As Qatar expands its food manufacturing and import network, adopting internationally recognized standards has become essential for both local producers and global exporters.
The BRC certification helps businesses achieve these standards. It is one of the most rigorous third-party certification systems, trusted by international retailers, manufacturers, and food service providers worldwide.
The Qatar Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reports that over 90% of the country’s food supply is imported, highlighting the importance of strong food safety certification in protecting public health and sustaining consumer trust.
In this article, we describe everything you need to know about BRC to comply with international standards. So read on and learn more.
Want to make your food business stand out with BRC Certification in Qatar? Qualitas Consulting is here to help you get certified faster. Reach out today to get started.
Note: The BRC Certification has been officially renamed as the BRCGS Certification (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards), reflecting a globally recognized framework for food safety and quality compliance.
What are the BRC standards?
The BRC Global Standards (BRCGS), created by the British Retail Consortium, provide a trusted framework to ensure food products are safe, legal, and of high quality. These standards guide businesses in building a strong Food Safety Management System that promotes consistency and accountability across every step of the food supply chain.
As internationally recognized and GFSI-benchmarked standards, they help companies manage risks, improve traceability, and maintain strict quality control. For food businesses in Qatar, adopting BRCGS standards not only ensures compliance with global food safety laws but also strengthens consumer confidence by proving their commitment to delivering safe and reliable food products.
Why Is BRC Certification Important for Food Companies in Qatar?
BRC Certification in Qatar demonstrates that a food company adheres to international food safety standards and provides safe and high-quality products. This certification has emerged as one of the main criteria that retailers, manufacturers, and exporters must meet in the fast-growing food industry in Qatar. It is essential to gain consumer confidence and comply with the legal requirements of the Qatar Food Safety Authority.
The essential reasons why BRC certification is necessary:
- Strengthens food safety management and reduces risks of contamination or recalls
- Enhances the efficiency of operation and creates a steady enhancement in monitoring food safety
- Supports risk management in food production and better traceability systems
- Makes supplier approval effortless, required by big retailers and distributors
- Compliant with the National Food Security Strategy 2021-2025 of Qatar, which ensures adherence to global standards of sustainable food security
- Facilitates easier exports in GCC and global markets
In short, BRC Certification in Qatar assists food companies in demonstrating their credibility, compliance, and safety commitment.
Case study:
Baladna Food Industries, which is one of the largest dairy manufacturers in Qatar, has incorporated BRCGS standards in its production and quality operations. Following certification, it reduced wastage by 20% and obtained improved export permits in the region.
Therefore, to achieve BRC certification, Qatari companies should not only comply with the requirements but also constantly enhance their systems.
What’s New in BRCGS Version 9 Requirements?
BRC version 9 elevates the standard to enhance credibility and secure consumers. The updates emphasize a stronger food safety culture, requiring companies to demonstrate safety commitment at all levels.
Key updates include:
- Stronger requirements for a positive food safety culture.
- A new blended audit option (online and on-site).
- More detailed staff training and competence rules.
- Tighter validation before process changes and ongoing verification.
- Emphasis on clear management roles and internal audits.
Statistic: According to 2024 data by the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), the investment in food processing and packaging increased by 19% with a significant amount of investment being directed toward the companies seeking BRCGS or ISO 22000 standards to find access to GCC and EU markets.
What are the types of BRCGS Standards?
| Standard | Applies to | Focus |
| Food Safety | Food producers/processors | HACCP, contamination control |
| Packaging Materials | Packaging manufacturers | Material safety, migration |
| Storage & Distribution | Warehouses, logistics | Temperature, hygiene, transport |
| Consumer Products | Non-food consumer goods | Chemical/product safety |
| Agents & Brokers | Intermediaries | Supply chain oversight, traceability |
Choose the standard(s) that match your operations. Many Qatari firms combine standards (for example, food + packaging) for full coverage.
What Are the BRC Certification Grades or Levels?
When your facility undergoes a BRC audit in Qatar, your performance is graded. These audit grades show how well your systems meet the requirements. This grade is determined by the type and number of non-conformances (deviations from the standard) identified during the audit. Non-conformities are categorized as minor, major, or critical, each affecting your grade differently.
