BRC
BRC Global Standard for Food Safety. GFSI-benchmarked certification for retail supply chains.
BRC Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9) is one of the most widely accepted GFSI-benchmarked food safety certifications, required by major UK and European retailers (Tesco, Walmart, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's) for supplier approval. BRC certification covers senior management commitment, HACCP-based food safety plan, quality management system, site standards (hygiene, layout, pest control), product control, process control, and personnel requirements. Audit grades range from AA (highest) to C, with uncertified or D grade failing supplier qualification. Complianceer prepares food businesses for BRC certification through gap analysis, BRC-compliant documentation, internal audit, and certification body audit coordination.
At a glance
- Timeline: 90–120 days
- Government fee: Not applicable
- Professional fee: Starting from ₹79,999
Who needs this
- Food manufacturers exporting to UK and European retail chains
- Indian suppliers to Tesco, Walmart, Marks & Spencer vendor programmes
- Processors seeking GFSI-benchmarked certification for global retail access
- Co-packers and private label manufacturers for international brands
- Businesses upgrading from ISO 22000 to BRC for retail-specific requirements
Benefits
- Mandatory for supply to most major UK/EU retail chains
- GFSI-benchmarked and recognised globally by retailers and food service companies
- Audit grade (AA-D) provides transparent performance benchmark
- Reduced audit fatigue. BRC is accepted in lieu of multiple retailer audits
- Premium export pricing and long-term retail supply contracts
Eligibility
- Valid FSSAI manufacturing licence with compliant premises
- BRC documentation implemented for minimum 3 months before audit
- Internal audit completed using BRC self-assessment tool
- Senior management commitment demonstrated through policy and review records
Documents
- BRC-compliant Food Safety Manual and Quality Manual
- HACCP plan with hazard analysis and risk assessment
- Site master plan with hygienic zoning
- Supplier approval programme and raw material specifications
- Internal audit programme and BRC self-assessment checklist
- Training matrix and competency records
- Corrective action and root cause analysis records
- Mock recall and traceability exercise records
FAQs
BRC vs ISO 22000: which do retailers prefer?
Major UK/EU retailers specifically require GFSI-benchmarked certifications like BRC, FSSC 22000, or IFS. ISO 22000 alone is generally not accepted unless also GFSI-benchmarked.
What BRC audit grade do retailers require?
Most retailers require grade B or above (some require A or AA). Grade C may be accepted with corrective action plan. Grade D results in supplier delisting.
How much does BRC certification cost in India?
Total cost including consultancy, documentation, and certification body audit fees typically ranges ₹3–8 lakh depending on facility size and starting compliance level.