Agents and brokers play an essential role in the movement and trade of products, providing a critical link in their chain of custody. They can influence their suppliers’ product safety and quality standards and are responsible for maintaining an effective chain of traceability. 

The third issue of the Global Standard for Agents and Brokers has been developed to specify the safety, quality and operational criteria required to fulfil legal obligations and to protect the consumer or end user of a product. 

The Standard sets out the requirements for companies in the food, packaging and consumer products supply chain that buy, sell or facilitate the trade of products. These companies may provide additional services such as the purchase, importation or distribution of the products, but do not manufacture or process those products.

The requirements represent an evolution from previous issues and focus on the implementation of good practice. There is an emphasis on management commitment, a product safety programme based on risk and hazard analysis, and a supporting quality management system. Where the activities include importation, there are often specific legal obligations regarding the products they import. There are also requirements to maintain records, which may be requested later by authorities or customers.

Certification to a BRCGS Standard is recognised by many retailers, food service companies and manufacturers around the world. 

Who should use this Standard?

Companies that purchase or take title to (i.e. become the legal owner of) products for resale to manufacturers, other brokers, retailers or food service companies but do not directly sell to the consumer.

Companies that trade between a manufacturer or broker and its customer but do not at any point own or take title to the goods. Such companies provide a range of services to facilitate the safe and legal trade of products. 

It is a requirement that all suppliers undergoing a BRCGS audit to the Global Standard for Agents and Brokers (Issue 3) have access to an official copy of this publication.

Please note, this title comes in both print and PDF format. Please check you are ordering the format you require before placing an order.

Use of BRCGS intellectual property

Information on how you can use BRCGS Standards, guidance and published content can be found here. You can also find a list of answers to common question on how BRCGS content can be used here.