BRC annual management review and internal audit running less than a year?

For a BRC Packaging audit.  Do you need to have an annual management review and annual internal audit for an initial BRC audit, even though you've only run for 6 months? 

Yes

Hi packman156,

Sites can get certified within 6 months of start up, but it is highly unlikely that you would pass an audit without evidence of compliance with Management Review and Internal Audit requirements. An annual audit is a minimum requirement and if you are only auditing annually I fail to see how you comply with an audit frequency based on risk. Also, the Internal audits section (3.5) is fundamental requirement. From BRCGS “A lack of focus on a fundamental requirement may result in certification not being granted.”

BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging Materials Issue 6 Requirements:

1.2.1

Management review meetings attended by the site’s senior management shall be undertaken at appropriate scheduled intervals (at a minimum annually) to review the site’s performance against the Standard and the objectives set out in clause 1.1.3.

3.5.1

There shall be a scheduled programme of internal audits.

The frequency at which each activity is audited shall be established in relation to the risks associated with the activity and previous audit performance. All processes shall be audited at least annually.

The internal audit programme shall be fully implemented and effective.

To summarise, you need to conduct a good percentage of your internal audits and also have conducted a management review prior to your audit.

Kind regards,

Tony