BRC
GFSI-benchmarked standard for food safety certification
APRA CPS 234
Australian prudential standard for information security resilience
Quick Verdict
BRC ensures food safety certification for global manufacturers via audits and HACCP, while APRA CPS 234 mandates information security resilience for Australian financial entities through Board governance, testing, and rapid incident reporting. Food firms seek market access; banks avoid regulatory penalties.
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
Key Features
- GFSI-benchmarked certification for food manufacturers
- Senior management commitment as fundamental requirement
- Codex HACCP-based food safety plan
- Nine prescriptive clauses with risk zoning
- Graded audits including unannounced option
APRA CPS 234
APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 Information Security
Key Features
- Board ultimate responsibility for information security
- 72-hour APRA notification for material incidents
- Systematic independent testing of controls
- Third-party assets fully in scope
- Asset classification by criticality and sensitivity
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
BRC Details
What It Is
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9) is a third-party certification framework for food manufacturers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality through a prescriptive, auditable management system. Scope covers manufacturing, processing, packing of foods, ingredients, and pet foods. Key approach: risk-based HACCP integrated with prerequisite programs (GMP/GHP).
Key Components
- Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process control, personnel, high-risk zoning, traded products.
- Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergen management) critical for certification.
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; GFSI-benchmarked.
- Graded certification (AA/A/B/C/D) via annual audits, including unannounced.
Why Organizations Use It
Provides retailer access, reduces audits, evidences due diligence. Mitigates recalls from allergens/pathogens. Builds trust, operational resilience. Strategic for supply chains mandating GFSI schemes.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, HACCP development, training, internal audits. Applies to manufacturers globally; 6-12 months typical. Requires certification body audits, CAPA, root cause analysis.
APRA CPS 234 Details
What It Is
APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 (Information Security) is a binding regulation issued by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, effective 1 July 2019. It mandates APRA-regulated entities like banks, insurers, and super funds to maintain information security capabilities commensurate with threats to ensure operational resilience. The approach is risk-based, emphasizing governance, proportionate controls, and assurance.
Key Components
- Governance with Board ultimate accountability.
- Information asset classification by criticality/sensitivity.
- Controls across asset lifecycle, including third-parties.
- Systematic testing, internal audit assurance, incident response.
- No fixed controls; ~24 paragraphs of requirements focused on CIA triad. Compliance via evidence of testing/remediation, no formal certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for APRA entities to avoid penalties, enforcement.
- Reduces incident impact, builds trust with customers/regulators.
- Enhances resilience, vendor negotiations, market access.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, policy/governance, asset register, controls/testing, monitoring. Applies to all sizes in Australian finance; requires Board reporting, APRA notifications (72 hours incidents).
Key Differences
| Aspect | BRC | APRA CPS 234 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety, manufacturing, supply chain controls | Information security, cyber resilience for financial assets |
| Industry | Global food manufacturing, packaging, distribution | Australian financial services (banks, insurers, super) |
| Nature | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification | Mandatory prudential regulation with enforcement |
| Testing | Annual site audits, internal audits, mock audits | Systematic control testing, internal audit, annual reviews |
| Penalties | Certification loss, grade downgrade, market exclusion | Regulatory sanctions, fines, license restrictions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BRC and APRA CPS 234
BRC FAQ
APRA CPS 234 FAQ
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