The BRCGS certificate and the BRCGS audit report are two separate documents that are generated as part of the same certification process. The certificate is the single-page evidence of compliance while the audit report is the complete documentation supporting the certificate. There is often some confusion among manufacturers, exporters and buyers about the two and this can lead to serious issues when it comes to supplier verification, buyer auditing, and even re-certification. In this article, we explain the difference between the BRCGS Certificate and Audit Report for Indian food manufacturers and exporters.
BRCGS Certificate vs Audit Report: Understanding the Basics
Each completed BRCGS audit results in two separate outputs post successful audit completion. On one hand, the certifying body issues a certificate that confirms certification, the grade, applicable standard, and the scope of certification. On the other hand, the auditor prepares an audit report detailing all findings and observations that were made throughout the on-site audit process. It should be highlighted that the certificate is a short and public document while the audit report is lengthy, highly technical, and requested on demand only. This knowledge is crucial since many buyers and suppliers believe that the certificate alone proves food safety performance of sites.
It is especially relevant for Indian manufacturing facilities and exporters dealing with foreign retailers, importers, and private label brands. Foreign buyers often ask for “BRCGS documentation” without clarifying which exact document they require. Sites that are aware of the difference between BRCGS Certificate and Audit Report will be able to provide the proper document quickly avoiding unnecessary communication and delays in supplier certification process.
What Is a BRCGS Certificate
The BRCGS certificate is the official single sheet of paper that is provided by the certification body upon the successful completion of the audit. This is the document most often exchanged between the suppliers and the buyers because it can be verified quickly.
Information Typically Shown on a BRCGS Certificate
- Name of company and accredited address
- Standard of BRCGS and issue no. (such as Food Safety Issue 9)
- Grade of certificate (AA, A, B, or C)
- Scope of certificate
- Issue date and expiry date of certificate
- Name of certification body and accreditation information
This is the document that is usually asked for as the first level proof of compliance from most retailers, importers, and brand owners when sourcing from a new vendor. Since it has been standardized by format among all certification bodies, a purchasing party’s quality department can easily recognize whether the BRCGS certificate is valid without having to understand technical jargon of an audit report. For exporters, having an up-to-date and readily available certificate is usually the fastest way to satisfy an initial screening process.
What Is a BRCGS Audit Report
The BRCGS audit report is the technical document that the auditor compiles after conducting the site visit. It can be twenty pages long to even exceed one hundred pages in length, based on the type of audit and findings made during it. Unlike the certificate itself, the audit report is not posted on any public directory and is available exclusively to the certified site and whoever the certified site chooses to share it with.
Information Typically Shown on a BRCGS Audit Report
- Audit results per section according to each clause in the standard
- Non-conformances identified and classified into critical, major, or minor types
- Root cause analysis and corrective actions proposed by the site
- Notes taken by the auditor, along with photographs
- Description of the production process and overview of the site
- History of prior audits, when available
Since the contents of an audit report are commercially sensitive, it is normally considered a confidential document, and its distribution is limited to cases where there is an NDA in place or where it is uploaded in a secure buyer portal. However, a certificate can be easily shared since it only provides the results of the process.
BRCGS Certificate vs Audit Report: Key Differences
Below is the table that outlines the main distinctions between the BRCGS Certificate vs Audit Report that should be known by both manufacturers and purchasers.
| Aspect | BRCGS Certificate | BRCGS Audit Report |
|---|---|---|
| Length | One page | 20–100+ pages |
| Purpose | Proof of certification status | Detailed audit evidence and findings |
| Availability | Shared freely, listed on BRCGS Directory | Shared only at the site’s discretion |
| Content Depth | Grade, scope, validity dates | Scores, non-conformities, corrective actions |
| Primary Audience | General public, quick buyer checks | Technical teams, quality auditors, deep due diligence |
| Issued By | Certification body, post-audit | Auditor, as part of the audit process |
BRCGS Certification Process: How the Certificate and Report Are Generated
However, while both documents emanate from the same process of BRCGS Certification, they are issued at different points of that process.
