BRC/IoP Global Standard - Packaging

Developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), a UK trade organization that represents the interests of the UK retailers, in conjunction with the Institute of Packaging, the BRC/IoP Global Standard - Packaging and Other Packaging Materials was developed to assist retailers and manufacturers in meeting their legal obligations.

The standard provides a common basis for the certification of companies supplying packaging to manufacturers and retailers. We are a globally accredited supplier of auditing and certification services to this standard.

Who is it relevant to?

The BRC/IoP Global Packaging Standard is particularly suitable for suppliers of packaging materials to food manufacturers who supply UK retailers. Its scope has recently been expanded to include medical, pharmaceutical and consumer goods packaging manufacturers.

Principles of the standard:

• Minimize duplication of evaluation
• Ensure transparency and compliance with fair trading legislation
• Continuously review and improve standards and supporting processes
• Promote best practice

Requirements include:

• Organization
• Hazard and risk management system
• Technical management system
• Factory standards
• Contamination control
• Personnel

These requirements also cover some of the core elements of ISO 9001, therefore if an ISO 9001 system is already in place, work on implementing the BRC/IoP Packaging Standard should be minimized.

Certifying your organization against the BRC/IoP Packaging Standard requirements can bring the following benefits:

• Assurance that your legal requirements are being met
• Assurance that your systems in place are best practice and enable production of packaging that’s safe
• Increased customer satisfaction through certification to a recognized standard
• Increased access to markets by meeting supplier requirements
• Certification associated with the BSI brand
• As some synergy exists between the requirements of BRC/IoP Global Standard - Packaging and ISO 9001:2000, a combined audit can offer some cost savings compared to two separate audits

We offer a training course in the implementation of a hazard analysis system specifically relating to the packaging industry that helps to meet the hazard analysis section of the standard.

For further information about specific training on this subject, please call us on
(+44) (0)845 086 9000 or enter your details in our enquiry form.

If you’re already a BSI client, with various standards already in place, your Client Manager can help you assess where you are now, and guide you through to the certification process.

 If you’re new to BSI, don’t worry - the route to certification is very simple.

1. Choose the standard

Before you can begin preparing for your application, you'll need a copy of the standard. You should read this and make yourself familiar with it. The standard is available directly from the BRC.

2. Make contact

 Get in touch and tell us what you need, so we can sort out the best services for you. We’ll give you a proposal detailing the cost and time involved in a formal assessment.

3. Meet your assessment team

We’ll assign you a Client Manager, who will be your main point of contact through the process – and beyond. They’ll know your area of business well, and support you as you move forward to assessment and certification.

4. Consider training

Whether you’re seeking to implement a management system or would like to increase your general awareness of the standard, there are a range of workshops, seminars and training courses available. Read more about training.

5. Pre-assessment

We can do a pre-assessment of your existing management system against the requirements of the standard and identify any omissions or weaknesses that need resolving before formal assessment.

6. Formal assessment

A formal initial assessment will be carried out on site within an agreed timescale.

7. Certification and beyond

Once the assessment has been successfully completed, we’ll issue a certificate of registration, clearly explaining the scope of your management system. Certification frequency is 6 months, following your initial certificate assessment. This can be extended to 12 months thereafter, if no major non-conformities are identified at further assessments. Your Client Manager will carry out re-certification based on your visit cycle to ensure you remain compliant and support your continual improvement activities.

For further information or a "quick quote" please call us on (+44) (0)845 080 9000. Alternatively enter your details into our enquiry form and one of our advisors will contact you.