Why BRCGS vs FSSC 22000 Is a Critical Decision for Exporters?
For exporters who want to sell their products abroad, obtaining the right food safety certification is not a luxury, but a necessity if they want to remain in business. However, one of the most common and expensive mistakes that exporters make is choosing the wrong certificate.
Many exporters believe that since both BRCGS and FSSC 22000 are GFSI-recognised, either standard will be universally accepted. This is exactly what causes export rejection when the standard fails to meet the buyer’s expectations.
The fact is that BRCGS vs FSSC 22000 is not a quality issue; it is a question of what the customer will accept.
The Real Export Risk Nobody Warns You About:
Scenarios that exporters often encounter:
- The goods are ready for shipment, but the buyers do not accept the documents
- Retail onboarding stopped because of a certification mismatch
- Urgent re-certification requests from EU customers
- Loss of trust with importers
In most cases, the factory’s production is okay; it’s just that the export certification does not meet what the buyers want.
That is why the exporters always ask:
- Which certification is better for an export food business?
- BRCGS or FSSC 22000 for EU buyers
- What are the export food certification requirements actually?
Understanding BRCGS and FSSC 22000: Not the Same Game:
BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard)
- Retail-driven standard
- Great emphasis on product safety, legality, and quality
- Compulsory for many UK and EU retailers
- Extremely prescriptive and audit-intensive FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification)
ISO-based management system
- Preferred by multinational brands and ingredient buyers
- Excellent process and risk-based approach
- Flexible and scalable for exports
The question isn’t which is stronger; it’s which one your buyers will accept.
BRCGS vs FSSC 22000: Export Market Acceptance:
| Export Scenario | Preferred Certification |
| UK Supermarkets | BRCGS |
| EU Retail Private Label | BRCGS |
| Multinational Food Brands | FSSC 22000 |
| Ingredient & B2B Export | FSSC 22000 |
| Mixed Export Markets | Buyer-specific |
It is at this point that the exporter makes a mistake by choosing certification before checking the requirements of the buyer.
Why Export Orders Get Rejected Despite Certification:
Most export rejections due to wrong certification occur because:
- The approval lists of the buyers are not taken into account
- Retailers require BRCGS, but the supplier has FSSC
- Brand clients accept FSSC, but the exporter invested in BRCGS
- The scope of certification does not correspond to the exported product
The consequence?
- Delays
- Emergency audits
- Increased costs
- Lost customers
How to Choose the Right Export Food Certification:
Step 1: Identify Your Target Export Buyer
Ask directly:
- Retailer or brand?
- Ingredient buyer or private label?
- EU, UK, or world market?
Step 2: Confirm Buyer-Specific Certification Acceptance
Always verify:
- Never assume
- Approved certification list
- Grade requirements (for BRCGS)
- Additional buyer clauses
Step 3: Align Certification with Business Model
- Retail-oriented export → BRCGS
- Export of brand and ingredients → FSSC 22000
- Multi-market expansion → Strategic planning required
- This helps avoid costly recertification at a later stage.
Emergency Situations: When the Wrong Certification Is Already Chosen:
Many exporters have come to realise too late, often when:
- An EU buyer refuses to be onboarded
- The export shipment is placed on hold
- A new buyer requires a different certification
This results in:
- Rushed certification timelines
- High stress
- Increased audit risk
But with the right strategy and guidance, there is hope for recovery.
Common System Gaps Seen in Export Certification Failures:
| Area | Typical Issues |
| Buyer Requirements | Not documented |
| Certification Scope | Incorrect |
| HACCP | Not export-specific |
| Supplier Approval | Missing export compliance |
| Traceability | Export mock recall not tested |
These are planning failures, not food safety failures.
What Successful Exporters Do Differently:
✔ Confirm certification before negotiation
✔ Align certification with export geography
✔ Prepare systems for buyer audits
✔ Consider certification as a market entry strategy
They realise that obtaining food safety certification for export is a business decision, not just an obligation.
Final Advice:
Making the right choice between BRCGS vs FSSC 22000 can make or break your export plan. A single wrong choice can cause delays in your exports, as well as harm the trust of your buyers.
The smartest exporters:
- Plan for certification strategically
- Plan and align standards with buyer requirements
- Avoid last-minute compliance chaos
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Which certification is preferable for an export food business?
There is no general answer. The better certification is the one accepted by your target buyer. Retail exports require BRCGS, while brand and ingredient exports require FSSC 22000.
- Which is better for EU buyers, BRCGS or FSSC 22000?
BRCGS is preferred by most EU retailers, whereas EU food brands and ingredient buyers accept FSSC 22000. It is always important to check the requirements of the buyer before making a choice.
- Can export orders be rejected because of incorrect certification?
Yes. Rejection of exports because of improper certification is very common, even if the factory is compliant and GFSI certified.
- Is FSSC 22000 recognised internationally for export food certification?
FSSC 22000 is internationally recognised, but not universally accepted by retailers. Acceptance is based on buyer type, not location.
- Can a company hold both BRCGS and FSSC 22000?
Yes. Some exporters have dual certification to cater to retail and brand customers, but it needs effective system management.
