What are the latest updates on the BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products?

The BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products Issue 4 went live in May 2017. We are actively engaging brand owners who wish to prepare for certification. We are also working closely with Walmart, as they are looking to move away from 2nd party FCCA audits. This involves a pilot programme or early audits against the BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products. We hosted a successful Walmart Supplier Seminar in Shanghai on August 29, 2017,  together with the seminar that took place in Shenzhen in the previous week, with over 300 sites in attendance.

What is the impact of the updated BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products?

We have now extended the scope of the BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products to include suppliers of raw materials, chemicals or components. As always, the focus remains on protecting brand reputation, and ensuring products are safe, legal and of good quality. The BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products Issue 4 is truly global, offering both entry-level and a higher spectrum of options, for sites wishing to achieve certification. We also have a robust compliance programme, which ensures the consistency of certification.

You were recently elected as Vice-President of the Society of Cosmetics Scientists, UK. Tell us more.

I’ve been a member of SCS since over 25 years. I’ve been engaged in many activities, including spreading awareness on best practices in the cosmetics industry. I also support a distance learning course in Cosmetic Science, which is tailored to suit chemists and technicians who want to formulate cosmetic products. Last April, I was elected as Vice-President of SCS by the council, a role which is a prelude to being President of SCS in 2018. This is also an opportunity to promote the values of BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products, which helps reinforce my goal of ensuring factories make safer, legal products that delight consumers and ensure peace of mind for brand owners.

What advice would you give to sites who want to prepare for certification against the Standard?

To prepare for certification, the ideal way would be to visit the BRC Global Standards website and download a copy of the relevant BRC Global Standard. Then, select a certification body for pre-assessment work. If you need more information or guidance, I would recommend attending one of our training courses to understand the requirements of the specific BRC Global Standard. That should help you prepare your site for a successful audit.

Grace Abamba will be speaking about the BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products on November 14, 2017 at SCS Formulate, hosted at Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK. Know more or register here. For more information on the BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products, contact us