Supplier approval Process

Hi All 

Currently I am working on our Supplier approval program, I was thinking about different scenario where supplier might not have any Certificate on place but they might be visited by government officials, is that ok to approve them based on those inspection reports and would it be acceptable under BRC standards. 

Hi DaisyLuck,
I think the only answer anyone can give here is "maybe".

The BRC standard is very clear that in general GFSI certification or an audit is required, unless the supplier has been assessed as low risk.

I suppose there is a slim possibility that the government inspection process would satisfy the 2nd/3rd party audit requirement, but only if the scope covered the areas required under clause 3.5.1.2 and you'd probably be expected to have a full copy of the corresponding audit report to be able to review.

Even if you determine the supplier is low risk you'd still be expected to assess via a questionnaire, and verify their traceability systems at least very three years.

pH is right on this one.  You need to conduct a risk assessment for this vendor and determine if the risk of them not being audited is low enough for you to accept product from them.  If it is then you could get a letter of guarantee and that might be enough.  Third party audit is best but there is definitely room to accept them as long as you are willing to shoulder, and defend to an auditor, the risk that they bring on to your company.

Thank you for your advice. I was thinking that may I can plan to Audit the Facilty and see if they have atleast minimum possible requirements (Sanitation, hygiene, traceability and so on) . As far as the certificate of analysis is concerned we can perform the tests for every incoming lot to verify the supplier controls. 

As far as the certificate of analysis is concerned we can perform the tests for every incoming lot to verify the supplier controls. 

That is also a good idea. But BRC are also pointing out that testing products isn't a proactive control, it's reactive.

The product has aldready been delivered and is in your care, so to speak.

So then it's your responsibility to make sure that correct actions are taken if the results turn out to be unsatisfactory.

Hi All 

Currently I am working on our Supplier approval program, I was thinking about different scenario where supplier might not have any Certificate on place but they might be visited by government officials, is that ok to approve them based on those inspection reports and would it be acceptable under BRC standards. 

Hi Daisy,

IMEX BRC have zero interest in yr status with respect to Government officials.

Unless it is well known to be "troublesome".