Assure product safety and quality 

Agents and Brokers (non-manufacturing traders) who buy, sell or facilitate the trade of products, provide a critical link in the movement and trade of products, and influence supplier product safety and quality standards, as well as being responsible for maintaining an effective chain of traceability.

The Agents and Brokers Global Standard provides a framework to manage product safety, authenticity, quality and legality for businesses in the food, packaging and consumer products industries that buy, sell or facilitate the trade of products, but do not manufacture, process or store the products in their own facilities or on their own sites. These companies 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. 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.

BRCGS Agents and Brokers Certification is recognised by many retailers, food service companies and manufacturers around the world when assessing the capabilities of their suppliers, covering certification for the following categories of products:

• Food products, including raw materials, processed foods, and fruit and vegetables
• Packaging materials – primary, secondary and tertiary materials, and raw materials for the manufacture of packaging materials
• Pet foods for domestic animals
• Consumer products