BRC standard

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In the modern business environment, where food safety and quality are key priorities, the BRC standard stands out as one of the most influential global standards in the food industry. Companies operating in the food supply chain are facing increasingly strict demands from buyers, regulatory bodies, and end consumers when it comes to product safety and quality.

The BRC standard provides a comprehensive framework for managing food safety, quality, and operational criteria. Developed in Great Britain, this standard has become globally recognized and represents a key requirement for companies that want to place their products on international markets, especially in Europe and North America.

For companies in the EU that strive for expansion and entry into demanding markets, understanding and implementing the BRC standard is not just a recommendation – it is a necessity that opens doors to new business opportunities and strengthens market position.

What is the BRC standard?

The BRC standard, whose full name is the British Retail Consortium Global Standard for Food Safety, represents a leading global standard for food safety and quality. It was developed by the British Retail Consortium in 1998 as a response to the growing need of retail chains for a standardized approach to evaluating food suppliers.

The standard defines requirements for food manufacturers who want to demonstrate that they produce safe food in accordance with legal regulations and that they meet customer needs. The BRC standard covers all aspects of food production – from food quality and safety management systems, through production process control, to facility and personnel management.

Today, the BRC standard is not just a British solution – it is a globally recognized benchmark applied worldwide. It is accepted by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which makes it one of the most sought-after certificates in the food industry. The standard is continuously evolving and adapting to new challenges and market demands, thereby ensuring its relevance and value for companies that implement it.

Key benefits of the BRC standard

Implementing the BRC standard brings multiple benefits that significantly impact all aspects of a company’s business operations:

• Increased customer trust – The BRC certificate represents a guarantee that the company produces safe food in accordance with the strictest international standards. This increases the trust of both business partners and end consumers.
• Access to global markets – Many leading retail chains, especially in Great Britain, Europe, and North America, require BRC certification from their suppliers. Without this certificate, access to these markets is often impossible.
• Reduction of business risks – A systematic approach to food safety management significantly reduces the risk of contamination, product recalls, and reputational damage that can be disastrous for a business.
• Improvement of operational efficiency – The standard implementation process identifies inefficiencies in production processes and enables their removal, which leads to cost reduction and increased productivity.
• Competitive advantage – In an increasingly demanding market environment, the BRC certificate represents a clear differentiating advantage that can be a deciding factor against the competition.

Why the BRC standard is important

The importance of the BRC standard stems from several key factors that shape the modern food industry:

• Legal compliance – Although BRC is not legally mandatory, its implementation helps companies fulfill all relevant legal requirements related to food safety. The standard is designed to exceed minimum legal requirements and provide additional security.
• Retail chain requirements – Leading retail chains around the world set BRC certification as a mandatory condition for cooperation. Without the certificate, manufacturers do not have access to supermarket shelves, which represent the main distribution channel.
• Public health protection – In a time when food safety incidents can have far-reaching consequences, the BRC standard provides a systematic approach that minimizes risks and protects end consumers.
• Supply chain integrity – The standard ensures that every link in the supply chain maintains high safety and quality standards, which is critical in complex, global supply chains.
• Professional development – Implementing the standard entails employee training and development, which leads to raising the overall level of professionalism and competencies within the organization.

Key principles of the BRC standard

The BRC standard rests on several fundamental principles that form the basis for all its requirements:

• Risk-based approach – The standard requires companies to identify, assess, and manage risks associated with food safety in a systematic way. This includes the application of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles and proactive management of potential hazards.

• Food safety culture – BRC recognizes that technical systems alone are not enough. A culture is necessary where every employee understands their contribution to food safety and actively participates in maintaining the standard.
• Documented management systems – The standard requires clearly defined policies, procedures, and records that demonstrate that food safety is managed in a systematic and traceable manner.
• Continuous improvement – BRC is not a static system – it requires regular evaluation of performance, internal audits, and constant improvement of all aspects of food safety management.
• Top management responsibility – Successful implementation of the standard requires the active support and engagement of the highest level of management, which must provide resources and set the direction of the organization.
• Transparency and communication – The standard emphasizes the importance of open communication within the organization, with suppliers and buyers, to ensure that everyone understands and respects food safety requirements.

