BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards) is a GFSI-benchmarked food safety and quality certification scheme covering HACCP, quality management, factory environment and product control, and is widely required by EU retailers and food manufacturers from their ingredient suppliers.
In trade practice
Certification is awarded by accredited third-party certification bodies following an announced or unannounced audit; grades from D to AA reflect the number and severity of non-conformities found. Many EU retail buyers require a minimum grade of B or above and will not approve a supplier without a valid, in-scope certificate. Suppliers must ensure the certificate scope covers the specific product category being traded, as a certificate for ambient products does not cover frozen operations. Certificates are publicly verifiable through the BRCGS directory.
In a specification
Purchase agreements and supplier approval forms typically state the required BRCGS grade, the relevant category scope, and the obligation to notify the buyer immediately if the certificate is suspended or downgraded.