This voluntary module supports agents and brokers in understanding how the regulations established under US Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) apply to their company’s business activities.

The role of the agent or broker is an important one. An agent or broker acts as a facilitator to the movement of product between producer and customer and BRCGS has recognised the important role they play in approving the suppliers for those customers.

Although this guidance is primarily designed to allow the agent or broker to act as a source of information for appropriate supplier approval, it also shows where the regulations may impact the activity of the broker or agent. In the age of the FSMA, it is no longer acceptable simply to facilitate product movement; the agent or broker must also provide proof of compliance.

Requirements are laid out in such a way as to help the agent or broker use them as part of their supplier approval process, and to provide evidence of that approval to their customers. In this way the agent or broker can be closer to providing a ‘complete solution’ to their customers.

Additional guidance can be found in the relevant section of the Global Standard for Agents and Brokers.

Who should use this publication?

This module can be used by any company located within the US as an assessment step in preparation for their required compliance with FSMA date. It may also be used by companies outside of the US, who see this market as a current or future export target, to show evidence to the importer of record that they have specifically addressed applicable aspects of the legislation.

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 the Standard. Companies must comply with all modules to achieve certification.

Please note, this title comes in PDF format only.

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.