Structure of the BRC standard

The BRC standard is organized into seven basic sections that cover all key aspects of food safety management:

• Section 1: Senior management commitment and continuous improvement – This section sets the foundation for the entire system, requiring a clear food safety policy, defined objectives, and regular reviews by top management.
• Section 2: The Food Safety Plan – HACCP – Requires the implementation of a fully functional HACCP system based on Codex Alimentarius principles, including hazard identification, determination of critical control points, and establishment of a monitoring system.
• Section 3: Food safety and quality management systems – Covers requirements for documentation, record management, internal audits, control of non-conforming products, and corrective actions.
• Section 4: Site standards – Defines requirements for facility design, maintenance, cleaning, pest control, and waste management to ensure that the physical environment supports safe food production.
• Section 5: Product control – Encompasses the management of product design and development, allergen management, food authenticity, packaging, and product inspection.
• Section 6: Process control – Focuses on the control of operations, quantitative measurements (weight, volume, count), equipment calibration, and monitoring of process parameters.
• Section 7: Personnel – Covers training, personal hygiene, medical screening, and protective clothing to ensure that employees do not pose a risk to food safety.

Key concepts of the BRC standard

Understanding the key concepts of the BRC standard is essential for successful implementation:

• HACCP system – The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system represents the heart of the BRC standard. It is a preventive approach that identifies biological, chemical, and physical hazards in food production and establishes control measures.
• Allergen management – Given the growing prevalence of food allergies, the standard sets strict requirements for the identification, segregation, labeling, and control of allergens throughout the entire production process.
• Traceability – The ability to track products backward through the supply chain and forward to buyers is critical for rapid response in case of problems. The standard requires robust traceability systems.
• Food authenticity – In light of growing cases of food fraud, the BRC standard requires measures to ensure that products are authentic and match the declaration.
• Food safety culture – Newer versions of the standard increasingly emphasize the importance of an organizational culture that supports food safety, including open communication and a proactive approach by employees.
• Incident management – The standard requires clear procedures for incident management, product recalls, and communication in crisis situations.
• Food Defense – Protection against intentional contamination is becoming increasingly important, so the standard includes requirements for vulnerability assessment and the implementation of protective measures.

Areas of application of the BRC standard

The BRC standard is applied in various segments of the food industry:

• Food industry – Manufacturers of food products of all kinds, from raw materials to finished products, can use the BRC standard. This includes the production of meat, dairy products, baked goods, canned food, frozen food, and many other categories.
• Ingredient production – Companies that produce ingredients for further processing, such as additives, spices, functional ingredients, and semi-finished products, can be certified according to the BRC standard.
• Food packaging – Manufacturers of primary and secondary food packaging can use a specialized version of the BRC standard for packaging materials.
• Contract manufacturing – Companies that produce food on behalf of other brands (private label manufacturing) often must have BRC certification as a condition for cooperation.
• Distribution and storage – There are specialized versions of the BRC standard for distributors and warehouse operators who handle food.
• Exporters – Companies in the EU that want to export to international, UK, and North American markets often have no alternative to BRC certification if they want access to major retail chains.

Benefits of implementing the BRC standard

Implementing the BRC standard brings concrete, measurable benefits:

• Product quality improvement – A systematic approach to quality management results in more consistent products that better meet customer expectations.
• Loss reduction – Better process control leads to a reduction in scrap, complaints, and product returns, which directly impacts profitability.
• More efficient use of resources – Process optimization that comes with standard implementation often results in better use of raw materials, energy, and labor.
• Easier access to financing – Banks and other financiers gladly approve loans to companies with a BRC certificate because it is an indicator of good management and low risk.
• Attracting talented personnel – Companies that operate according to high standards attract better qualified and more motivated employees.
• Brand and reputation protection – In the event of food safety problems, companies with robust management systems can react faster and minimize reputational damage.
• Simpler integration with suppliers – Many suppliers themselves seek to work with certified companies, which facilitates the establishment of a reliable supply chain.
• Reduction in the number of customer audits – The BRC certificate is widely accepted, which means many buyers accept the certificate instead of conducting their own audits, saving time and resources.

