The BRCGS Storage and Distribution standard covers all activities which may affect the safety, quality, integrity and legal standing of the products as they are stored and distributed. It demonstrates to the customer that the producer has robust product safety systems in place to allow for confidence in the supply of a safe, legal and quality production.

The standard covers storage and distribution at any point in the distribution chain from primary production to retail, subject to restrictions on the scope of applicable products.  For example, this could include distribution from:

  • Farm to processor,
  • Processor to manufacturer,
  • Manufacturer to warehouse,
  • Warehouse to retail depot,
  • Retail depot to store,
  • Store to final customer (for example with internet shopping).

In addition to storage and distribution, there are voluntary modules covering:

  • Wholesale – intended specifically for Wholesalers who purchase product for sale under their own brand label and includes sections on supplier approval, specifications and product testing to give confidence to the purchasers of these products.
  • Cross Docking – covering the unloading products from incoming vehicles, and sorting, staging and loading products onto the outbound vehicles at locations different from the main certificated facility.
  • E-commerce module: for companies selling finished goods or products online to other businesses and/or the final consumer.
  • Contracted Services – covers additional activities which may be carried out on packaged products on behalf of the brand owner for instance freezing, secondary packing, production of multi packs or assembly of promotional or gift packs. Other contracted services include Quality control, contract cleaning of secondary or tertiary packaging, and waste recovery and recycling.

You can also use your certification as a marketing tool by displaying the BRCGS Storage & Distribution logo on your publicity materials, stationery and website. And your business will appear on the BRCGS Directory too, giving you further recognition.

If you are new to certification against BRCGS Storage & Distribution and feel an independent pre-assessment would help gauge your preparedness prior to an initial audit, please get in contact.

BRCGS Storage & Distribution - Audit frequency

Frequency of inspection depends on the grade awarded which is based on the number and level of non-conformities. Audits are at least every twelve months, dropping to six months if the site doesn't meet the required level of compliance.

BRCGS Storage & Distribution - Audit duration

Audit duration is based on standards specific audit duration calculators to determine how long an inspection should be. Factors such as the size and complexity of your company, and number of people working on the main shift will all be taken into account. However, a minimum of one day duration is expected for storage & distribution businesses, but can be up to three days for larger, more complex sites.