Compliance that drives opportunity
Many retailers, manufacturers, and food service companies will require a BRCGS Storage and Distribution certification as part of their supplier approval process. By partnering with CFS we will offer a clear route to compliance that will help grow and safeguard your business without the added stress.
What is BRCGS Storage and Distribution Certification?
BRCGS Storage and Distribution (formerly BRC) is a globally recognised standard for businesses involved in the storage, transportation, and distribution of food and food-related products. It helps to ensure that everything from raw ingredients, packaging, and finished goods are handled in a way that maintains safety, quality, and legal compliance throughout the supply chain. Achieving BRCGS storage and Distribution certification shows your customers (and potential customers) that you take food safety, quality, and compliance seriously, and that your operation meets trusted industry standards.
Is the BRCGS Storage and Distribution Certification right for my business?
The BRCGS Storage and Distribution certification is appropriate for any business operating in the storing, handling or distribution of food related products and want to demonstrate food safety, quality and traceability.
We work with:
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Third-party logistic providers -
Warehouses and distribution centres - Cold stores and ambient storage facilities
- Transport and haulage companies
- Packaging, co-packing, and fulfilment operations
What does the BRCGS Storage and Distribution standard cover?
Storage and environment control
Controls of ambient, chilled and frozen products, as well as food packaging conditions.
Transport, loading and distribution
Vehicle standards, loading, and delivery practices.
Traceability and stock control systems
Tracking products from intake through to dispatch, segregation, and managing non-conforming goods.
Product handling and protection
Preventing contamination, damage, tampering, and mix- up.
Hygiene, pest control, and site standards
Procedures for maintaining clean, safe and well-maintained facilities.
Systems, documentation and staff training
Ensuring consistent processes and food safety due diligence.
Benefits of BRCGS Storage and Distribution certification
Boost credibility
BRCGS is respected worldwide by retailers and manufacturers.
product integrity
Ensure products stay safe, high-quality, and contamination-free throughout your supply chain.
Risk reduction
Minimise your chances of recalls, damage, or spoilage with robust checks and documentation.
Competitive edge
BRCGS gain a huge advantage when trying to attract new clients.
Access to the global market
BRCGS is recognised worldwide.
CFS Consultancy Services
1. Gap analysis
A diagnostic review that evaluates how closely your current operations align with BRCGS Storage and Distribution standards, followed by a detailed report outlining areas for improvement and recommended actions.
2. Implementation
Your CFS consultant will help implement corrective actions identified in the gap analysis, including developing or updating your food safety management system, training staff, and revising relevant documentation.
3. Onsite audits
A trial audit to catch any non- conformities that may affect your final grade.
4. Ongoing support
If required your consultant can represent you on audit day, to help maximise your final grade. We are also on hand to carry our periodic audits to ensure maintenance of compliance, support with re-certification, or rating disputes.
Our support is flexible and tailored to your needs, so you’re free to choose only the BRCGS services that are right for your business – no obligation to commit to the full package.
Want a deeper breakdown? Read our complete guide to the BRC process.
Common areas for improvement in BRCGS audits
When working towards certification, audits are generally focused on how well systems are implemented and maintained in day-to-day operations.
In practice, many businesses have systems in place but benefit from expert consultancy support to ensure they are robust enough to meet BRCGS audit requirements, consistently applied across the operation, and fully evidenced for audit.
Common areas we help improve include:
- Making documentation easier to maintain and audit-ready
- Strengthening traceability and stock control systems
- Improving segregation of goods (allergens, damage risk, etc)
- Completeing transport documentaion and vehicle checks
- Embedding consistent procedures across teams and shifts
- Ensuring hygiene, pest control, and temperature controls are properly monitored and recorded
Our role is to turn existing systems into reliable, BRCGS audit-ready processes that work in practice, not just on paper, helping you achieve certification with confidence.
Speak to an expert today
BRCGS Storage and Distribution
Quality Management System Template Pack
For small businesses looking for a cost-effective route to certification, our consultants have put together a tried and tested Storage and Distribution Quality Management System template.
FAQ
Is BRCGS certification difficult to achieve?
The BRCGS Storage and Distribution certification may seem complex at first, but with the right support and guidance it is very achievable. Most businesses are already closer to compliance than they realise.
Can small businesses achieve BRCGS certification?
Yes, small and growing businesses can achieve certification. The requirements scale to your operation, wheather you run a single site or a growing logistics network.
Do we need to change our existing systems to comply?
Not always. Many businesses only need to adjust or improve existing processes rather than completely replace them. A gap analysis helps identify what needs updating.
How much does BRCGS Storage and Distribution certification cost in the UK?
The costs depends on your current level of compliance and how much support your business needs to be audit-ready. This is usually influenced by the size and complexity of your operation, as well as any improvements required, such as staff training, or fabrication updated. Our gap analysis (£630 +VAT and travel) helps idenify these factors early, giving you a clear understanding of the work involved and overall cost.
Certification auidt fees are paid directly to your chosen certification body (we can recommend options) and typically range from £1,500-£2,000 for a one day audit.
For storage and disitribution, some fabrication improvements may be needed. These will be identified during the gap analysis, giving you a clear and itemised view for budgeting.
How long does it take to achieve BRCGS Storage and Distribution certification?
It typically takes around 3-6 months to achieve, depending on your current systems and any improvements needed. The minimum timeframe is usually 3 months, as you must have 3 months of documented records before your BRCGS audit.
How does BRCGS Storage and Distribution affect day-to-day operations?
BRCGS Storage and Distribution certification help bring structure and consistency to your day-to-day operations, improving key area such as stock contol, tracebility, hygiene, and transport handling. This normal leads to reliable processes and fewer operational issues.
How can a BRCGS consultant help us?
BRCGS standards can feel complex and overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the process. An experienced BRCGS consultant, like our team at Complete Food Safety, will simplify the requirements and guide your through the certification journey in a clear, pragmatic way – effectively holding your hand throughout the process and making it faster, more manageable, and far less stressful.
We assess your current systems, identify any gaps, and support you with practical steps, documentation, and staff training to get your business audit-ready with confidence.
Can you help us prepare for re-certification?
Yes, we work with both new and exciting clients to support re-certification. We provide ongoing support between audits, working closely with you in the lead-up to renewal to ensure everything is in place and audit-ready.
We’re also on hand throughout the year to help with any changes to BRCGS standards or updates to your operations, helping you stay compliant and confident ahead of your next audit.
Resource
BRCGS Blog
Stay informed on BRCGS changes, plus expert tips to elevate your business.
Case Study
Smith & Brock case study
Discover how BRCGS Storage and Distribution transformed this once small local business into a large independent company now supplying Michelin-starred restaurants, major hospitality groups, and high-end hotels.
Service
BRCGS certification types
Explore all BRCGS standards and identify the right fit for your business.
Warehousing & Distribution
Fresh Produce Storage & Distribution
Ambient Storage & Distribution
Packaging Manufacturing
Food Manufacturing
Hospitality
Education
Healthcare
BRCGS Food Safety Certification
BRCGS Packaging Certification
Agents & Brokers Certification