Process of BRC standard implementation

Implementing the BRC standard is a structured process that requires planning and commitment:

• Initial readiness assessment (Gap analysis) – The first step is a detailed analysis of the current state of the system against the requirements of the standard. This identifies areas requiring improvement and helps in resource planning.
• Training and awareness raising – Before implementation begins, it is crucial that management and employees understand the requirements of the standard and their role in its implementation.
• Documentation development and revision – This includes creating or revising policies, procedures, work instructions, and forms necessary to meet the standard’s requirements.
• HACCP system implementation – The development or improvement of the HACCP plan is a central part of the implementation, including hazard identification, CCP determination, and the establishment of monitoring systems.
• Establishment of control measures – Implementation of specific control measures in production, from hygiene practices to technological controls.
• Internal audits – Conducting internal audits to verify that all elements of the system are implemented and functional.
• Corrective actions – Addressing non-conformities identified during internal audits.
• Preparation for the certification audit – Final preparation that includes checking documentation completeness, staff training, and a mock audit.

This process usually takes between 6 and 12 months, depending on the size of the organization and the initial state of the system.

Certification process of the BRC standard

Certification according to the BRC standard is a rigorous process conducted by accredited certification bodies:

• Selection of a certification body – The company chooses a certification body accredited for the BRC standard. It is important to choose a reputable body that is globally recognized.
• Application for certification – The company submits an application with basic information about production, products, and management systems.
• Audit announcement – The certification body schedules an announced audit, but the BRC standard also requires an element of unannounced audits for certain categories.
• Certification audit – A team of auditors conducts a detailed audit of all aspects of production, from documentation through production facilities to interviews with staff. The audit usually lasts 1-3 days depending on the size of the facility.
• Assessment – Auditors assess compliance with the standard’s requirements. Non-conformities are classified as critical, major, or minor depending on their impact on food safety.
• Corrective actions – If non-conformities are identified, the company must propose and implement corrective actions within a specific timeframe.
• Certification decision – After verification of corrective actions, the certification body makes a decision on issuing the certificate.
• Issuance of the certificate – Successful companies receive a certificate and a grade (AA, A, B, C, or D) that reflects the level of compliance and the number of identified non-conformities.
• Entry into the directory – Certified companies are entered into the global BRC directory, which is available to buyers and other interested parties.

BRC certificate – characteristics and significance

The BRC certificate has several specific characteristics that distinguish it from other certificates:

• Grading system – BRC uses a unique grading system with grades from AA (highest) to D (lowest). The grade is determined based on the number and severity of non-conformities. Many buyers only accept suppliers with an AA or A grade.
• Limited validity – The certificate is valid for one year, after which re-certification is necessary. This ensures that companies continuously maintain high standards.
• Public availability – Unlike some other standards, BRC certificates are publicly available through an online directory, allowing buyers to verify certification status.
• Detailed report – Along with the certificate, the company receives a detailed audit report that lists all findings, good practices, and areas for improvement.
• Global recognition – The BRC certificate is recognized worldwide, especially in countries with developed retail, making it extremely valuable for exporters.
• GFSI compliance – As a GFSI-recognized standard, the BRC certificate meets the requirements of many global buyers who demand GFSI certification.

