AFQS Limited - BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging

Food safety management consultants + Online training development.

BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials

In August 2019 the BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials V6 will be launched. This update from V5 brings the standard more in-line with changes made to Global Standard for Food Safety 8.

Up until V8 of the Global Standard for Food Safety, only the direct food contact packaging was required to be BRCGS or GFSI approved accredited.

With the advent of V8 of the Global Standard for Food Safety, packaging that the customer handles must be from accredited/ approved facilities as well the food contact packaging.

The added requirement brings a whole new dynamic to the food packaging industry as suppliers of outer cases, cartons, display units must have an approved accreditation for customers using Global Standard for Food Safety V8 or another approved GFSI standard.

Traditionally packaging companies have used IS9001 as a business management tool. This scheme is not, however, a GFSI approved scheme. ISO2200 has been modified to be a GFSI approved scheme and this is an option.

Timescales

After the publication of the new BRCGS Packaging and Packaging Materials Standard V6 in August 2019, there is a transition period of six months (to allow packaging suppliers to update their QMS. (Certification bodies will run conversion courses from V5 to V6 in this time).
The use of V6 is compulsory for all certification audits taking place from February 2020 onwards. Prior to that date, it is not possible to be certified according to the new version.