10 replies to this topic

[Ashnee]

Hi Guys,

 

Please advise if it is still a requirement for and auditee to have the original brc standard available for the audit.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Kind Regards,

Ashnee 

[Charles.C]

Hi Guys,

 

Please advise if it is still a requirement for and auditee to have the original brc standard available for the audit.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Kind Regards,

Ashnee 

 

Hi Ashnee,

 

I assume you mean a hard copy original.

 

No, see Clause 1.1.7

[Gerard H.]

Hi Ashnee,

 

Which means Yes for one of the two options from the above mentioned clausule (1.1.7). Of course you may have both. 

 

Kind regards,

 

Gerard

[Charles.C]

Hi Ashnee,

 

Which means Yes for one of the two options from the above mentioned clausule (1.1.7). Of course you may have both. 

 

Kind regards,

 

Gerard

 

Hi Gerard,

 

TBH clause 1.1.7 is ambiguous since it is unclear if the word "original" also applies to the  2nd option, ie mandates a (free) website download rather than a "random" machine copy. This was discussed at length when the BRC download scheme was launched several years ago (BRC6?) but i forget the conclusion. Probably Yes since it guarantees BRC acquiring email addresses.

 

Offhand i don't recall any BRC audits ever being noted here where the "originality" of the  "copy" being used was queried with  the exception of one thread where, amazingly, the auditor maintained an original hard copy must be present, despite Clause 1.1.7.

[mgourley]

From the Interpretation Guide:

 

1.1.7 The site shall have a genuine, original hard copy or electronic version of the current Standard available
and be aware of any changes to the Standard or protocol that are published on the BRC website.
 

The aim of this requirement is to ensure the site has easy access to all the relevant requirements
needed for compliance and certifcation to the BRC Standard. The site is therefore required to have an
official copy of the Standard available in either paper or electronic form. An up-to-date subscription to
BRC Participate provides an online version of the Standard and therefore also meets this requirement.
In addition, during the lifetime of the Standard the BRC Technical Advisory Commitee (TAC) may be
asked to:
• review the wording of a requirement in the Standard or audit protocol
• provide an interpretation for a requirement
• rule on the grading of non-conformity against a clause.
Published TAC opinions are defined as position statements. Position statements are binding on the
way that the audit and certifcation process is carried out and are considered to be an extension to the
Standard. Sites must therefore be aware of any published position statements and, where necessary,
ensure the information is transferred into action. Position statements are published on the BRC Global
Standards website and electronically communicated to both sites and certifcation bodies.
 

[Charles.C]

From the Interpretation Guide:

 

1.1.7 The site shall have a genuine, original hard copy or electronic version of the current Standard available
and be aware of any changes to the Standard or protocol that are published on the BRC website.
 

The aim of this requirement is to ensure the site has easy access to all the relevant requirements
needed for compliance and certifcation to the BRC Standard. The site is therefore required to have an
official copy of the Standard available in either paper or electronic form. An up-to-date subscription to
BRC Participate provides an online version of the Standard and therefore also meets this requirement.
In addition, during the lifetime of the Standard the BRC Technical Advisory Commitee (TAC) may be
asked to:
• review the wording of a requirement in the Standard or audit protocol
• provide an interpretation for a requirement
• rule on the grading of non-conformity against a clause.
Published TAC opinions are defined as position statements. Position statements are binding on the
way that the audit and certifcation process is carried out and are considered to be an extension to the
Standard. Sites must therefore be aware of any published position statements and, where necessary,
ensure the information is transferred into action. Position statements are published on the BRC Global
Standards website and electronically communicated to both sites and certifcation bodies.
 

 

Hi Marshall,

 

Thks for above details.

 

I think you have additionally confirmed my "Yes" (for a download option) in the previous Post. Thks again.

[Gerard H.]

Hi Charles,

 

Many thanks for your additional information!

 

Speaking from my own experience, the auditors, that I received in the past, checked for the presence of the BRC standard (paper or digital) on site. And as it was present, the clausule was met.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gerard

[redfox]

Hello,

 

It could be hard copy/or e-copy. But there is disadvantage in purchasing e-copy. As experience by our counterpart in other country (Indonesia), when he purchased the copy but before he finished downloading, the internet signal were cut-off. He has to download again but have to pay again because it appears that he already finished downloading the book.

 

To be safe we order the hard copy from the BRC UK.

 

regards,

redfox

[Charles.C]

Hello,

 

It could be hard copy/or e-copy. But there is disadvantage in purchasing e-copy. As experience by our counterpart in other country (Indonesia), when he purchased the copy but before he finished downloading, the internet signal were cut-off. He has to download again but have to pay again because it appears that he already finished downloading the book.

 

To be safe we order the hard copy from the BRC UK.

 

regards,

redfox

 

Hi redfox,

 

An e-copy is, afaik globally, free via BRC's website link (for several years already).

(an email address is required).

[redfox]

Hello Charles,

 

As per our counterpart in Indonesia they paid the e-copy. Thanks  for the information. Is it applicable when the BRC V8 is released?

 

regards,

redfox

[Charles.C]

Hello Charles,

 

As per our counterpart in Indonesia they paid the e-copy. Thanks  for the information. Is it applicable when the BRC V8 is released?

 

regards,

redfox

 

Hi redfox,

 

IIRC this innovation by BRC started with BRC6 and continued with BRC7. I guess the "pressure" came from SQF and IFS (ISO never free for sure if sourced direct).

 

Again, IIRC, BRC simultaneously initiated the BRC Participate system so as to somewhat recover their loss. Plus there seem to be less free guideline articles issued these days.

 

The equivalent clause in draft for BRC8 looks like same wording as in  1.1.7/BRC7 which sugests no change. So far anyway.

 

i suppose Indonesia might be an exception but IIRC the BRC website mentioned "globally" before.