Importance of the BRC certificate

The BRC certificate has multiple significance for business:

• Ticket to major markets – For many companies, the BRC certificate is a necessary condition for access to British, European, and North American markets, especially large retail chains.
• Signal of quality – The certificate sends a clear message to buyers and consumers that the company takes food safety and quality seriously and operates according to the strictest international standards.
• Reduction of transaction costs – With a BRC certificate, a company avoids multiple audits by different buyers, which significantly reduces administrative costs and production interruptions.
• Basis for contractual relationships – Many retail chains list BRC certification as a contractual requirement, meaning that without the certificate, a company cannot even begin negotiations.
• Protection in case of problems – In the event of incidents related to food safety, a company with a BRC certificate can demonstrate that it has taken all reasonable precautions, which can be important from a legal perspective.
• Competitive differentiation – In an environment where an increasing number of companies have basic certificates, a BRC with a high grade can be a deciding factor that sets a company apart from the competition.

Cost of the BRC standard

The cost of implementation and certification of the BRC standard depends on several factors:

• Implementation costs – This includes the costs of consulting services, employee training, infrastructure, and equipment upgrades. For smaller companies, these costs can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros. Larger companies or those with significant gaps in their systems can expect significantly higher investments.
• Certification costs – The fee to the certification body depends on the size of the facility, complexity of production, number of employees, and duration of the audit.
• Annual maintenance costs – Since the certificate is valid for one year, annual re-certification is required. In addition to audit costs, there are costs for internal audits, employee training, and system maintenance.
• Corrective action costs – If non-conformities are identified during the audit, the company must invest additional resources to resolve them.
• Hidden costs – The costs of engaging internal resources, the time staff spends in preparation and during the audit, as well as potential production interruptions should not be ignored.
• Return on investment – Although the costs are significant, it is important to view them as an investment. Access to new markets, improved efficiency, and reduced risk usually quickly offset the initial costs.

If you are interested in the cost of the BRC standard, fill out the REQUEST FOR QUOTE and our team will provide you with a personalized BRC standard price as soon as possible.

Based on your inquiry, you will receive:

• clear information on the price and duration of the process,
• an explanation of the steps for implementing the standard,
• expert support throughout the entire certification process.

Fill out the form and take the first step towards compliance with the BRC standard and business improvement.

European BRC certificate

For companies in the EU, BRC certification has a special context:

• Certificate recognition – A BRC certificate issued to an EU company has the same validity and recognition as a certificate issued anywhere in the world. There is no difference in the “value” of the certificate based on the company’s location.
• Significance for export – For EU food manufacturers who want to export to the global market and Western markets, the BRC certificate often represents a key competitive advantage or even a mandatory condition.
• Local support – Companies such as Mobes Group provide local support in the English language, which significantly facilitates the implementation process and communication with international certification bodies.
• Examples of successful companies – Numerous EU food manufacturers have successfully implemented the BRC standard and opened doors to large international markets, which serves as an inspiration to other companies.
• Integration with domestic standards – The BRC standard can be efficiently integrated with existing systems that companies already have, such as ISO 9001 or ISO 22000, minimizing the additional burden.

The BRC standard in the EU – legal framework and support

The BRC standard operates within a broader regulatory context in Europe:

• Legal requirements – Although the BRC standard is not legally mandatory in Europe, food production must comply with EU laws and regulations such as the General Food Law Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 that regulate food safety. The BRC standard exceeds these minimum requirements.
• Compliance with global regulations – The EU, as a major player in the global market, harmonizes its regulations with international legislative frameworks. The BRC standard helps companies be ready for these global requirements.
• Support from state institutions – The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other relevant bodies provide support to companies that want to improve their food quality and safety standards, although direct financial support for BRC certification may be limited.
• The role of the European Chambers of Commerce – The European Chambers of Commerce (Eurochambres) provides information and support to companies wishing to implement international standards, including BRC.
• EU funds and projects – Sometimes EU funds or projects are available that support the modernization of the food industry, which can include support for certification.
• Consulting organizations – Professional consulting companies such as Mobes Group play a key role in providing expertise and guiding companies through the implementation and certification process.

