What is the primary objective of BRC?

The primary objective of BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety is to ensure organizations produce safe, legal, authentic, and quality-assured food products through a structured management system. It combines senior management commitment with a Codex HACCP-based food safety plan and robust prerequisite programmes (GMP/GHP) to control contamination, mislabelling, food fraud, and operational risks. Issue 9 explicitly targets evolving hazards via environmental monitoring, food defence, and labelling controls.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with BRC?

BRCGS compliance is professionally required for food manufacturers, processors, and packers supplying major retailers, as it is a GFSI-benchmarked prerequisite for market access. Scope covers processed foods, ingredients, primary products like fruit/vegetables, and domestic pet foods manufactured, processed, or packed on-site under direct management control. Retailers worldwide mandate it; non-compliance risks contract loss.

Does BRC require an external audit or third-party certification?

Yes, BRCGS requires annual external audits by accredited certification bodies, with options for announced or unannounced audits leading to third-party certification. Audits assess nine core clauses against fundamental requirements; grades (AA/A/B/C/D, "+" for unannounced) determine certification validity (typically one year). Failure in fundamentals triggers non-certification or withdrawal.

How often should an assessment for BRC be performed?

BRCGS mandates annual third-party certification audits, plus internal audits at least four times yearly across all clauses. Sites must conduct risk-based internal audits with full annual coverage, seasonal pre-startup checks, and management reviews at least annually. Unannounced audits reinforce continuous readiness.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with BRC?

Non-compliance with BRCGS results in audit non-conformities (minor/major/critical), potential certification denial, suspension, or withdrawal, plus commercial delisting by retailers. Critical/major findings in fundamentals require root cause analysis and corrective actions within strict timeframes (e.g., 28 days); repeated issues increase audit frequency and block GFSI recognition.

Can BRC be mapped to other international frameworks?

Yes, BRCGS maps effectively to GFSI-benchmarked schemes, providing a foundation for regulatory alignment like FSMA Preventive Controls. Its HACCP, PRPs, and governance exceed many requirements, though adaptations (e.g., PCQI designation) may be needed; third-party analyses rate it "comparable or exceeded" for FSMA.

What is the first step to begin implementing BRC?

The first step for BRCGS implementation is securing senior management commitment via a signed food safety policy and defining site scope. Assemble a multidisciplinary team, conduct a gap analysis using BRC tools (e.g., Get Started Assessment), and prioritize fundamentals like HACCP and site standards.

What is the primary objective of AS9120B?

AS9120B establishes a quality management system (QMS) for organizations that procure, store, split, and resell aerospace parts without altering product characteristics. Built on ISO 9001:2015’s 10-clause structure, it adds over 100 aerospace-specific requirements addressing distribution risks like loss of traceability, counterfeit/suspected unapproved parts, documentation errors, and external provider controls. The standard ensures chain-of-custody integrity through operational controls in Clause 8, including identification/traceability (8.5.2), preservation (8.5.4), and counterfeit prevention (8.1.4/8.1.5), enabling distributors to meet OEM supply chain expectations.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with AS9120B?

AS9120B applies to stockist distributors, pass-through distributors, and organizations performing batch splitting of aviation, space, and defense parts without modifying characteristics. It targets entities procuring, storing, and reselling without value-added alterations like machining; excludes MRO or manufacturing (AS9100D). Certification is not legally mandatory but commercially required by OEMs/primes for supplier approval and OASIS listing; ~2,442 global certifications (836 U.S., March 2026) reflect de facto market entry necessity.

Does AS9120B require an external audit or third-party certification?

AS9120B requires third-party certification through accredited bodies for formal recognition and OASIS listing. Organizations undergo Stage 1 (documentation) and Stage 2 (implementation) audits per AS9101G, followed by annual surveillance and triennial recertification. Internal audits (Clause 9.2) support readiness, but external certification demonstrates compliance to customers.

How often should an assessment for AS9120B be performed?

AS9120B mandates internal audits at planned intervals to cover the QMS annually (Clause 9.2), with management reviews at least annually (Clause 9.3). Assessments include monitoring/measurement (9.1), customer satisfaction (9.1.2), and effectiveness verification; frequency scales with risks like supplier performance or nonconformities. Surveillance audits occur yearly post-certification.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9120B?

Non-compliance with AS9120B risks contract disqualification, supply chain exclusion, and liability for safety incidents like counterfeit parts propagation. No direct legal penalties, but OEM requirements bar uncertified distributors from bids; audit findings trigger corrective actions, potential decertification, recalls, and reputational damage.

Can AS9120B be mapped to other international frameworks?

AS9120B aligns directly with ISO 9001:2015’s high-level structure, enabling seamless mapping of its 10 clauses. Aerospace additions (e.g., counterfeit prevention, traceability) build on ISO baseline without conflict; organizations with ISO 9001 achieve ~75% compliance but must address ~100 IAQG-specific controls.

