QUICK GUIDE FOR ISSUE 5
GLOBAL STANDARD PACKAGING
& PACKAGING MATERIALS
WHY CHOOSE
THE BRC
STANDARD
The Standard is for manufacturers of
packaging and packaging materials for
food and non-food applications.
• producers who manufacture raw materials
for use in packaging
• production of packaging materials for
conversion or printing
• supplying materials from stock where
additional processing or repacking occurs
• packaging manufacturers who also
manufacture consumer disposable goods
such as paper plates
THE STANDARD IS NOT
APPROPRIATE FOR:
• importers, distributers or agents
• head oce functions with no
manufacturing
• products outside of the scope of packaging
• edible products
BENEFITS:
• globally recognised
• increases customer confidence, opening
new market opportunities
• clearly defined risk-based requirements
• comprehensive support package to
get started
• marketing tools and public recognition on
the BRC Directory
• a global network of trained and approved
RETAIL SUPPORT
Many retailers around the world support the
use of the Standard and accept it
as part of a supplier’s suitability.
REQUIREMENTS
1. SENIOR MANAGEMENT
COMMITMENT
Commitment at a senior level is essential for
any product safety system to be eective and
to ensure the full application and continual
development of these systems.
2. HAZARD AND RISK ANALYSIS
Eective hazard and risk analysis enables
the company to identify and manage those
hazards that may pose a risk to the quality,
safety or integrity of their products.
3. QUALITY MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
This section ensures the company works to a
well-documented, systematic approach that
forms the basis for the product and process
controls necessary to produce safe products,
meet customer expectations and ensure sta
are trained and informed.
4. SITE AND BUILDING
STANDARDS
This covers the suitability, security and layout
of the site and includes topics such as factory
security, fabrication, and sta facilities.
5. VEHICLE OPERATING
STANDARDS
This section looks at standards to ensure best
practice in management of vehicles such as
cleanliness, security, and environmental controls.
6. FACILITY MANAGEMENT
This section covers the cleanliness and
maintenance of the site and includes topics
such as housekeeping and hygiene,
equipment, pest control and waste disposal.
7. GOOD OPERATING PRACTICES
Looking at ways of minimising risk of product
damage and contamination, this covers
product handling, environmental controls and
control of physical and chemical risks.
8. PERSONNEL
Training, protective clothing and hygiene
practices are covered in this section.
9-17. VOLUNTARY MODULES
The Standard includes optional modules to
cover logistics operations such as wholesale,
contract packing, product inspection and
waste recovery.
STEPS TO
CERTIFICATION
FIRST STEPS –
THE BRC GLOBAL
MARKETS
PROGRAMME
The BRC Global Markets programme has been
introduced to encourage the development of
best food safety practices at sites at the early
stages of their food safety development and
for very small sites where the full
requirements of the Standard may add less
value. The programme incorporates the
features of the BRC Global Standard
including:
• access to a growing library of tips, tools and
guides to assist in achieving the Standard
available via subscription to BRC Participate
• an audit by a BRC qualified auditor -
assessment can be to basic or intermediate
level dependent on requirements
• an audit report allowing factories and their
customers to understand both the food
safety controls in place and areas identified
for further development
• audit reports are available via the BRC
Directory to share with customers,
if required.
• recognition in the BRC Global Standards
Directory for sites meeting basic or
intermediate level
The programme is designed to help factories
progress towards full certification.
AUDITING
The factory audits are carried out by
independent certification bodies. These
companies have to meet stringent
requirements to be approved by BRC Global
Standards and a full list can be found on the
BRC Directory.
Every auditor carrying out BRC audits also
has to demonstrate competence in terms of
education, training and practical experience.
BRC operates an on-going monitoring and
calibration process for auditors and
certification bodies, and publishes
performance ratings every 6 months. This
drives consistency and confidence in the audit
and certification process.
2. REVIEW
• Perform a self-assessment gap analysis
to find out what is missing or inadequate
• Assemble and train a team
• Obtain consultancy if needed
3. PREPARE
• Carry out risk assessments
• Establish necessary control points
• Prepare procedures • Confirm site is
capable of meeting BRC requirements
• Undertake internal audits
4. PLAN
• Select and contact a suitable
certification body
• Arrange a pre-assessment visit (optional)
• Implement any identified corrective actions
• Continue to meet requirements
• Arrange new audit before expiry
• Continual development.
6. MAINTAIN
1. LEARN
• Visit the BRC Global Standards website
• Obtain a copy of the Standard and study it
• Interpretation Guidelines may be useful
• Subscribe to BRC Participate
5. AUDIT AND CERTIFICATION
• Arrange an audit visit
• Make sure sta are available and
preparations made
• Audit is conducted • Certification body
presents audit report and determines
whether the site can achieve certification
• Carry out corrective action
SUPPORT
Access the Standard, Interpretation Guideline,
supporting publications and additional resources
quickly and easily via our online subscription platform
www.brcparticipate.com
Printed copies can be purchased from the BRC
Bookshop, with the Standard available to download
FREE of charge at
www.brcbookshop.com
TRAINING
The BRC Academy provides a wide range of courses in the UK, as well as training
around the world in local languages through its network of qualified trainers.
For more information or to book a course, please visit www.brctrainingacademy.com
CONTACT US
For more information, telephone the BRC Technical Services Helpline
+44 (0)20 7854 8921 or email enquiries@brcglobalstandards.com