The packaging industry demands to meet the new standards that impact the safety of the product, trust of the consumer, and meeting legal requirements. The BRCGS Packaging Materials Standards Issue 7, came on October 28, 2024, introduces the new updates that are focused on the powerful management of risk, maintaining a safety culture, and building transparency in supply chain. The organization stated that starting from April 28, 2025, all the BRCGS certification audits will conduct in the new version 7, and it is important for all manufacturers and suppliers to stay with new BRCGS requirements.
BRCGS Packaging Version 7 includes a complete revision of 167 clauses and adds one new clause, focusing on the importance of packaging and risk analysis during production. BRCGS has stated that Version 6 remains valid until the next audit, and all certified companies must shift to Version 7 at their next certifications.
Implementation Timeline Of BRCGS Packaging Version 7
- October 2024 – Publication of Issue 7 and key changes document
- November 2024 – Release of interpretation guidelines and translations
- January 2025 – Auditor and site training programs begin
- April 28, 2025 – Audits against Issue 7 officially commence
Key Changes In BRCGS Packaging Version 7
The shift from BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 6 to Issue 7 has more important updates that can be seen in the industry practices, growing risks, and new customer expectations. These updates are made to improve the management of risk, the safety culture of the product, and to support sustainable practices.
Promoting Product Safety and Quality Culture
For the very first time, BRCGS Packaging Materials needs companies to show the existence of product safety and quality. In includes employee training, communication practices, leadership practices, and organizational objectives. It also stated that the organizations has to show the active employee engagement in quality programs, commitment to safety rules, and continued support of good practices.
More Scope To New Packaging Categories
BRCGS Packaging Version 7 will also cover organizations of digital printed packaging, compostable and biodegradable materials, and updating packaging technologies. This also includes the companies dealing with new material types like plant-based plastics or sustainable paper composites, which adhere to the same safety, hygiene, and quality standards as the regular packaging manufacturers.
Staying Adherent to ESG Values
Packaging compliance requirements are adhered to Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) values. The companies need to show safe and fair sourcing, waste reduction actions, and commitment to more environmental sustainability within their packaging work operations. Staying BRCGS Packaging Materials Certification with ESG values helps to build brand’s reputation and customer expectations.
More Awareness Of Possible Risks
BRCGS Packaging Standard Issue 7 focus more on early identification, analysis, and control of risks during the complete process of packaging production. Companies needs to conduct complete risk analysis for material handling, manufacturing, environmental factors, supply chain issues, and hygiene practices. They need to show proved management of risk that is updated regularly.
Improved Hygiene And Environmental Checks
This Issue 7 has introduced powerful environmental monitoring requirements. Companies need to implement proper microbiological testing programs and check environmental parameters which can effect the packaging safety like air quality, cleanliness, and employee hygiene practices.
Stricter Control On Suppliers
Supplier approval processes is in focus under BRCGS Packaging Standard Issue 7, demanding packaging manufacturers to maintain a more systematic approach to supplier analysis. Companies need to conduct ongoing checks on the performance of suppliers, focusing on material safety, hygiene practices, fair sourcing, and regulatory compliance. Documentation of supplier qualifications, audits, and risk management activities is now mandatory.
Updated Audit And Issue Management
BRCGS Audit procedures under Issue 7 ensure more accountability and traceability. Companies need to solve the non-conformances with proper cause analysis, implementing corrective actions, and verifying the proves. Auditors will focus more on practical implementation than only documentation. Due to this, the company needs to focus more on internal audits and compliance checks.
Audit Have New Protocols: BRCGS Packaging Version 7
BRCGS Audit protocol now gives 3 new options:
- Announced – Full announced audit is conducted on the site with one audit in the 3-year cycle being unannounced.
- Blended – Only available for sites who already have certification, the 3 year cycle consists of a remote audit on the documentation followed by an in-person site audit with one visit in the 3 year cycle being unannounced.
- Unannounced – This is voluntary and consists of unannounced audit. There has also been a change to Lapsed Certificates.
There are more changes to take on! If you need help with your transition, please get in touch with our team now.
Why There Was Need Of Transition From BRCGS Packaging Version 6 To Version 7?
- Growing Industry Demands- The packaging industry is facing new global demands for more product safety, fair trade, and environmental responsibility, which required the standard to be updated to remain relevant.
- Powerful Product Safety Culture- Issue 7 has more focus on building and showing a strong product safety and quality culture in companies, more than basic compliance to early leadership and engagement analysis at all levels.
- More Management Of Risks- The new version introduces powerful requirements for hazard analysis and risk analysis, meeting with international goals like Codex Alimentarius, to better address new risks.
- Solving Non-Conformities- BRCGS Packaging Version 7 focused to clarify and tighten requirements to reduce common non-conformities observed under Issue 6 audits, improving overall compliance and audit outcomes.
- More Scope and Applicability- Issue 7 expands the standard’s scope to include new product types, such as single-use disposable products, and making sure global applicability in line with current GFSI benchmarking requirements.
How To Get BRCGS Packaging Standard Issue 7 For Your Business?
With experts guidance, you can easily achieve the BRCGS Packaging Standard Issue 7. The BRCGS consultants will conduct a complete process for you business, this includes:
- Identifying gaps
- Obtain standard and guidelines
- Meet the BRCGS Packaging Standard Issue 7 requirements
- Prepare Documentation and implement systems
- Train your team
- Choose a certification body
- Conduct Internal audits
- Address non-conformities
- Help you in final audit
- Continuous support
Still Have Questions? Connect With Us Today!
A transition from BRCGS Packaging materials Issue 6 to Issue 7 needs companies to get updated with new frameworks, more risk management analysis and more strict audit requirements. Legal4sure ease out the complete process by providing you expert guidance and tips. With 10+ years of experience, we have successfully helped companies to guide you on BRCGS Certification compliance. Our certified auditors and industry specialists make sure the smooth implementation of BRCGS compliance, risk management analysis and internal audit best practices. Backed by partnerships with 25+ certification bodies and a global client base of 4,570+ happy businesses, Legal4sure is your trusted partner in achieving and maintaining BRCGS certification.
FAQs
What is BRCGS Packaging Version 7?
BRCGS Issue 7 refers to the seventh edition of the BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard. It contains new requirements for hygiene, management of risks, sustainability, and supplier control.
When did audits began against BRCGS Packaging Standard Issue 7?
Audits using Issue 7 have started from 28 April 2025. Certificates issued for audits before this date will reference Issue 6 and remain valid for their stated period.
Who needs to comply with Issue 7?
Any businesses related to manufacturing of packaging materials, including primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for food, pharmaceuticals, and other products, should comply with BRCGS Packaging Version 7 to show global best practices and regulatory compliance.
How long is the transition period for Issue 7?
There is a six-month transition period from the publication date (28 October 2024) to the first audit date (28 April 2025), allowing sites and auditors to train and prepare for the new requirements.