Maintaining the BRC certificate

Obtaining the BRC certificate is just the beginning – maintenance is a continuous process:

• Annual re-certification – The certificate must be renewed every year through a repeated certification audit. The company must demonstrate that it has maintained or improved its system.
• Internal audits – The BRC standard requires regular internal audits that allow for early detection of problems and continuous system improvement.
• Continuous training – Employees must regularly undergo refresher training to stay informed about standard requirements and best practices.
• Performance monitoring – The company must continuously monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to food safety and quality and take corrective actions when necessary.
• Change management – All changes in processes, products, equipment, or personnel must be carefully managed and evaluated in terms of their impact on food safety.
• Management review – Senior management must regularly review system performance and make strategic decisions about improvements.
• Communication with the certification body – The company must notify the certification body of significant changes or incidents that could affect the validity of the certificate.
• Updating in accordance with new standard versions – The BRC standard is periodically revised. Companies must track changes and adapt their systems to new requirements.

Integration with other management systems

The BRC standard can be effectively integrated with other management systems:

• ISO 9001 standard (Quality Management System) – Many requirements of the BRC standard overlap with ISO 9001, especially in the areas of documentation, process management, and continuous improvement. Companies with ISO 9001 have a solid foundation for implementing BRC.
• ISO 22000 standard (Food Safety Management System) – Both standards focus on food safety and use the HACCP approach. ISO 22000 is a more general standard, while BRC has more specific requirements that suit retail needs.
• FSSC 22000 standard – This is another GFSI-recognized standard for food safety. Companies sometimes hold both certificates depending on buyer requirements.
• IFS standard (International Featured Standards) – IFS is also a GFSI-recognized standard popular in Germany and France. BRC and IFS have many similarities and can coexist.
• ISO 45001 standard (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) – Although it focuses on employee safety, ISO 45001 has common points with BRC, especially in the areas of training and risk management.
• ISO 14001 standard (Environmental Management System) – Integration with BRC is possible through shared processes for documentation management, internal audits, and management of environmental aspects that can affect food safety.
• Advantages of an integrated approach – Integrated management systems reduce duplication of effort, simplify documentation, and enable a holistic approach to managing the organization.

Mobes Group – your partner for BRC certification

Mobes Group is a leading consulting company in Europe that provides comprehensive support for the implementation and certification of the BRC standard:

• Experience and expertise – With years of experience in the field of management systems and food safety standards, the Mobes Group team consists of experts who deeply understand both the BRC standard and the specificities of the European market and food industry.
• Comprehensive approach – Mobes Group does not just offer consulting services, but a partner that follows the company through the entire process – from the initial assessment, through implementation, to successful certification and further support in maintaining the system.
• Tailored solutions – Every company is unique, and Mobes Group develops customized solutions that fit the specific needs, size, and capabilities of the client, instead of a “one size fits all” approach.
• Support in the English language – Communication in the English language eliminates language barriers and uncertainties, which is especially important when it comes to the complex technical requirements of the standard.
• Knowledge transfer – The goal of Mobes Group is not just to obtain a certificate for the client, but to train the company’s internal staff to independently manage and maintain the system after certification.
• Connecting with certification bodies – Mobes Group has established relationships with renowned international certification bodies, which facilitates the certification process for clients.
• Additional services – In addition to the BRC standard, Mobes Group offers support for a wide range of other standards and management systems, enabling clients to develop an integrated approach to managing quality, safety, and other aspects of business.

Why choose Mobes Group?

There are several key reasons why companies choose Mobes Group as a partner for BRC certification:

• Proven results – Mobes Group has a track record of successful projects with companies of various sizes and from different sectors of the food industry. Satisfied clients are the best recommendation.
• Practical approach – The Mobes Group team does not just offer theoretical knowledge but practical, applicable solutions that work in real production conditions.
• Efficiency – With Mobes Group, companies avoid common pitfalls and extended deadlines that insufficiently experienced consultants can cause, resulting in a faster path to certification.
• Support after certification – The relationship does not end with obtaining the certificate. Mobes Group continues to provide support in maintaining the system and preparing for re-certification.
• Understanding the local context – Unlike external consulting firms, Mobes Group understands the specificities of doing business in Europe, which allows for more realistic solutions.
• Investment optimization – Mobes Group helps clients maximize the return on investment in the BRC standard by identifying opportunities to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Flexibility – Realizing that every company has different needs and capabilities, Mobes Group offers flexible service packages that can be tailored to specific requirements.
• Continuous development – The Mobes Group team continuously monitors changes in standards, regulations, and best practices, transferring this knowledge to clients.

