BRCGS Certified matcha powder

BRCGS Certified Standards for Food Safety Excellence

BRCGS Certified is a globally recognized food safety certification that sets the benchmark for manufacturing quality and safety standards. Over 22,000 sites across 130+ countries hold this certification, making it one of the most widely accepted food safety standards by major retailers and brands worldwide. The certification provides manufacturers with a framework to manage product safety, integrity, legality, and quality through rigorous audit processes.

How BRCGS Certification Works

The current BRCGS Issue 9 standard, effective since February 2023, requires companies to implement comprehensive food safety management systems. Auditors spend at least 50% of their time on-site observing production processes, interviewing staff, and reviewing documentation. The audit process evaluates HACCP implementation, food safety culture, hazard identification, supplier approval systems, environmental monitoring, and security protocols.

Certification bodies classify any non-conformities as Critical, Major, or Minor, with specific timeframes required for corrective actions. Companies must complete these actions before receiving certification, and follow-up audits ensure sustained compliance.

Key Requirements for Matcha Producers

BRCGS standards apply directly to tea and matcha manufacturing facilities, covering every aspect from raw material sourcing to final packaging. The certification requires robust supplier approval processes that verify the safety and authenticity of incoming matcha leaves and ingredients. Environmental monitoring programs track potential contaminants throughout processing areas.

Food safety culture requirements mean that all staff, from production workers to management, must demonstrate commitment to safety practices. This includes regular training, clear communication channels for safety concerns, and documented procedures for handling deviations from standard processes.

Business Benefits and Market Access

BRCGS certification opens doors to major retail chains and food service companies that require GFSI-benchmarked standards from their suppliers. The certification reduces audit burden since many customers accept BRCGS audits in place of their own supplier assessments. This can save companies thousands of dollars in duplicate audit costs annually.

The certification also provides legal compliance assurance and helps companies meet international export requirements. For matcha brands expanding into new markets, BRCGS certification demonstrates commitment to quality that resonates with both B2B customers and end consumers.

Certification Process and Timeline

The path to BRCGS certification typically takes 3-6 months, depending on a facility’s current food safety systems. Companies begin with gap assessments to identify areas needing improvement, followed by staff training and system implementation. The certification audit itself varies in duration based on facility size and complexity.

• Pre-assessment and gap analysis (2-4 weeks)
• System implementation and staff training (8-12 weeks)
• Certification audit scheduling and completion (2-3 weeks)
• Corrective action completion and certificate issuance (2-4 weeks)

Annual surveillance audits maintain certification status, with full re-certification required every three years. Unannounced audits may occur to verify ongoing compliance with standards.