BRCGS Certification: Global Standards for Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety
Storage and Distribution
Packaging Materials
Brokers and Agents
What is BRCGS?
BRCGS, which stands for Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards, is a globally recognised suite of certification standards developed to ensure the safety, quality, and authenticity of products across the supply chain. Benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), BRCGS standards provide organisations with a structured, risk-based framework for managing food safety hazards and maintaining consistent operational performance.
Originally established by the British Retail Consortium, BRCGS has grown into one of the most trusted and widely adopted sets of standards in the food and consumer products industries. Certification is recognised by retailers, manufacturers, food service operators, and regulators worldwide as a credible demonstration of rigorous controls, defined accountability, and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.
Why BRCGS Certification Matters
In today’s supply chain environment, food safety certification is no longer optional for organisations that want to compete at the highest levels. Many major retailers and food service buyers require their suppliers to hold a current GFSI-recognised certification, making BRCGS not just a mark of quality but a practical requirement for market access. Beyond compliance, certified organisations benefit from stronger internal systems, reduced risk exposure, and a verifiable record of food safety performance that builds lasting customer confidence.
- Demonstrates conformity to a GFSI-benchmarked global standard
- Meets retailer and customer certification requirements for supplier qualification
- Provides a structured framework for identifying and managing food safety risks
- Drives operational consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Supports market access in domestic and international supply chains
- Reduces the likelihood and impact of food safety incidents and product recalls
BRCGS Programmes Offered by PJRFSCC
As an accredited BRCGS Certification Body and a recognised BRCGS 5-Star CB, Perry Johnson Registrars Food Safety offers certification services across the full range of BRCGS standards. Each programme is tailored to the specific risk profile and operational requirements of its sector:
- BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
- BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging Materials
- BRCGS Global Standard for Storage and Distribution
- BRCGS Global Standard for Agents and Brokers
- BRCGS Voluntary Modules
Why Choose PJRFSCC?
PJR Food Safety holds a 5-Star rating from BRCGS, a performance designation awarded every six months to the certification bodies that demonstrate the highest standards of audit quality, auditor competency, and client service across the global BRCGS programme. It is not a lifetime credential. It is earned continuously, which means it reflects how PJRFSI operates today, not just at a point in the past.
In practice, that means working with auditors who understand your specific sector, not generalists working from a checklist. It means receiving detailed audit findings that are actionable, not just documented. And it means having a certification partner who stays engaged through the process, from initial contact and pre-assessment through to certification and beyond.
PJR Food Safety has helped organisations of all sizes, across every BRCGS sector, achieve and maintain certification with confidence. That track record, combined with the 5-Star designation, is why organisations choose PJR when certification matters.
What to Expect from the Certification Process
BRCGS certification involves a combined on-site document review and facility assessment, typically conducted in a single visit. Audit duration is determined by factors including employee count, the number of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) studies, process complexity, and facility size. For most organisations, the on-site portion takes approximately two days, with additional time allocated for report writing and corrective action management.
Audit results are graded based on the type and number of nonconformities identified. Organisations achieving an A or B grade are required to undergo annual recertification audits. A C grade, which represents the minimum passing threshold, requires a six-month audit frequency until a higher grade is achieved. All audits are scheduled within the 28-day window prior to the relevant due date.
We recommend establishing contact with your certification body before completing system implementation. Early engagement allows for proper planning around budget and scheduling, and a pre-assessment is strongly recommended to evaluate readiness and maximise the likelihood of passing the initial certification audit on the first attempt.
To learn more about BRCGS certification or to request a quote, contact us today at 1-855-757-7374.
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