BRC IOP CERTIFICATION - For Packaging Material
Within the food industry, there are numerous standards that need to be followed to ensure the safety of all food produced. So, what is BRC IOP and what are your organisation’s responsibilities in meeting it?
BRC IOP Standard: Ensuring Safety, Quality, and Compliance in Packaging
In today’s competitive global market, maintaining safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in packaging is critical, especially in the food industry. One of the most recognized global standards that addresses these concerns is the BRC IOP Standard, now known as the BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard. Developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the Institute of Packaging (IOP), this standard provides a framework for managing product safety, quality, and operational criteria specifically for packaging manufacturers. This comprehensive guide explores the importance of the BRC IOP Standard, its structure, benefits, certification process, and why it is essential for companies involved in packaging.
What is the BRC IOP Standard?
The BRC IOP Standard was established to ensure that packaging materials used in the food and other consumer goods industries meet the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and quality. It applies to all types of packaging manufacturers, including those dealing with:
- Flexible
and rigid plastics
- Paper and
board
- Metal and
glass containers
- Labels and
closures
- Other
packaging components
This standard is part of the BRC Global Standards suite, now under the name BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards).
Objectives of the BRC IOP Standard
The core objectives of the BRC IOP Standard are:
- To provide
a standardized framework for managing product safety, legality, and
quality
- To ensure
continuous improvement through regular reviews and audits
- To support
packaging suppliers in meeting customer and legal requirements
- To help
organizations demonstrate due diligence and regulatory compliance
Key Features of the BRC IOP
Standard
- Risk-Based
Approach: The standard promotes risk assessment and
management principles tailored to the specific nature of the product and
manufacturing process.
- HACCP
Implementation: A fundamental requirement is the adoption of the
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system.
- Quality
Management Systems (QMS): The standard mandates a
robust QMS, including documentation, internal audits, and corrective
actions.
- Site
Standards: It includes detailed site hygiene and
infrastructure requirements to ensure a safe manufacturing environment.
- Product
and Process Control: Controls must be in place
to ensure that products meet the required specifications.
- Personnel
Hygiene and Training: Employees must be properly
trained and follow strict hygiene practices.
Scope of the BRC IOP Standard
The standard covers packaging materials for food and non-food applications,
such as:
- Primary
packaging (direct contact with products)
- Secondary
packaging (outer packaging, like boxes)
- Tertiary
packaging (used for transport and distribution)
It is applicable to both small and large-scale manufacturing operations.
Certification Levels: Hygiene
Categories
The BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard classifies operations into two
hygiene categories:
- High
Hygiene: For packaging that comes into direct contact with
food or other sensitive products (e.g., pharmaceuticals, cosmetics)
- Basic
Hygiene: For packaging that does not directly contact the
product or is used in non-sensitive environments
The classification ensures that the appropriate level of control is
maintained based on risk.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
Base Management System is a BRC accredited certification Body. Our auditor services include:
Base Management's global network of auditors provides the assurance that a formalised and structured approach to attaining certification is applied without bias, ensuring that audit approaches are consistent, regardless of the product or country of production. With indepth experience in food testing, inspection, auditing and certification,
Our implementation methodology
our end to end consulting includes following stages
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