BRC
GFSI-benchmarked standard for food safety manufacturing
AS9120B
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.
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
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
AS9120B
AS9120B: Aerospace Quality Management Systems - Distributors
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
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BRC and AS9120B
BRC FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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