BRCGS Certification Complete Guide

Achieve BRCGS certification in KSA with Saudi Food Registration guidance. Ensure food safety compliance, meet GFSI standards, and expand market access globally.

2/14/20254 min read

BRCGS Certification in Saudi Arabia:

The Ultimate Guide for Food Businesses (2025)

Are you a food manufacturer or exporter in Saudi Arabia looking to expand your market reach?

BRCGS certification might be your golden ticket to global markets.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about BRCGS certification, from its importance to the step-by-step process of obtaining it.

Understanding BRCGS Certification: Your Gateway to Global Food Markets

BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standards) is one of the most recognized food safety certifications worldwide.

For Saudi Arabian food businesses, it's more than just another certificate – it's a passport to international markets and a testament to your commitment to food safety excellence.

Why BRCGS Certification Matters in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi food industry is rapidly evolving, with more businesses looking to expand beyond local markets. BRCGS certification plays a crucial role by:

Ensuring compliance with SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority) requirements
Meeting GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) standards for international trade
Opening doors to major retailers that require strict food safety certifications
Building consumer trust through recognized food safety measures

Who Needs BRCGS Certification?

Not sure if your business needs BRCGS certification?

Here’s a breakdown: Food Manufacturers

If you’re producing packaged foods in Saudi Arabia, BRCGS certification helps you:

Meet both local and international safety standards
Access premium export markets
Build credibility with major retailers and distributors

Exporters

For businesses targeting international markets, BRCGS certification:

Facilitates entry into regulated food markets
Reduces export barriers caused by missing certifications
Enhances product credibility and consumer trust

Food Packaging Companies

BRCGS certification is also essential for packaging manufacturers, ensuring:

Compliance with safety standards for direct food contact materials
Increased trust from food manufacturers and global retailers
Expanded opportunities in the Saudi and global markets

Essential Requirements for BRCGS Certification

To obtain BRCGS certification, businesses must comply with the following core areas:

Food Safety Management System (FSMS)

A robust FSMS is required to meet BRCGS standards, integrating Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and strict monitoring procedures.

It ensures all food safety risks are identified and controlled, protecting both businesses and consumers. Your company must establish:

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to prevent contamination
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) to identify and mitigate risks
Regular monitoring and documentation procedures to track food safety compliance

Supply Chain Controls

A secure supply chain is crucial for food safety.

Companies must establish supplier verification programs to ensure raw material safety, implement traceability systems to track ingredients and finished products, and conduct regular quality control checks to maintain high standards.

A strong supply chain management system is required, including:

Supplier verification programs to ensure raw material safety
Product traceability systems to track food throughout the production cycle
Robust quality control checkpoints to catch potential hazards early

Facility Standards & Hygiene Protocols

BRCGS certification requires businesses to maintain strict hygiene practices.

This includes implementing thorough sanitation schedules, ensuring workers follow hygiene protocols, and upgrading facility infrastructure to minimize contamination risks.

To meet BRCGS food safety requirements, businesses must maintain:

State-of-the-art hygiene protocols to prevent contamination
Strict sanitation schedules with documented cleaning procedures
Facility infrastructure upgrades to comply with international safety benchmarks

The Certification Journey: Your Path to Success

Step 1: Pre-Assessment & Internal Audit

Before applying, businesses should conduct an internal review to identify compliance gaps.

This includes evaluating facility conditions, staff training, and documentation to align with BRCGS standards and prevent delays during the official audit.

Conduct a thorough internal review of compliance gaps
Identify areas needing improvement before official audits

Step 2: Implementation of BRCGS Standards

Once gaps are identified, companies need to align operations with BRCGS guidelines.

This involves training employees on food safety procedures, improving facility sanitation, and ensuring all records and documentation are up to date.

Align production processes with BRCGS food safety standards
Train staff on new procedures and regulatory expectations
Document all safety and quality control processes meticulously

Step 3: Third-Party Audit

An accredited BRCGS certification body will assess compliance through an official audit.

Businesses must provide evidence of food safety management, supply chain controls, and facility hygiene to pass this evaluation successfully.

Schedule an official audit with an accredited BRCGS certification body
Submit all required documentation for verification
Ensure real-world implementation of all food safety procedures

Step 4: Certification Approval & Compliance Maintenance

After passing the audit, businesses receive BRCGS certification.

However, maintaining compliance is crucial, requiring regular internal audits, staff training updates, and continuous monitoring of food safety procedures.

Address any non-conformities highlighted in the audit
Implement corrective actions as needed
Obtain official BRCGS certification upon successful evaluation

Business Benefits: Why BRCGS Certification is Worth the Investment

1. Increased Market Access

Gain entry into premium international markets
Meet retailer certification requirements for exports
Expand business opportunities with global distributors

2. Stronger Risk Management

Reduce product recalls and contamination risks
Minimize legal liabilities from food safety incidents
Strengthen food safety controls and monitoring

3. Competitive Edge & Brand Reputation

Stand out in a crowded food market
Build consumer confidence in your brand
Gain a strategic advantage over competitors

Overcoming Common Challenges in BRCGS Certification

Challenge: Meeting International Standards

Problem: Aligning with multiple global food regulations Solution: Work with compliance consultants who understand both SFDA and international standards

Challenge: Facility Upgrades

Problem: Meeting strict infrastructure requirements Solution: Develop a phased improvement plan focused on critical compliance areas

Challenge: Managing Documentation

Problem: Handling extensive paperwork and record-keeping Solution: Implement digital tracking systems to ensure efficiency

Investment & Timeline for BRCGS Certification

Certification Costs

💰 Costs vary depending on:

Certification fees
Consultant charges for expert guidance
Facility upgrade expenses
Staff training programs

Timeline Expectations

⏳ Most businesses achieve certification in 3-6 months, depending on:

Current compliance level
Resource availability for implementation
Training & audit preparation

How Saudi Food Registration Can Help

Pre-assessment & compliance review to identify gaps early
Regulatory compliance support for both SFDA & BRCGS standards
Audit preparation & corrective action plans for faster certification
Ongoing support to maintain compliance post-certification

Elevate Your Business with BRCGS Certification

BRCGS certification is more than just a regulatory requirement – it’s an investment in your company’s future.

In Saudi Arabia’s competitive food industry, this certification sets you apart and opens doors to global trade opportunities.

💬 Ready to take the next step? Contact our experts today or use our chatbot in the bottom right corner for instant assistance!