Blog

BRCGS Certification: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Prepare

What Is BRCGS Certification?

BRCGS, which stands for Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards, is a leading food safety and quality certification program. Originally developed by the British Retail Consortium, BRCGS has grown into a globally recognized standard used by companies across food production, packaging, storage, distribution, and more.

BRCGS certification verifies that a company has implemented robust food safety management systems. It ensures that proper procedures are in place to control risks, meet legal requirements, and consistently produce safe, high-quality products.

Why Is BRCGS Certification Important?

Many retailers, brand owners, and global buyers require BRCGS certification as part of their supplier approval process. Earning certification can help open doors to new business opportunities, build trust with customers, and strengthen your food safety culture.

Some key benefits of BRCGS certification include:

• Meeting global retailer and buyer expectations

• Enhancing food safety and product quality systems

• Reducing the risk of recalls or food safety incidents

• Demonstrating commitment to continuous improvement

• Supporting international market access

BRCGS is also recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), making it a preferred certification option for businesses that supply large national and international retailers.

Is BRCGS Certification Required?

While BRCGS certification may not be required by law, many customers, retailers, and distributors now list it as a condition for doing business. In highly competitive sectors like food manufacturing and packaging, having BRCGS certification can be a clear advantage.

In some cases, your customer may mandate BRCGS certification as part of their supplier approval program. In others, businesses pursue certification proactively to strengthen internal processes, reduce risk, and stay competitive.

What Does the BRCGS Audit Involve?

To achieve BRCGS certification, your facility must undergo a comprehensive third-party audit by an accredited certification body. The audit covers a wide range of requirements, including:

• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)

• Prerequisite programs such as sanitation, pest control, and allergen management

• Documented food safety and quality management systems

• Supplier approval and monitoring programs

• Traceability and recall procedures

• Corrective and preventive action systems

• Employee training and competency programs

• Facility maintenance and hygiene

The BRCGS audit evaluates both your written programs and how effectively you implement them in daily operations.

How Long Does It Take to Get BRCGS Certified?

The timeline to achieve BRCGS certification can vary depending on your company’s current level of readiness. In general, most companies spend several months preparing before scheduling their certification audit.

Key preparation steps include:

• Conducting a gap assessment against the BRCGS standard

• Developing or updating policies, procedures, and records

• Training employees on food safety practices and program requirements

• Performing internal audits and mock inspections

• Addressing any identified non-conformities before the audit

For companies starting from scratch, full implementation may take six months or longer. For companies with existing food safety programs in place, the timeline may be shorter.

What Are BRCGS Auditors Looking For?

BRCGS auditors focus on both documentation and practice. They will review your food safety plans, records, supplier documentation, employee training files, and other supporting materials. Just as importantly, they will observe how your team applies these programs in real time on the production floor.

Auditors look for evidence that your food safety management system is not just documented, but fully implemented, monitored, and continually improved.

How Does Software Help With BRCGS Certification?

Managing all of the documentation, records, training, and supplier approvals required for BRCGS certification can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you rely on spreadsheets, paper files, or disconnected systems.

Food safety management software like Certdox simplifies BRCGS compliance by giving FSQA teams one connected system to manage:

• Document control and version management

• Corrective action tracking

• Internal audits and audit readiness

• Supplier approval programs

• Employee training records

• Ongoing compliance monitoring

With Certdox, your team can stay organized, reduce audit prep stress, and maintain readiness year-round. Everything you need is in one place, always current, and easy to access during audits or internal reviews.

Is BRCGS Harder Than Other Certifications?

BRCGS certification is considered one of the more comprehensive food safety standards. Compared to basic GMP certification, BRCGS includes broader requirements across both food safety and quality management.

However, with proper preparation, clear documentation, and team engagement, many companies successfully achieve certification. Having the right tools, training, and systems in place makes the process much more manageable.

Looking to simplify BRCGS compliance?
Certdox was built to take the paperwork, spreadsheets, and stress out of food safety certification. Contact us to see how Certdox can help your team stay audit-ready, organized, and confident.

Explore Certdox or book a demo