BRC certification is a globally recognized standard for food safety and quality management. In Canada, it has become increasingly important for food manufacturers as retailers and consumers demand safer, more reliable food products. This guide provides a clear overview of the BRC certification requirements, process, benefits, and challenges for Canadian food businesses.
What is BRC certification?
BRC certification was developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). It is used worldwide by food manufacturers, retailers, and certification bodies to ensure food safety, legal compliance, and quality management.
The BRC standard outlines specific requirements that help businesses confirm that their food products are safe, legal, and consistently high-quality.
Why is BRC certification important for Canadian food manufacturers?
BRC certification helps Canadian manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to food safety and quality.
It is especially useful for businesses exporting to international markets, where BRC certification is often mandatory for entry.
The certification also helps businesses:
Identify gaps in their processes
Implement best practices
Improve product consistency
Build trust with customers, distributors, and retailers
As a result, it strengthens brand reputation and supports long-term growth.
What is the BRC certification process in Canada?
The certification journey includes several structured steps:
Choose an accredited certification body.
Submit documentation for preliminary review.
Undergo an on-site audit to verify compliance with BRC standards.
Address any non-conformities identified during the audit.
Complete a re-audit (if required).
Receive BRC certification upon meeting all requirements.
BRC certification must be renewed yearly, and businesses must complete periodic audits to maintain compliance.
Need help with obtaining your BRC certification?
What are the requirements for BRC certification?
Requirements vary slightly depending on the version of the BRC standard. However, most businesses must:
Maintain a documented food safety management system
Perform regular risk assessments
Implement corrective and preventive actions
Train employees on food safety and quality procedures
Meet all legal and regulatory requirements
Comply with customer-specific guidelines
Thorough preparation ensures a smoother auditing experience.
What are the benefits of BRC certification for Canadian food manufacturers?
BRC certification enhances food safety and boosts credibility. Key benefits include:
Increased customer trust
Improved access to major retailers and distributors
Better internal process control
Reduced risk of food safety incidents
Stronger competitive positioning
Higher product quality and consistency
It also ensures that manufacturers stay aligned with the latest industry standards and regulatory updates.
Why is BRC certification important for businesses in Canada?
As Canadian consumers become more aware of food safety concerns, businesses must demonstrate transparency and reliability. Many retailers and foodservice companies require BRC certification from their suppliers.
Certification also helps companies streamline their operations, identify inefficiencies, and reduce costs through better systems and documentation.
What are the BRC standards?
The BRC Global Standard for Food Safety contains seven core sections:
Senior Management Commitment & Continuous Improvement
The Food Safety Plan (HACCP)
Food Safety & Quality Management System
Site Standards
Product Control
Process Control
Personnel
These sections establish a robust framework for controlling food safety and product quality.
How do I get BRC certification?
To begin the certification process:
Select the appropriate BRC standard for your business.
Implement the standard’s requirements into your daily operations.
Train staff on food safety and quality management.
Undergo a detailed audit conducted by a third-party certification body.
If your facility meets all requirements, you will receive BRC certification.
What are the steps to prepare for BRC certification?
Preparing for certification can be demanding. The essential steps include:
Identify the correct BRC standard for your product category.
Study the requirements in detail.
Create an implementation plan tailored to your facility.
Conduct a gap analysis to identify weaknesses.
Make required improvements and corrective actions.
Perform internal audits to check readiness.
Request a pre-audit from a certification body.
Undergo the official audit for certification.
What are the challenges in the BRC certification process?
Many businesses struggle with:
Understanding the detailed requirements
Updating outdated processes and procedures
Managing extensive documentation
Training a large or diverse workforce
Addressing these challenges early helps avoid delays during audits.
How can BRC certification enhance food safety?
BRC certification strengthens your food safety framework by requiring:
Thorough hazard analysis
Clear identification of critical control points (HACCP)
Traceability systems
Routine product testing
Staff training in food safety practices
These measures significantly reduce food safety risks and protect consumers from harm.
How does BRC certification enhance brand reputation?
Displaying the BRC logo signals that your business meets high global standards. This builds confidence among consumers and buyers.
Many major retailers and international companies prefer or require suppliers to be BRC-certified, giving certified businesses a clear competitive advantage.
How can BRC certification help you access new markets?
BRC certification allows easier entry into new markets across North America and globally.
It is recognized by many regulatory bodies, including the U.S. FDA, as a benchmark for strong food safety systems.
Certification helps Canadian companies comply with international regulations and expand their business footprint.
How does BRC certification compare to other food safety standards?
Other standards, such as ISO 22000, SQF, and FSSC 22000, also offer strong food safety frameworks.
However, BRC Global Standards is one of the most widely accepted by retailers and foodservice companies worldwide.
Its comprehensive structure and retailer recognition make it a preferred choice for many food manufacturers.
What are the BRC certification costs and timeline?
Costs depend on factors like:
The BRC standard used
Size and complexity of operations
Number of manufacturing sites
Degree of support needed from consultants or auditors
Certification can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of dollars.
The entire process may take several months to a full year based on readiness and audit scheduling.
Want to know where to get a BRC Certification?
Quality Smart Solutions assists businesses with food safety certification, regulatory support, and FSMA-FSVP compliance. Their experts help companies understand requirements and prepare for audits with confidence.
If you’re unsure about the certification level you need, consulting with specialists can save time and prevent costly mistakes.
Get In Touch With Experts To Know Which Level Of Certification You Need!
Conclusion: Why BRC Certification is worth considering for Your Food Business
BRC certification strengthens your food safety systems, improves product quality, and gives you access to new markets.
Although the process requires effort, training, and investment, the long-term benefits for compliance, reputation, and global competitiveness make it worthwhile.
By adopting BRC standards, Canadian food businesses can operate more confidently and stand out in an increasingly competitive industry.
