The difference between BRC and FSSC 22000 is one of the most common questions among food manufacturers, suppliers, and exporters looking to enhance food safety and gain customer trust. Many businesses want to know which certification is more suitable, easier to implement, and more accepted by global retailers. This article provides a clear, simple explanation for readers with no background in certification. With the support of ISO Cert International Company, you will understand the difference between BRC and FSSC 22000 from every angle so you can confidently choose the best standard for your business.
Why Food Companies Search for These Differences
Exporters often research the difference between BRC and FSSC 22000 before certification:
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To know which certification their customers expect
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To improve food safety practices
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To expand into new markets
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To understand audit requirements
What Is BRCGS?
BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards) is a food safety standard designed to help food manufacturers produce safe, legal, and high-quality products. It focuses heavily on making sure the production environment is clean, well controlled, and able to protect consumers from any possible risks. One of the easiest ways to understand BRCGS is to imagine it as a very detailed checklist created by major retailers to ensure their suppliers follow strict safety rules. The difference between BRC and FSSC 22000 becomes clearer when you know that BRCGS is more practical and focuses on day-to-day factory operations.
Why BRCGS Was Created
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To protect retailer brands
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To ensure product consistency
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To prevent contamination
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To support food safety culture
Who Uses the BRCGS Standard
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UK and European retailers
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Food factories supplying supermarkets
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Packaging manufacturers
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Cold storage facilities
What Is FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 is a food safety certification based on the ISO 22000 structure. It focuses on building a strong management system inside the company, not just following a checklist.
Think of FSSC 22000 as a flexible model that allows companies to create a system tailored to their operations while still meeting international food safety requirements.
The difference between BRC and FSSC 22000 becomes visible here: FSSC gives more freedom while BRC is more structured.
ISO-Based Structure
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ISO 22000 is the core
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PRP programs enhance food hygiene
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Additional FSSC requirements complete the system
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Strong focus on documentation and risk assessment
Why FSSC 22000 Is Popular Worldwide
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Accepted in over 150 countries
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Recognised by large international brands
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Works well for medium and large manufacturers
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Allows integration with other ISO systems
read: ISO standards for food industry
The Core Difference Between BRC and FSSC 22000
The difference between BRC and FSSC 22000 is similar to the difference between a strict checklist (BRC) and a flexible management system (FSSC). BRC tells you exactly what you must do step-by-step. FSSC tells you what results you need and gives you the freedom to design your own system.
Main Concept Behind Each Standard
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BRC: Practical, prescriptive, retail-focused
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FSSC: System-based, flexible, internationally focused
Comparison Table
| Feature | BRC | FSSC 22000 |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Checklist | Management system |
| Flexibility | Low | High |
| Core Base | BRC Standard | ISO 22000 |
| Retail Acceptance | High in UK/EU | Global |
| Documentation | Very detailed | Structured but flexible |
Scope difference between brc and iso 22000
Industries Covered by BRC
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Food processing
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Packaging manufacturing
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Storage and distribution
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Consumer products
Industries Covered by FSSC 22000
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Food manufacturing
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Animal feed
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Packaging factories
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Catering and logistics
How Certification Works
Step-by-Step BRC Certification
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Gap assessment
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Implement site controls
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Prepare documentation
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Audit grading
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Recertification every year
Step-by-Step FSSC 22000 Certification
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Create ISO-based system
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Train employees
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Conduct internal audits
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Certification audit (Stage 1 + Stage 2)
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Annual surveillance
Process Table
| Certification Step | BRC | FSSC 22000 |
|---|---|---|
| Audit Type | Single audit | Two-stage audit |
| Result | Grade (A–D) | Pass/Fail |
| Renewal | Yearly | Every 3 years |
Documentation Requirements
BRC Documentation
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Procedures
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Food safety plans
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Product specs
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Hygiene programs
FSSC Documentation
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ISO 22000 documents
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PRPs
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Risk assessments
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Management system procedures
Improve your food safety system— contact us now for expert guidance.
Market Acceptance and Customer Needs
When Retailers Prefer BRC
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UK supermarket suppliers
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European retail chains
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Export to UK/EU markets
Why Global Manufacturers Prefer FSSC 22000
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Accepted by global brands
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Works well for multi-site operations
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Suitable for export to any country
Cost and Implementation
Knowing the difference between BRC and FSSC 22000 can help reduce certification costs.
Financial Considerations for BRC
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Higher audit fees
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More intensive preparation
Financial Considerations for FSSC 22000
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Lower overall costs
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Easier integration with existing ISO systems
Full Comparison Table: Difference Between BRC and FSSC 22000
| Criteria | BRC | FSSC 22000 |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Operational controls | Management system |
| Flexibility | Fixed rules | Customizable |
| Best For | Retail suppliers | Global exporters |
| Cost | Medium–High | Medium |
| Documentation | Very detailed | ISO-based |
read: haccp and iso 22000 difference
Daily Operational Impact
How BRC Changes Daily Work
BRC creates a very structured daily routine. Employees follow specific cleaning, production, and monitoring procedures. Everything must be documented in detail, and management must ensure the site is always audit-ready.
How FSSC 22000 Changes Daily Work
FSSC focuses on continuous improvement. Teams must understand the system, assess risks, and update processes regularly. It encourages a strong food safety culture throughout the organisation.
Which One Should You Choose?
Businesses must learn the difference between BRC and FSSC 22000 to meet customer needs.
When BRC Is Better
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If your customers demand it
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If you supply supermarkets
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If you need strict operational control
When FSSC 22000 Is Better
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If you operate internationally
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If you already use ISO systems
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If you want a flexible approach, Start here
Guidance from ISO Cert International Company
ISO Cert International Company helps businesses identify their customer needs, evaluate gaps, understand The difference between BRC and FSSC 22000 and choose the most suitable certification.
If you want expert help choosing between BRC and FSSC 22000 or preparing your business for certification, our specialists are ready to guide you. Contact us directly through:
- Phone: +44 7915 072747
- EMAIL: INFO@ISO-CERT.UK
take the next confident step toward professional certification.
Conclusion
The difference between BRC and FSSC 22000 can significantly affect your certification choice, market acceptance, and daily operations. Both systems help improve food safety, but each serves different business needs. With the support of ISO Cert International Company, you can easily understand these differences, prepare the right documentation, and achieve certification with confidence. Choosing the correct standard opens new opportunities and strengthens your place in the global food market.
FAQs
What is the main difference between BRC and FSSC 22000?
The main difference is that BRC is checklist-based while FSSC 22000 is ISO-based and more flexible.
Which is better: BRC or FSSC 22000?
BRC is better for retailers, while FSSC 22000 is better for global operations.
Is BRC part of ISO standards?
No, BRC is independent, while FSSC is built on ISO 22000.
Is FSSC 22000 accepted by retailers?
Yes, it is accepted worldwide, especially by global brands.
Which certification is easier to implement?
FSSC is usually easier because it follows familiar ISO structures