BRC Standards FAQ

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1. What exactly are BRC Standards?
Recognised across the European Union and Worldwide, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) standards were developed in the 1990's to govern food and packaging quality and health and safety issues. The BRC Technical Standard and Protocol was established for retailers selling branded food products, while the Global Technical Standard for Food Packaging Manufacturers deals with quality and hygiene issues relating to companies who supply packaging to the food industry.
2. What are the benefits of the standards?
Becoming accredited for the BRC standards means your company can benefit from:
  • Streamlined daily operations and a lower amount of food safety audits
  • Enhanced standing in the eyes of staff, customers and other stakeholders
  • Accreditation status reporting to customers who recognise the standards
  • Increased sales based on your ability to access contracts restricted to certificated suppliers
3. How can HPA help me with registration?
With years of experience in helping retailers and food packaging manufacturers achieve BRC standards certification, Hatton Parkinson Associates will audit your existing standards framework and suggest where shortfalls exist for compliance implementation. We'll then support you through the process of gaining certification with an approved third party audit and assessment organisation.
4. Will the certification process make more work?
No. The standards are actually designed to cut your paperwork and streamline your working processes going forward. Provided you have a practical and pragmatic framework for running your business, there should be very little extra documentation and work needed to meet the compliance requirements.
5. What does this all cost?
Not as much as you think. HPA offers flexible payment options to spread the outlay, and Government grants may be available to pay up to 50% of the fees for your organisation. Get in touch today and we'll discuss how we can help you achieve certification for much less than you initially thought.