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9120B?

The first step is conducting a gap analysis against AS9120B clauses using a certified checklist to identify deficiencies. Form a cross-functional team, document scope/applicability (Clause 4.3, justifying “not applicable” like 8.3 design), and prioritize risks in supplier controls, traceability, and counterfeit prevention.

Standards Comparison

BRC vs AS9120B

BRC

Voluntary

2022

GFSI-benchmarked standard for food safety manufacturing

AS9120B

Mandatory

2016

Aerospace standard for distributor quality management systems.

Quick Verdict

BRC ensures food safety via HACCP and GMP for manufacturers, while AS9120B mandates QMS with traceability and counterfeit controls for aerospace distributors. Companies adopt BRC for retailer access and AS9120B for OEM approval, reducing contamination and supply chain risks.

Food Safety

BRC

BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

GFSI-benchmarked certification for food manufacturers
Senior management commitment and culture plan
Codex HACCP-based food safety system
Fundamental requirements with AA/A/B/C/D grading
Expanded environmental monitoring and food defense

Quality Management

AS9120B

AS9120B: Aerospace Quality Management Systems - Distributors

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
Robust traceability and chain-of-custody controls
Enhanced external provider evaluation and flowdown
Configuration management for distribution processes
Risk-based planning integrated with operations

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 GFSI-benchmarked third-party certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality through a structured management system combining senior leadership commitment and a Codex HACCP-based food safety plan supported by prerequisite programs.

Key Components

Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process controls, personnel, high-risk zones, traded products.
Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergen management) critical for certification.
Built on HACCP principles with grading (AA/A/B/C/D).
Annual audits, announced or unannounced.

Why Organizations Use It

Provides market access to retailers mandating GFSI schemes, reduces audits, evidences due diligence, mitigates recalls from allergens/pathogens/labelling. Enhances resilience, aligns with FSMA, builds trust.

Implementation Overview

Phased gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits (6-12 months typical). Applies to manufacturers globally; requires CB certification, root cause CAPA.

AS9120B Details

What It Is

AS9120B is the IAQG-developed quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, building on ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure. It applies to organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without alteration, focusing on risk-based thinking to address distribution risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.

Key Components

Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.
Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, counterfeit prevention, supplier controls), performance evaluation, improvement.
Built on PDCA cycle; requires documented information, internal audits, management review.
Certification via accredited bodies, listed in IAQG OASIS.

Why Organizations Use It

Enables market access to OEMs/Tier 1 suppliers.
Mitigates supply chain risks, builds customer trust.
Drives efficiency, reduces nonconformities.
Commercial necessity despite voluntary status.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
Applies globally to distributors; scales by size.
Involves cross-functional teams, IT integration for traceability.

Key Differences

Aspect	BRC	AS9120B
Scope	Food safety management, HACCP, site standards, personnel	Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention
Industry	Food manufacturing, packaging, storage, global retailers	Aerospace parts distribution, aviation/space/defense
Nature	GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification scheme	IAQG quality management certification standard
Testing	Annual announced/unannounced third-party audits	Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, internal audits
Penalties	Grade reduction, certification suspension/withdrawal	Non-conformities, certification denial/suspension

Scope

BRC

Food safety management, HACCP, site standards, personnel

AS9120B

Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention

Industry

BRC

Food manufacturing, packaging, storage, global retailers

AS9120B

Aerospace parts distribution, aviation/space/defense

Nature

BRC

GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification scheme

AS9120B

IAQG quality management certification standard

Testing

BRC

Annual announced/unannounced third-party audits

AS9120B

Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, internal audits

Penalties

BRC

Grade reduction, certification suspension/withdrawal

AS9120B

Non-conformities, certification denial/suspension

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BRC and AS9120B

BRC FAQ

AS9120B FAQ

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What It Is

Key Components

Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process controls, personnel, high-risk zones, traded products.

Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergen management) critical for certification.

Built on HACCP principles with grading (AA/A/B/C/D).

Annual audits, announced or unannounced.

What It Is

Key Components

Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.

Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, counterfeit prevention, supplier controls), performance evaluation, improvement.

Built on PDCA cycle; requires documented information, internal audits, management review.

Certification via accredited bodies, listed in IAQG OASIS.

Aspect

BRC

AS9120B

Scope

Food safety management, HACCP, site standards, personnel

Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention

Industry

Food manufacturing, packaging, storage, global retailers

Aerospace parts distribution, aviation/space/defense

Nature

GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification scheme

IAQG quality management certification standard

Testing

Annual announced/unannounced third-party audits

Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, internal audits

Penalties

Grade reduction, certification suspension/withdrawal

Non-conformities, certification denial/suspension