Most common challenges and how to overcome them

During the implementation of the BRC standard, companies often encounter certain challenges:

• Resistance to change – Employees and management may be skeptical of new procedures and systems. Solution: Clear communication about the benefits, involving staff in the implementation process, and demonstrating support from top management.
• Limited resources – Small and medium-sized companies often feel they lack the people, time, or money for implementation. Solution: Phased implementation, prioritizing critical elements, and using external consultants who can effectively guide the process.
• Documentation complexity – BRC requires extensive documentation which can be overwhelming. Solution: Focus on functional documentation that is truly needed, use templates, and digitize where possible.
• Infrastructural deficiencies – Older facilities may require significant physical adaptations. Solution: Prioritization of critical improvements, phased implementation, and finding creative solutions that meet standard requirements.
• Lack of expertise – Internal staff may not have enough knowledge about HACCP and food safety management. Solution: Investing in training key personnel and hiring experienced consultants.
• Maintaining the system after certification – Many companies “relax” after obtaining the certificate. Solution: Establishing routine monitoring processes, regular training, and clear assignment of responsibilities.
• Unexpected findings during the audit – Despite preparation, auditors may identify non-conformities. Solution: Proactive internal audits, open communication with consultants, and realistic audit simulations.

The future and the BRC standard

The BRC standard is continuously evolving to respond to new challenges:

• Digitalization and automation – The future of the BRC standard will include greater application of digital technologies for monitoring, documentation, and data analysis. Blockchain technology can improve traceability.
• Focus on sustainability – The environmental aspects of food production are gaining importance. Future versions of the standard will likely include stricter requirements related to sustainability and environmental protection.
• Strengthening food safety culture – Recognizing that technical systems alone are not enough will lead to an increasing emphasis on organizational culture and employee behavior.
• Adaptation to new hazards – New pathogens, contaminants, and forms of food fraud require continuous evolution of the standard.
• Integration with technology – IoT sensors, AI for data analysis and predictive analytics, and other technologies will become an integral part of food safety management systems.
• Global harmonization – Further harmonization between different GFSI-recognized standards is expected, which will make it easier for companies operating in the global market.
• Adaptation for small companies – Growing focus on finding ways to facilitate access to the standard for small and medium-sized enterprises without compromising rigor.

For EU companies, this means that the BRC standard will continue to be a relevant and valuable certificate, but it will require continuous adaptation and investment in new technologies and approaches.

How to Start?

If you want to introduce the BRC standard into your company, the process is simple:

• Contact Mobes Group – Contact page or send a request for a quote
• Initial Consultation – Our team will analyze your needs and current situation
• Customized Plan – You will receive a detailed implementation plan tailored to your enterprise
• Implementation – With our support, you will carry out all necessary changes
• Certification – We will help you successfully go through the certification process

The BRC standard

The BRC standard represents more than a certificate – it is an investment in the future of your company, in the safety of the products you offer, and in access to global markets that can transform your business.

In the increasingly competitive environment of the food industry, companies that proactively adopt the highest quality and safety standards position themselves for long-term success. BRC certification opens the doors to large retail chains in Europe and beyond, builds trust with buyers and partners, and provides a systematic framework for continuous improvement.

Your path to business excellence begins here. Contact Mobes Group today and discover how the BRC standard can improve your business.

Mobes Europe – Elite Consulting Services for ISO Standard Implementation & Certification

Email: info@mobes.eu