QIMA provides GFSI-recognized BRCGS certification and BRCGS audit services for food manufacturers, packaging producers, and storage and distribution operators. Our ANAB-accredited auditors evaluate your food safety management system against the applicable BRCGS standard and issue a graded certificate that demonstrates conformance to buyers and retailers worldwide.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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✓ A US retailer such as Costco, Whole Foods, or Trader Joe's has requested BRCGS certification as part of their supplier approval or vendor compliance program |
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✓ A broadline foodservice distributor such as Sysco or US Foods requires GFSI-recognized certification and has specified BRCGS as an accepted or preferred scheme |
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✓ You are a US importer bringing food products from EU or UK brands, and those brand owners require their supply chain to hold BRCGS certification |
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✓ You supply food-contact packaging materials, and your US food manufacturer customers require BRCGS Packaging Materials certification from their packaging suppliers |
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✓ You operate a third-party warehouse or distribution facility, and a food manufacturer or retail customer requires BRCGS Storage and Distribution certification |
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✓ You supply UK or EU retailers directly or through an importer, and those buyers specify BRCGS as a condition of supply |
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 food safety scheme is right for your operation, download our quick guide: How to Choose the Right Certification for Your Business.
The path to BRCGS certification follows a structured sequence. Here's what to expect at each stage:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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AA Outstanding Zero Major or Critical; minimal Minors |
A Excellent No Majors; limited Minors |
B Good No Majors; moderate Minors |
C Satisfactory Minor Majors; addressed in CAPA |
D Conditional Significant findings; 28-day re-audit |
F Fail Critical NC or Grade D re-audit failure |
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.
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.
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.
Reduce audit fatigue by bundling your BRCGS audit with organic, sustainability, or other GFSI scheme audits (such as SQF, IFS, or GLOBALG.A.P.) 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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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
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
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
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.
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.
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What is a BRCGS audit? |
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A BRCGS audit is an on-site assessment conducted by an accredited certification body to verify that your food safety management system meets the requirements of the applicable BRCGS Global Standard. The auditor evaluates HACCP implementation, prerequisite programs, documentation, site conditions, and traceability. The audit was formerly referred to as a BRC audit, before the standard was rebranded from BRC to BRCGS. |
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How much does BRCGS certification cost? |
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Certification fees vary based on site size, number of employees, audit duration, and scope of products and processes. QIMA provides tailored cost estimates during the application stage after reviewing your site profile. Contact us for a personalized quote specific to your operation. |
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What are BRCGS Global Standards? |
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BRCGS Global Standards are GFSI-recognized certification frameworks covering Food Safety (Issue 9), Packaging Materials (Issue 7), Storage and Distribution (Issue 4), and Agents and Brokers (Issue 3). Each standard sets auditable requirements for managing product safety, quality, legality, and authenticity across different parts of the supply chain. |
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What does it mean to be BRCGS certified? |
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Being BRCGS certified means your organization has passed an independent audit conducted by an accredited certification body and holds a graded certificate confirming conformance to a BRCGS Global Standard. The certificate is recorded in the BRCGS Directory, where buyers and retailers can verify your status. Certification demonstrates that your food safety management system meets internationally recognized requirements. |
UNANNOUNCED AUDITS
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We are concerned about unannounced audits. Do we have to choose the unannounced option? |
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Under BRCGS Issue 9, every certified site must undergo at least one unannounced audit in every three-year cycle. This is mandatory. Sites can choose between two options: - Mandatory unannounced audit: Every three years, the site must have one unannounced audit. Other audits in the cycle are announced. - Voluntary unannounced program: Every audit is unannounced. Sites that choose this option receive a "+" grade suffix (AA+, A+, B+, or C+). If your buyer specifically requires unannounced certification, that requirement comes through your supply chain relationship. |
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If we opt into unannounced audits, how much notice will we receive? |
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Under the BRCGS unannounced scheme, the specific audit date is not communicated in advance. QIMA is authorized to arrive on site within a defined window period set by BRCGS scheme rules. Sites opting into this program agree to be audit-ready throughout the entire window. Specific rules governing notice periods and window duration are set by BRCGS and confirmed during the application stage. Sites may specify a limited number of blackout dates. |
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What happens if the auditor arrives on an unannounced visit and key personnel are unavailable? |
