The BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging Materials is the first packaging Standard to be globally recognized by GFSI (global food safety initiative). Issue 6 of the BRCGS Packaging Standard is released in August 2019 while audits and certification to issue 6 commencing in February 2020

This Standard provides a robust framework for all types of packaging manufacturer to assist them in the production of safe packaging materials and to manage product quality to meet customers’ requirements, while maintaining legal compliance.

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Key benefit of the certification to this Standard:

• BRCGS Packaging Materials certification can often be used as a competitive advantage for packaging suppliers when tendering for sales contracts in the food, beverage and FMCG industries.

• meeting the needs of retailers and brand owners to reduce the audit burden

• better recognition of the diversity of the packaging industry and its customers’ demands

• encouraging greater transparency and traceability in the supply chain

• encouraging adoption of the Standard as a means of improving product safety at small sites and facilities where processes are still in development

7 Sections in Issue 6 of the BRCGS Packaging Standard

SECTION 1 - Senior management commitment

Fundamental article of “Senior management commitment and continual improvement”: The site’s senior management shall demonstrate that they are fully committed to the implementation of requirements of the Global Standard for Packaging Materials.

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SECTION 2 - Hazard and risk management

Fundamental article of “Hazard analysis and risk assessment”: A documented hazard analysis and risk assessment (HARA) shall be in place to ensure that all hazards to product safety, quality and legality are identified and appropriate controls established.

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SECTION 3 - Product safety and quality management

Fundamental article of: 

“Record-keeping”: Appropriate specifications shall exist for raw materials, intermediate and finished products or service and for any product or service which could affect the safety, quality or legality of the finished product and customer requirements. 

“Internal audits”: The company shall be able to demonstrate that it verifies the effective application of the requirements of the Standard and any applicable module through internal audits.

“Traceability”: The site shall be able to trace and follow all raw materials through processing (including subcontracted processes) to the distribution of the finished product (packaging material) to the customer and vice versa.

SECTION 4 - Site standards

Fundamental article of “Housekeeping and cleaning”: Housekeeping and cleaning systems shall be in place which ensure that appropriate standards of hygiene are maintained and that risk of product contamination is minimised.

​SECTION 5 - Product and process control

Fundamental article of “Process control”: Documented procedures, work instructions and process specifications shall be in place to ensure effective quality assurance of operations throughout the process.

​SECTION 6 – Personnel

Fundamental article of “Training and competence: raw materials handling, preparation, processing, packing and storage areas”: The company shall ensure that all personnel performing work that affects product safety, legality and quality are adequately trained, instructed and supervised commensurate with their activity and that they are competent to

undertake their job role.

​SECTION 7 - Requirements for Traded Products