none of these apply but you want to strengthen your food safety management system and differentiate from competitors, BRCGS certification is still a valuable investment. Many companies pursue certification proactively to prepare for future buyer requirements.

If you are still deciding which GFSI-recognized scheme is right for your operation, download our quick guide: How to Choose the Right Certification for Your Business.

The BRCGS Certification Process

The path to BRCGS certification follows a structured sequence. Here's what to expect at each stage:

1. Application. Submit your application to QIMA. We confirm the applicable standard, audit scope, site details, and product categories. The scope agreement defines which BRCGS sections apply and whether any exclusions are relevant.

2. Preparation. Before the audit, gather and organize your documentation: HACCP plan, prerequisite programs, internal audit records, management review minutes, process flow diagrams, and organizational charts. BRCGS scheme rules require that your food safety management system has been implemented and operational for a defined minimum period before the initial audit.

3. On-site audit. A QIMA auditor visits your site and evaluates your system against the applicable BRCGS standard. Audit duration depends on site size, complexity, and the number of standard sections applicable. Small sites may complete in one day. Larger operations typically require two days.

4. Nonconformities and corrective actions. If the auditor identifies nonconformities, you receive a report categorizing them as Critical, Major, or Minor. Major nonconformities require documented corrective action evidence within 28 days of the audit report being issued (90 days for initial certification). QIMA's certification committee reviews the evidence before making a certification decision.

5. Certification decision. Based on the audit report and the resolution of nonconformities, QIMA issues a certification decision with a grade (AA through C). The certificate and audit report are uploaded to the BRCGS Directory, where buyers and retailers can verify your status.

6. Surveillance and recertification. BRCGS certification is valid for 12 months. Annual recertification audits are required. At least one unannounced audit must occur in every three-year cycle.

For an in-depth look at audit preparation and what to expect on audit day, read our post on the BRCGS Audit Process.

BRCGS Grading System

BRCGS audits result in a graded certificate. The grade reflects the number and classification of nonconformities identified during the audit. Grades are determined by the BRCGS scheme rules, not by the certification body.

Many buyers and retailers specify a minimum grade (typically A or B) as a supplier approval condition. An 'AA' or 'AA+' (Unannounced) grade is increasingly required by premium retailers. Grade D and F outcomes result in suspension or withdrawal of certification.

Unannounced Audits

Under BRCGS Issue 9, every certified site must undergo at least one unannounced audit in every three-year cycle. This is a mandatory requirement, not an optional add-on. Sites can additionally opt into a voluntary unannounced program where every audit is conducted without prior notice.

Sites that achieve certification through an unannounced audit receive a grade with a "+" suffix: AA+, A+, B+, or C+. These grades signal a higher level of assurance to retailers and brand owners, and are increasingly requested by premium UK and EU buyers.

Under the unannounced scheme, the specific audit date isn't communicated in advance. QIMA is authorized to arrive on site within a defined window period set by BRCGS scheme rules. Sites on the unannounced program agree to be audit-ready throughout the entire window and may specify a limited number of blackout dates when audits cannot be conducted.

Why Choose QIMA for BRCGS Audits?

• Expert BRCGS auditors. Our auditors are trained in BRCGS scheme rules, grading criteria, and Issue 9 requirements. They hold the qualifications and experience mandated by the BRCGS standard and are assessed by ANAB.

• ANAB-accredited certification body. QIMA Food Certification, LLC (Accreditation ID #1226) is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board for BRCGS Food Safety, Packaging Materials, and Storage and Distribution.

• Global reach. Audit capabilities in 100+ countries ensure consistent compliance wherever your sites operate.

• Combined audits. Reduce audit fatigue by bundling your BRCGS audit with organic, sustainability, or other GFSI scheme audits (such as SQF or IFS) in a single visit.

• Digital management. Track audit status and corrective actions in myQIMA, our food safety certification platform.

• Online payments. QIMA Click and Pay keeps your certification on track with instant quotes and secure payment processing.

