Hi Susan,

Welcome to the IFSQN forums.
The most important requirements in the BRCGS Global Standard Packaging Materials (Issue 7) standard are the Fundamental Requirements:
'Within the Standard, certain statements of intent have been designated as ‘fundamental’. These are marked with the word ‘FUNDAMENTAL’. The requirements that accompany these fundamental statements relate to the systems which are crucial to the establishment of an effective product quality and safety operation. The requirements deemed fundamental are:
• Senior management commitment and continual improvement (1.1)
• Hazard analysis and risk assessment (2)
• Specifications (3.4)
• Internal audits (3.5)
• Traceability (3.10)
• Corrective and preventive actions (3.13)
• Housekeeping and cleaning (4.8)
• Manufacturing process control (5.4)
• Training and competence (6.1)'
Failure to comply with the statement of intent of a fundamental requirement (i.e. a major non-conformity) leads to non-certification at an initial audit or withdrawal of certification at subsequent audits. This will require a further full audit to demonstrate evidence of compliance.
Kind regards,
Tony