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BRCGS scheme rules define the conditions under which an unannounced audit can be rescheduled or aborted without penalty. These rules are site-specific and based on the nature of the unavailability. QIMA communicates the relevant scheme provisions during the application stage. Sites on the unannounced program are expected to have documented contingency arrangements to maintain audit-readiness regardless of personnel availability. |
READINESS & TIMING
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How do we know if we are ready for a BRCGS audit? |
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Readiness is the organization's responsibility to assess. BRCGS scheme rules require that the food safety management system has been implemented and operational for a defined minimum period before the initial audit. Auditors evaluate implementation and effectiveness, not just documentation. Signs that an organization is audit-ready typically include: - HACCP plan fully developed and reviewed by the HACCP team - Prerequisite programs documented and operating records available - Internal audit program completed for all applicable BRCGS sections - Management review conducted and documented - Corrective actions raised through internal audit process have been addressed |
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Can QIMA help us assess readiness before the audit? |
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QIMA is a certification body. Our role is to conduct independent, impartial audits, not to provide consulting advice or pre-audit gap assessments that could compromise our independence. If your organization wants an independent gap assessment before applying, we recommend engaging a qualified food safety consultant who is not associated with QIMA's certification function. We can confirm scope, duration, and process requirements during the application stage. |
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How long does the BRCGS audit take? |
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Audit duration is determined by site size (measured in total employees and operational complexity), scope of products and processes, and the number of BRCGS Standard sections applicable. BRCGS publishes audit duration guidance as part of its scheme rules, which QIMA applies when confirming your audit plan. As an indicative range: small sites may complete in one day; larger, more complex operations typically require two days. Duration is confirmed at the application stage based on your specific site profile. |
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We have already invested in another food safety system. Do we have to start from scratch for BRCGS? |
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Not necessarily. Organizations with existing GFSI-recognized certifications such as SQF, FSSC 22000, or IFS will find significant overlap in underlying requirements. HACCP, prerequisite programs, internal audit, and management review are common across GFSI-recognized schemes. However, BRCGS has scheme-specific structural requirements and grading criteria. Auditors evaluate conformance against the BRCGS standard specifically, not against equivalent requirements from another scheme. |
NONCONFORMITIES & CAPA
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What happens if we receive Major nonconformities during the audit? |
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Major nonconformities do not automatically result in certification failure. Under BRCGS rules, Major nonconformities require the organization to submit documented corrective action evidence within 28 days of the audit report being issued (90 days for initial certification). QIMA's certification committee reviews the corrective action evidence before making a certification decision. The grade awarded reflects the total number of Major and Minor nonconformities recorded during the audit. If corrective action evidence is not submitted within the required timeframe or is assessed as inadequate, certification may be refused. |
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What is a Critical nonconformity, and what does it mean for our certification? |
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A Critical nonconformity under BRCGS is a finding that poses an immediate risk to food safety, legality, or product integrity, or represents a fundamental breakdown of the food safety management system. A single Critical nonconformity results in a Grade F (Fail). Certification cannot be granted for that audit cycle. The organization must address the root cause and may apply for a new audit. Critical nonconformity definitions and examples are published in the BRCGS Standard. |
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What's the difference between a Major and Minor nonconformity? |
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The BRCGS Standard defines three nonconformity classifications based on severity and risk: - Critical: Immediate food safety, legality, or integrity risk. Results in Grade F. - Major: A significant failure that could affect food safety or result in a non-safe product. Requires documented corrective action within 28 days. - Minor: A partial failure against a BRCGS requirement. Accumulation of Minors determines grade level. Must be addressed by the next audit. |
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What format does corrective action evidence need to be in? |
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BRCGS requires objective evidence that the root cause of each Major nonconformity has been identified and addressed. This typically includes a documented root cause analysis, evidence of the corrective action taken, and evidence of verification that the action is effective. QIMA provides the nonconformity report in the audit documentation. Corrective action responses are submitted through QIMA's certification management system within the 28-day window. |
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Can we appeal a nonconformity finding or our audit grade? |
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Yes. QIMA has a formal appeals process for organizations that wish to challenge a certification decision or specific audit findings. Appeals must be submitted within the timeframe defined in QIMA's appeals procedure and are reviewed independently by the appeals team. BRCGS scheme rules also include provisions related to complaints about the certification process. QIMA's appeals procedure is provided to all applicants as part of the certification agreement. Details are available on our complaints and appeals page. |
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