What is BRCGS?
BRCGS is a leading brand and consumer protection organisation, with more than 29,000 certified companies in 130 countries. The BRCGS standards standardise quality, food safety and operational criteria, help producers meet their legal obligations and protect the consumer. Certification to the BRCGS standards is often a basic requirement of leading retailers, foodservice companies and manufacturers.
The BRCGS Global Standards for Storage and Distribution, Food Safety, Packaging Materials and Agents and Brokers are also GFSI-recognised.
How do I obtain my BRCGS certificate?
AMNorman's consultants can support you in obtaining your BRCGS certificate.
Would you like more information? Feel free to contact us.
Is the BRCGS certificate right for me?
BRCGS is a standard that is relevant to every company operating in the food sector.
There are variants of the standard for specific applications.
We have experience with certification to the following standards:
What our clients say
implementation BRCGS packaging materials
Thanks to the support of AMNorman, our quality system is fully in order and in 2020 we achieved our first BRCGS Packaging Materials certificate.
Pauline Van Acker, Packas
Frequently asked questions about BRCGS certification
What does BRCGS stand for?
BRCGS stands for Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (formerly known as BRC, British Retail Consortium). It is a globally recognised, GFSI-benchmarked food safety standard, with the Global Standard Food Safety as its best-known standard in the food industry.
What do the grades AA, A, B, C and D mean in BRCGS?
The grade reflects the number and severity of the findings during your audit: from AA (highest, a maximum of 5 minor non-conformities) to D (the lowest grade still achievable), with “Uncertified” if there is a critical non-conformity or too many minor ones. For an unannounced audit, a “+” is added to your grade (e.g. A+). Many UK retailers expect at least grade A.
How often does a BRCGS audit take place?
With grade AA or A, usually every 12 months; with a lower grade, the interval can be shorter. The current standard is Issue 9 (in force since August 2022). Issue 10 is under development: the public consultation closed in February 2026 and a Technical Working Group has since been working on the final version; no publication date has been announced yet.
Is BRCGS mandatory to supply UK retailers?
It is not a legal requirement, but in practice virtually all major UK retailers and many international food companies require a valid BRCGS certificate as a commercial condition of supply. For companies active (directly or indirectly) in the UK market, it is therefore a de facto market requirement.
Further reading in our knowledge centre
BRCGS Packaging Materials
Packaging has an enormous impact on food!
Extending shelf life and protecting products are just a few examples.
Functional packaging goes one step further.
It also enables products to be traced, for example.
BRCGS Packaging Materials Position Statement P618 sets out additional requirements for this functional packaging.
