Food manufacturers and exporters face a certification dilemma because they must choose between the BRC and FSSC 22000 standards, which is the best food safety certification for exporters and which their customers prefer to use for global product approval and easier compliance.
The blog post compares BRC vs FSSC 22000 certification standards to determine which is the buyer-approved food certification for exporters, with a special emphasis on the comparison between BRC and FSSC certifications for food manufacturing companies and exporting businesses.
Imagine getting a big export business with one of the European retailers and losing it due to a lack of the necessary certification on the manufacturing plant, even though they have products that are of high quality. By 2026, buyers will insist that the food has been certified to be BRC or FSSC 22000 compliant, and food manufacturers in India will be left guessing which is the new standard to use: BRC certification of food exporters, or will the new standard become FSSC 22000 acceptance by buyers?
Problem Statement:
BRC and FSSC certification for food manufacturers becomes challenging because to understand which is the best food safety certification for exporters, and also, on top of that, different regions and markets have unique certification requirements. The BRC certification provides UK and EU retailers with strong advantages, while the FSSC 22000 certification enables exporters to access more markets, but companies frequently lose business because their certification standards do not match. The food manufacturing industry uses BRC and FSSC certification standards to create market entry barriers while increasing operational expenses.
Why does this happen?
Retailers enforce strict supplier requirements through GFSI-recognized programs, which include BRCGS (BRC) and FSSC 22000, because these programs help them manage risks while tracking product movement. BRC provides retail operations with specific checklists, whereas FSSC 22000 offers global exporters flexible ISO requirements. The increasing demand for international trade creates higher BRC and FSSC 22000 certification requirements because markets develop a preference for one certification system over another.
Helpful Guide:- BRCGS vs FSSC 22000: One Wrong Certification Can Kill Your Export Order – Here’s How to Choose Right
Founder Pain Points:
- European Union buyers rejected the products because the BRC certification, which exporters needed, could not be obtained.
- The dual BRC and FSSC 22000 compliance audit costs create a financial burden that reduces profit margins.
- The FSSC 22000 certification process in India faces delays because key markets lack proper buyer acceptance.
- Exporters face difficulties finding proper food safety certification because they need to comply with the 2026 certification requirements.
- The company lost business opportunities because its competitors, who had food certification obtained from buyers, showed better certification status.
BRC functions as a strict guidance that provides UK supermarkets with all essential food safety procedures. All retail chains need BRC certification because it serves as a requirement for their operations. FSSC 22000 offers organizations a flexible solution that combines ISO 22000 with FSSC 22000 to support their international businesses. Food manufacturers need BRC certification because it helps them protect their brand. FSSC certification allows them to reach more markets.
Buyer Preferences in 2026:
The major retailers accept both certification systems, but the UK and EU markets prefer BRC, while global exporters support FSSC 22000 because it meets GFSI requirements. FSSC 22000 controls 32% of the market as the biggest player, which shows strong FSSC 22000 buyer acceptance despite BRC being more popular in retail areas. FSSC offers exporters the best food safety certification, which leads to better business opportunities.
Comparison Table between BRC vs FSSC 22000:
| Aspect | BRC (BRCGS) | FSSC 22000 |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Prescriptive, checklist-based | Management system, ISO 22000-based |
| Buyer Preference | UK/EU retailers are high | Global exporters are strong |
| Flexibility | Low, detailed rules | High, customizable |
| Best For | Food manufacturers, retail suppliers | Exporters, multi-site operations |
| Cost & Market Share | Medium-high, retail-focused | Cost-effective, 32% share (2026) |
What Actually Works?
Exporters who want to access multiple markets should use dual certification systems, but they should focus on FSSC 22000 because its buyer-approved food certification status will expand in 2026. BRC certification holds essential importance when food manufacturers require BRC and FSSC certification to operate within the UK. GFSI schemes like these GFSI schemes decrease product recalls because they improve compliance standards.
Legal4sure Role:
The Legal4sure teams provide assistance to food companies, which helps them select between BRC and FSSC 22000 certification. They perform gap analysis and SOP creation and audit processes to achieve FSSC 22000 buyer acceptance and BRC certification, which exporters need. Their compliance expertise helps businesses overcome export challenges because they are recognized experts for SEDEX and other certification programs.
Helpful Guide:- Who Can Provide FSSC 22000 Certification in India? Top Approved Bodies List
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- BRC and FSSC 22000: Which certification will be desired by purchasers in 2026?
International buyers would prefer FSSC due to its adaptability, and EU shoppers like BRC.
- Are exporters becoming more accepting of FSSC 22000?
In fact, its approval of the GFSI and the foundation of ISO make it the best food-safety certification for exporters.
- In terms of food manufacturers in India, which one is better suited to either BRC or FSSC?
BRC is preferable to the UK exports; FSSC has a wider scope.
- What is the food certification that buyers are satisfied with?
Top spots belong to GFSI schemes (e.g., BRC and FSSC 22000).
- Does BRC certification for exporters remain a requirement?
Yes, it will still be essential to retail, but when it is combined with FSSC, it will have a maximum impact.
Founder Takeaway:
The 2026 BRC vs FSSC 22000 assessment requires you to establish buyer-approved food certification for exporters, which states that BRC provides retail customers and FSSC 22000 supports export operations. The buyer-approved food certification strategy helps to secure deals while enabling safe business expansion.
Do you want to find the ideal food safety certification that matches your export objectives? Legal4sure experts provide BRC vs FSSC 22000 assessments to help organizations achieve FSSC 22000 buyer acceptance. You can reach us through our website at legal4sure.in.