BRCGS Audit Management with myQIMA

Not all certification bodies offer the same certification experience. When you certify with QIMA, you'll get access to myQIMA that gives you greater visibility and control throughout your BRCGS certification journey.

Apply online. Submit and manage your certification application digitally, without paper forms or email chains.

Track your progress. Monitor certification status, audit milestones, and key documents in a single dashboard.

Manage corrective actions. View non-conformances, submit root cause analyses, and keep corrective actions on track within the 28-day window.

Simplify renewals. Review, update, and submit existing information instead of starting from scratch each year.

Ready to Start Your BRCGS Certification?

Our team will guide you through every step, from scope selection to audit day. Whether you're seeking first-time certification or transferring from another certification body, we'll help you navigate the process.

What's Assessed During BRCGS Certification?

The BRCGS audit evaluates four core areas of your operation:

• Food safety system. HACCP plan, prerequisite programs (PRPs), management review, and food defense.

• Quality management. Document control, product release, and recall systems.

• Site hygiene and maintenance. Facility conditions, cleaning protocols, and equipment calibration.

• Traceability and supply chain. Approved supplier program, product trace, and raw material controls.

The specific criteria assessed depend on which BRCGS standard applies to your operation:

BRCGS Food Safety (Issue 9)

The BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety applies to food manufacturers, processors, and packing facilities. It's the most widely adopted BRCGS standard, with over 22,000 certified sites in more than 130 countries. Key assessment areas include:

• Senior management commitment and the development of a food safety culture

• Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) and a documented food safety plan

• Quality management systems for organizational policies and procedures

• Environmental and operational conditions necessary for safe food production

• Food fraud prevention systems to protect against fraudulent raw materials

• Product security and food defense measures

• Requirements for high-risk, high-care, and ambient high-care production zones

For a closer look at Issue 9 requirements by section, read our BRCGS Issue 9 Compliance Guide.

BRCGS Plant-Based

BRCGS Plant-Based certification ensures the absence of animal inputs in plant-based products during manufacturing, processing, and packing. It applies to:

• Processed foods, both own-brand and customer-branded

• Ingredients for food service companies, catering companies, and food manufacturers

• Pet foods (GFSI benchmarked schemes only)

• Natural health products

BRCGS Packaging Materials (Issue 7)

The BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials applies to manufacturers of packaging materials for food and non-food products. It's the first packaging standard to be recognized by GFSI and is now in its seventh issue, with over 7,000 certified sites across 94 countries. Key assessment areas include:

• Senior management commitment to adequate resources and continual development

• Hazard analysis and risk assessment-based product safety program

• Quality management systems ensuring systematic operations

• Good manufacturing practices within production areas

• Microbiological environmental monitoring program based on risk, including cleaning and disinfection validation

BRCGS Storage and Distribution (Issue 4)

The BRCGS Global Standard for Storage and Distribution applies to storage, warehousing, logistics, and transport providers, as well as agents and brokers. Key assessment areas include:

• Comprehensive scope covering quality, hygiene, and product safety in storage and distribution

• Reduction of damage, waste, and associated costs

• Due diligence requirements for both the certification body and customers

• Report and certification that customers can trust, reducing the need for their own audits

• Ongoing surveillance and corrective actions to maintain self-improving quality and safety systems

Transferring Your BRCGS Certification

If you already hold a valid BRCGS certificate from another certification body, you can transfer to QIMA without restarting the certification process. Transfer is possible when:

• Your current certificate is valid

• There are no outstanding critical nonconformities

• Your audit history is reviewed and accepted by QIMA

Transfers maintain certification continuity. Your next audit is scheduled according to your existing certificate's due date, and your new certificate is issued under QIMA Food Certification, LLC. Contact us to initiate a transfer.

FAQs - BRCGS Certification

The following questions reflect the most common concerns raised by food safety and quality managers preparing for BRCGS audits. Answers reflect BRCGS scheme rules (Issue 9) and QIMA's certification process.

UNANNOUNCED AUDITS

READINESS & TIMING

NONCONFORMITIES & CAPA