The Difference Between BRCGS and SQF—Which One is Right for You?

hoosing the Right Food Safety Certification for Your Business

When it comes to global food safety standards, two of the most recognized certifications are BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard) and SQF (Safe Quality Food). Both are GFSI-benchmarked, but they differ in focus, structure, and industry application. Here’s how they compare—and how to decide which one fits your needs best:

BRCGS: Rigorous and Brand-Focused

• Industry Focus: Popular with retailers, especially in Europe and the UK.

• Structure: Detailed, prescriptive requirements with a strong focus on risk management, senior management commitment, and product quality.

• Documentation: High emphasis on documented procedures and validation.

• Reputation: Often seen as more demanding but provides strong brand assurance and international credibility.

Best For: Companies exporting to the UK/EU, or working with major retailers requiring detailed compliance and quality control.

SQF: Flexible and Business-Friendly

• Industry Focus: Widely used in North America, especially in the US and Australia.

• Structure: Modular approach with a customizable food safety and quality code system.

• Documentation: Emphasizes implementation and verification, with more flexibility in documentation.

• Reputation: Recognized for being practical, scalable, and easier to implement for growing businesses.

Best For: Companies focused on the US market, or those seeking a more flexible system tailored to their operation size and product range.

Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on your markets, customer requirements, and internal capabilities.

• Selling to global retailers? BRCGS may be your best bet.

• Looking for flexibility and growth in North America? SQF could be the smarter choice.