BRC vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
BRC
GFSI-benchmarked standard for food safety management
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
China's mandatory graded cybersecurity protection framework.
Quick Verdict
BRC ensures food safety certification for global supply chains, while MLPS 2.0 mandates graded cybersecurity for China networks. Companies adopt BRC for retailer access and MLPS for legal compliance to avoid fines.
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
Key Features
- GFSI-benchmarked certification for global retailer acceptance
- Senior management commitment with culture action plan
- Codex HACCP plan integrated with prerequisite programs
- Fundamental requirements preventing common recall causes
- Graded audits including unannounced for performance signaling
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0
Key Features
- Five-level classification based on impact to national security
- Mandatory PSB registration and approval for Level 2+ systems
- Third-party audits with 70/100 passing score requirement
- Extended controls for cloud, IoT, big data, ICS
- Law enforcement oversight, inspections, ongoing re-evaluations
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 assures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality across supply chains. Scope includes processed foods, ingredients, primary products, and pet food. Core approach combines senior management commitment with a Codex HACCP-based food safety plan and prerequisite programs (GMP/GHP).
Key Components
- Nine clauses: senior management, HACCP, FSQMS, site standards, product/process control, personnel, risk zones, traded products.
- Fundamental requirements (13 non-negotiable, e.g., traceability, allergen management, internal audits).
- Built on risk assessments, environmental monitoring, food defense.
- Certification model: annual announced/unannounced audits with AA/A/B/C/D grading.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandated by retailers for supply chain access.
- Reduces audits, evidences due diligence, mitigates recall risks (allergens, pathogens).
- Enhances resilience, compliance (e.g., FSMA alignment), reputation.
- Drives continuous improvement via CAPA, root cause analysis.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, HACCP development, training, internal audits, certification by accredited bodies. Suits manufacturers globally; 6-12 months typical for mid-size sites, involving CAPEX for site standards.
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) Details
What It Is
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0) is China's legally mandated regulatory framework under the 2016 Cybersecurity Law for graded protection of networks and information systems. It classifies systems into five levels based on potential harm to national security, social order, and public interests, requiring tailored technical, governance, and organizational controls.
Key Components
- Common baseline controls in physical, network, data, host, application, and operations domains
- Extended requirements for cloud, IoT, big data, industrial control systems
- Governance structures, personnel management, policies, incident response
- Third-party audits (≥70/100 score) and PSB certification for Level 2+
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory compliance avoids fines, suspensions, inspections
- Strengthens risk management, resilience, supply chain security
- Enables market access, procurement eligibility in China
- Builds regulator and stakeholder trust
Implementation Overview
Phased: scoping, classification, gap analysis, remediation, external review, PSB filing, continuous monitoring. Targets all China network operators; intensive for multinationals with recurring audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | BRC | MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety, quality, supply chain manufacturing | Cybersecurity for all networks, graded protection |
| Industry | Food, packaging, storage, global retailers | All sectors in China, critical infrastructure focus |
| Nature | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification | Mandatory legal regime enforced by police |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, grading AA/A/B/C/D | Expert reviews, PSB approval, periodic re-evaluations |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | Fines, operations suspension, inspections |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BRC and MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
BRC FAQ
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) FAQ
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