More than 30,000 sites worldwide proudly hold BRCGS certification, demonstrating excellence in food safety compliance. For companies in Qatar’s rapidly developing food sector, this recognition can be transformative. Yet many business owners still feel uncertain about the BRC certification process—its time frame, cost, and technical requirements. At Qualitas Consulting, we’ve helped countless clients navigate this journey, translating complex global standards into simple, achievable actions. Today, I’ll explain how your company can earn the BRC certification in Qatar step by step, highlighting why it matters and how you can get started.

Ready to unlock your path toward certification excellence? Contact Qualitas Consulting today for a free personalized consultation and begin your compliance success.

Note: Previously known as the British Retail Consortium (BRC) the program was rebranded as BRCGS in 2019 to reflect its global reach and broader industry scope.

What Is BRCGS Certification?

BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards) sets a global benchmark for food safety management systems (FSMS). It ensures every certified business upholds strong controls for product safety and legality, satisfying strict supplier evaluation and traceability in food manufacturing requirements.

This standard, approved by the GFSI benchmarked certification scheme, reviews every element from HACCP principles to operational control, ensuring consistent compliance across your production chain. Successfully meeting BRCGS standards raises your food safety culture and demonstrates true management commitment.

Who Can Apply for BRC Certification in Qatar?

Across Qatar’s dynamic food landscape, any organization involved in the food supply chain can apply. This includes:

• Food manufacturers and processors
• Primary producers and packers
• Storage and distribution companies
• Packaging material suppliers
• Retailers and food service providers

These businesses can benefit from aligning with international Qatar food safety standards while proving their commitment to hygiene and quality.

Why Achieving BRCGS Certification Is Important for Qatar’s Food Industry

Global retailers increasingly favor BRC-certified suppliers, and in fact, nearly 90% of them do to mitigate risk. In Qatar, where 65% of the food industry certifications come from BRC, ISO 22000, and Halal, this alignment demonstrates quality and dependability.

Key reasons include:

• Strengthens consumer trust and brand reputation
• Enables access to international markets
• Ensures food safety and regulatory compliance
• Promotes continuous improvement and audit readiness
• Reduces risk of recalls and legal non-conformities

How BRCGS Certification Benefits Businesses

Proper BRC audit preparation can reshape your organization’s performance. Businesses experience smoother audit report reviews, fewer non-conformities, and sustained customer confidence.

Main advantages include:

• Enhanced process efficiency and supply chain transparency
• Gaining an edge through BRCGS grade A or AA performance
• Fewer recalls—BRC-certified companies report up to 22% fewer product recalls
• Improved food safety management system and internal communication
• Easy cross-market approval through accredited certification bodies

What Is the Process of Getting BRC Certified

Achieving BRCGS certification in Qatar involves structured stages, each refining your operations. Below is the journey designed to make compliance your competitive advantage.

Understand the BRCGS Food Safety Framework

The BRC certification process begins with understanding the standard’s clauses and how they apply to your operations. Study HACCP principles, QMS, and GFSI benchmarked certification requirements to develop awareness of core compliance elements before formal implementation.

Assess Gaps in Your Current Processes

Perform a gap analysis in food safety to compare existing controls with BRC requirements. This stage identifies weak areas in hygiene, documentation, and supplier management needing corrective improvement before the actual certification audit.

Develop a Robust FSMS Aligned with BRCGS

Establish a resilient food safety management system (FSMS) aligned with BRC requirements. Your FSMS should demonstrate effective hazard and risk assessment, robust monitoring processes, and defined corrective procedures that maintain product safety and legality.

Educate and Equip Your Team

Train your staff through focused training and awareness programs. Build management commitment by promoting a strong food safety culture that ensures every employee understands their role in maintaining hygiene and proper documentation.

Perform Pre-Audit Internal Inspections

Conduct an internal audit to evaluate process performance ahead of the official assessment. This pre-audit helps correct errors, evaluate readiness, and align all departments with BRC compliance goals for a smoother BRC audit process.

Choose the Right Certification Partner

Select an accredited certification body experienced in handling food certification in Qatar. Working with expert BRC certification consultants ensures accurate guidance, transparent communication, and proper preparation for the official BRC audit.

Apply for BRCGS Certification

Once your system meets the basic BRC requirements, submit your application to an accredited partner. Confirm audit dates, documentation scope, and the time frame for BRC certification to plan resources effectively.

Organize Required Documentation for Assessment

Prepare all documented procedures, policies, training evidence, and process validation records. Organizing responsive documentation accelerates audit report review and demonstrates clarity in your operational processes.

Complete the Official BRCGS Audit

During the official BRC audit, accredited auditors evaluate your site’s compliance with all clauses. Their site inspections assess operational control, hygiene standards, and process accuracy while identifying non-conformities needing attention.

Implement Action Plans for Non-Conformities

After receiving feedback, issue a comprehensive corrective action plan (CAP) addressing each observation. Implementing CAPs promptly ensures audit readiness and facilitates the final approval of the BRC certificate.

Leverage Your New BRCGS Status

Promote your certification across communication channels to strengthen market presence. A BRCGS grade like AA or A signals top-tier quality and can lead to fewer product recalls and improved brand trust worldwide.

Sustain Compliance Through Regular Reviews

Maintain your certification maintenance plan with surveillance audits and continuous performance checks. Regular internal assessments foster a robust continual improvement system.

Ensure Annual Recertification

Schedule periodic audits to uphold your standing and ensure certification renewal. Annual recertification audit confirmations keep your facility aligned with global food safety compliance standards.

Key BRC Certification Challenges Faced by Food Businesses in Qatar

While many Qatari businesses aim for BRCGS certification, common obstacles still arise. A proactive mindset prevents most of them.

Frequent challenges include:

• Limited understanding of BRC requirements and FSMS structure
• Incomplete management commitment and staff retraining gaps
• Documentation inconsistencies and missing traceability records
• Budgetary constraints and misjudged BRC certification costs
• Pressure from short time frames for BRC certification
• Overlooked non-conformities, poor corrective follow-up, or insufficient internal monitoring

How Qualitas Consulting Can Help You Achieve BRCGS Certificates

At Qualitas Consulting, we guide businesses from evaluation to certification. With proven experience, we ensure every requirement is implemented efficiently.

Our Expertise and Services:

• ISO and BRCGS certification consulting for 150+ standards.
• Personalized gap analysis in food safety guidance.
• Full BRC audit preparation and maintenance support.
• 350+ successful BRC certification body implementations across industries.
• End-to-end BRCGS consultancy and gap analysis
• BRC audit support and documentation alignment
• Customized employee training and awareness programs
• Internal auditing and CAP planning
• Post-certification and certification maintenance support

Our strategic approach ensures regulatory harmony, audit precision, and long-term food safety sustainability.

Conclusion

Earning BRC certification in Qatar represents far more than passing an audit—it’s a visible commitment to safety, quality, and global credibility. As updates in hygiene and regulation reshape the food supply chain, staying certified has never been more essential. Qualitas Consulting stands ready to help your team achieve, maintain, and perfect your BRC commitment.

Contact Qualitas Consulting today to schedule your free consultation and elevate your business to BRCGS excellence.