New options for the delivery of BRCGS Consumer Products Certification

BRCGS is a market-leading organisation that helps build confidence in the supply chain. Since its formation in 1996, BRCGS has been globally recognised across both food and non-food categories to become a brand and consumer protection organisation with a range of products and services to help its customers deal with the challenges of producing safe, high quality products for the end consumer on a global basis.

Nowadays BRCGS owns 9 Global Standards and operates third-party certification scheme of its types. Among them BRCGS Consumer Product standards are very popular because they are applicable to manufacturing, assembly and contract packing of all consumer products. Issue 4 of the Consumer Products Standards published in 2016 have been fully revised to be divided into two separate Standards (General Merchandise, Personal Care and Household) as recognising the diversity of products included within Consumer Products, widen the scope to include products for wholesale sale and components/raw materials, introduce an entry Foundation level and Higher level to encourage continuous improvement.

The certificate of BRCGS Consumer Products is valid for one year. Recertification audit is required otherwise the certificate will be expired. However, in 2020 the restrictions applied throughout much of the world to combat the spread of COVID-19 have inevitably made it is a big challenge to visit sites for audit so that led to the need to change the way in which audits are conducted. Over half of year BRCGS have launched a number of initiatives either as temporary solutions or permanent new options for certification based on the experience from the use of new technologies.

The summary below shows 4 options available and when each is applicable.

Scenario I. The auditor has access to the site for an onsite audit.

For a new site that is not currently certified, the full onsite audit (1) is the only option.

For an existing certificated site, in addition to the full onsite audit that continue to be available, there is a new option - blended audit (2).

Blended Audits:

The audit takes place in two parts. An offsite-remote assessment of some or all of the documentation followed by a shorter onsite audit. This provides the opportunity for a rigorous audit but with a reduction in auditor time spent onsite.

The remote online assessment takes place using ICT (Information & Communication Technology), which is only applicable to interview and document review. Production audit must be performed on site. Video assessment of production is not allowed.

Scenario II. The access to the site for an on-site audit is restricted.

For a new site that is not currently certified, the remote audit (3) is the only option.

For an existing certificated site, it has two options that are either certificate extension (4) or remote audit.

Where the site is operational and currently certificated with a grade AA, A or B, but a physical audit may not occur on or before the re-evaluation due date and will result in existing certificates expiring, a certificate extension of up to 6 months validity may be issued. In this situation, remote audit is an alternative option either.

Where the site is currently certificated with a grade C or D, unfortunately it shall be classified as ‘high risk’ and certificate may not be extended. The remote audit option is applicable.

If the certificate is expired, the remote audit is the only option.

Full remote assessment

The usual format of a remote audit shall be followed including an opening and closing meeting, interview with personnel, documentation review and site tour. Use of remote technology shall ensure that adequate controls are in place to demonstrate the integrity of the audit process. The remote audit must include live visual feed (e.g. live video capability), which must be portable around the site, including in production and storage facilities, as well as audio capability. This is to ensure that the auditor can observe relevant procedures, hygiene, and facilities, and discuss operations with relevant staff.

Certificate Extension

Granting of the extension of up to 6 months validity is based upon a risk assessment and review discussion between the site and certification body of the controls in place at site.

ENQUIRIES AND REGISTRATION：

Ms Calla Huang
t: +86 (0) 755 2532 8137
e: cn.rbs@sgs.com

About SGS
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