Steps in the BRCGS Certification Process
- Site performs a pre-audit gap analysis and bridges gaps internally
- Certifying body schedules and performs the on-site audit
- Auditor evaluates every clause and writes down the findings in the draft audit report
- Site provides evidence for any nonconformances that might have been raised
- Certifying body evaluates evidence and prepares the audit report
- Certificate is issued when site passes the evaluation process
The audit report is basically the working document formed during the evaluation process, whereas the certificate is the end product after confirmation of compliance by the website. This is the reason why the audit report can be obtained prior to or at the same time as the certificate, but not after. Websites that structure their internal timeline in such an order will find it easier to respond when asked for the audit report before the certificate is issued.
BRCGS Audit Results: What They Reveal in Each Document
The results of the BRCGS audit are reflected completely in the audit report only. However, the certificate is an outcome of the results in terms of grades, and there is no explanation how that grade was attained.
What the Certificate Reveals
- If the site received the certificate and in what grade
- The time frame covered by the certification
What the Audit Report Reveals
- The precise clauses that were good or required corrective actions
- If the nonconformity was critical, major or minor
- The exact response from the site to each nonconformity
The buyer, who depends solely on the certificate grade, may fail to consider the information available from an audit report where the site passed with many significant non-conformities that were rectified afterwards. This is the only document that contains this information.
Why the BRCGS Certificate vs Audit Report Difference Matters for Buyers and Suppliers
For exporters and producers, knowing what document needs to be sent, and at what time, influences the speed at which the buyers’ approvals will come through.
For Suppliers
- Provide the certification for prompt authentication and onboarding processes.
- Maintain the audit report in case of buyer’s audits of the supplier.
- Maintain the audit report internally for recording repetitive non-conformances and implementing corrective measures.
For Buyers
- Use the certificate to ensure that the certification is current
- Obtain the audit report if the category is higher risk or if there is a new supplier relationship
- Check the closure of corrective action in the audit report, not just the grade
BRCGS Certificate vs Audit Report: Which One Do You Need
It will depend on the intended use of the document. A supplier verification, an updated list of approved vendors by the retailer, or a requirement by the custom will just require a certificate. However, a risk analysis, a new buyer relationship, or a more risky category would require a full audit report. In case one is unsure, it is better to consult the requestor to find out whether they require a proof of certification or a more comprehensive audit performance document.
| Use Case | Recommended Document |
|---|---|
| Verifying a Supplier is Currently Certified | Certificate |
| Onboarding a New High-Risk Category Supplier | Audit Report |
| Customs or Export Documentation | Certificate |
| Internal Supplier Risk Assessment | Audit Report |
| Listing on the BRCGS Directory Search | Certificate |
| Reviewing Root Causes of Past Non-Conformities | Audit Report |
Common Mistakes in the BRCGS Certificate vs Audit Report Conversation
This confusion of these two documents causes unnecessary tension between suppliers and customers. Knowing the typical errors that occur makes both sides’ process of passing the certification test smoother.
- The assumption that an excellent certificate grade indicates that there were no deviations from the standards during the audit
- Sending the certificate even if the buyer’s compliance department requests the full audit report
- Considering the directory listing of BRCGS as the audit report verification method
- Failure to monitor the closure dates of corrective actions stated in the audit report before the next audit cycle
- The assumption that the report and the certificate issuance are on the same day, whereas the report comes first
The best way to avoid all these errors is by doing one thing right all the time; that is, always ask which specific document the buyer, auditor, or compliance department is requesting before you do any work on it.
FAQs on BRCGS Certificate vs Audit Report
What is the difference between a BRCGS certificate and an audit report?
The BRCGS certificate is a one-page statement of certification status while an audit report is the document that contains the detailed scores and observations which have been used to issue the certificate.
Is a BRCGS audit report the same as a BRCGS certificate?
No, these documents are quite different from each other where the former document is a shorter document and the latter is the longer version.
What is included in a BRCGS audit report?
In the audit report, there are clause-by-clause scores, non-conformities, corrective action evidence, and observations made by the auditor during the site visit.
Does a BRCGS certificate show audit findings?
No, audit findings are not present in a BRCGS certificate. It just has the grade and validity period for the certificate.
Where can I verify a BRCGS certificate is genuine?
The BRCGS Directory enables buyers to check whether a particular website is valid or not.
Can a supplier refuse to share the BRCGS audit report?
Yes, it is within the right of the vendor to decide whether or not the BRCGS audit report should be disclosed.
Do both documents come from the same BRCGS certification process?
Yes, both the audit report and the certificate are issued through the same certification process, only at different levels.