What Each BRCGS Grade Means
| Grade | Criteria | Description |
| AA (highest) | No more than 5 minor non-conformances | Exemplary compliance; signals best practices |
| A | 5 to 10 minor non-conformances | High compliance with a few minor issues |
| B | 11–16 minors, or 1 major and up to 10 minors | Meeting basic requirements with some improvements needed |
| C | 17–24 minors, or 1 major and up to 16 minors, or 2 majors and up to 10 minors | Requires several improvements and focused action |
| D | 25–30 minors, or 1 major and up to 24 minors, or 2 majors and up to 16 minors | Major improvements required, significant issues identified |
| Uncertified | 1 or more critical non-conformances, or 31+ minors, or 1 major and 25+ minors, or 2 majors and 17+ minors, or 3+ major non-conformances | Certification is not awarded or is withdrawn |
In Qatar, Grade A or AA is the focus of many food companies. These highest grades indicate confidence to the international customers, increased recognition and competitiveness of exports.
Statistics: A 2023 BRCGS performance review found that over 75% of food facilities in the Middle East earned Grade A or higher during the first two audit cycles. This shows that the food safety systems in the region are becoming more advanced.
Which Businesses Require BRC Certification?
If your Qatar business touches the food supply chain, BRC may be required. Typical candidates include:
- Food manufacturers (packaged foods, beverages)
- Packaging manufacturers
- Storage and distribution centres
- Retailers with private labels or in-house production
- Agents & brokers and ingredient suppliers
Many importers and retailers in Qatar prefer or require certified suppliers, so certification helps secure contracts and partnerships.
How Can You Achieve BRC Certification in Qatar?
Steps to certification:
- Select the correct BRCGS standard.
- Conduct a gap analysis vs. BRC requirements.
- Implement a Food Safety Management System, monitoring and traceability.
- Train staff on hygiene, HACCP, and food safety culture.
- Run a pre-assessment audit and internal audits.
- Engage an accredited certification body or approved BRCGS auditors in Qatar.
- Complete the official audit, address non-conformities, and obtain the certificate.
Use ISO and BRC consultancy services in Qatar (e.g., Qualitas) and digital tools like FoodDocs or smart food safety software to streamline records and monitoring tasks.
How Qualitas Consulting Helps You Achieve BRC (BRCGS Certificate)
Achieving BRC Certification in Qatar requires expert guidance and structured implementation. Qualitas Consulting simplifies this process by offering complete support from planning to certification. Their team ensures your business meets every BRCGS requirement efficiently and confidently.
Key services include:
- Conducting detailed gap analysis and system evaluation.
- Preparing essential documentation and compliance reports.
- Performing internal audits and staff training on food safety.
- Assisting with audit scheduling and non-conformity resolutions.
- Implementing traceability systems and smart food safety software.
With Qualitas Consulting, Qatari companies can achieve higher audit grades, stronger compliance, and global recognition.
Read more: The Role of Quality Management Services in Qatar’s Growing Business Landscape
Conclusion
BRC Certification in Qatar has become a necessity for businesses that want to match the global standards of food safety and quality. Qualitas Consulting is a reliable partner that helps organizations navigate all levels of the certification process.
Key highlights:
- Expertise in ISO and BRCGS consultancy across multiple industries
- Gap analysis to post-certification support
- Competent individuals who make compliance and audit preparation easy
- Track record of enhancing food safety management systems
Qualitas Consulting is a company that can deliver on the promise of taking companies to BRC certification in Qatar with the proper credentials, accuracy, and worldwide acceptability.
FAQs
What is the BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety?
It is a globally accepted standard that was created by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) to make food products safe, legal, and of high quality across the supply chain.
How to get the BRCGS Certificate?
A company interested in certification is required to adopt BRCGS food safety requirements, be audited by a third-party accredited certification body, and comply with all the necessary standards.
How much does it cost to get certified in BRCGS?
The facility size, period of audit, and the certification organization determine the price. The costs usually range between $3,000 and $10,000, covering preparation, audit, and documentation.
What is the purpose of BRCGS?
It aims to pass food safety standards worldwide, facilitate continuous improvement and instil consumer confidence through the maintenance of uniform product quality and legal standards.
Who needs BRC Certification?
BRCGS Certification is required by food manufacturers, packaging suppliers, storage facilities and distributors that are interested in trading with large retailers or exporting internationally.
