Trust in every product
In an increasingly complex global marketplace, consumer expectations are rising and supply chains are under greater scrutiny. Every product on every retailer shelf carries a brand’s reputation, making independent assurance of product integrity more important than ever. Consumer Products certification provides that assurance through a structured, risk-based framework designed to help organisations demonstrate compliance, reduce risk and meet retailer requirements. With consumer products accounting for 50–100% of many retail portfolios, it is accepted and specified by more global brand owners and retailers than any other scheme, often replacing second-party audits.
Issue 5 of the BRCGS Consumer Products standard will be formally published on 13 October, introducing the next evolution of globally recognised certification.
Streamline audit programmes
Replace multiple second-party audits with one globally recognised, independent assessment that saves time, reduces duplication and improves efficiency.
Unlock market access
Demonstrate product safety, legality and quality with credible certification to and open new opportunities with retailers.
Confidence in every product
Strengthens product integrity, supports continuous improvement and gives customers and consumers greater confidence in every product.
Strengthen supply chains
Independent, accredited certification using a structured, risk-based framework improves supplier oversight, reduces product risk and supports regulatory requirements.
Issue 5 revealed: Key changes, expert insights & what to expect
Watch our latest webinar on demand to discover the key changes in Consumer Products Issue 5, understand why the standard has evolved and what to expect as we move toward publication of the new issue on 13 October 2026.
Help & Guidance
Position statements
Position statements
During the lifetime of a published standard, the BRCGS Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) may be asked to review the wording of a clause or provide an interpretation of a requirement or a detail of the protocol. The decision made by the TAC is known as a position statement.
Position statements are binding and are considered to be an extension of the standard. Certified sites need to be aware of any statements relating to a standard and, where necessary, ensure that information is transferred into action.
Position statements are published on our website and on Participate. You can find out when a new statement has been published by signing up to the BRCGS newsletter.
Self-assessment checklists
Self-assessment checklists
BRCGS publishes self-assessment checklists for each standard providing a practical way to assess your operation against the standard requirements. This helps you build confidence ahead of your certification audit.
Covering every requirement of the standard, it helps you undertake a gap analysis of your level of compliance with the option to add comments and highlight improvement opportunities as you go.
Self-assessment checklists are published in a range of languages.
Audit duration calculator
Audit duration calculator
BRCGS consumer products audit duration is calculated using a standardised audit duration calculator, helping ensure a consistent and reliable approach.
The calculator has been developed and reviewed using insight from the first audits against the current issue, international feedback from certification bodies and frequently asked questions.
Issue 5 transition
Issue 5 transition
As with all revisions of our standards, there is a transition period for certified sites between the publication of the new issue and full implementation of its requirements.
Issue 5 will be published on 13 October 2026.
Certification audits against Issue 5 will commence on 01 June 2027
Training courses will be available to help sites transition to meet the new requirements and prepare for their first Issue 5 audit.
Celebrating 25 years of Packaging Materials
Industry update – September 2026
30 years of expertise shaping the next chapter of BRCGS
Certification success stories