What is BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP)?

BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) is a preventive certification program based on scientific foundations to manage the safe production of gluten-free products. The program is based on HACCP principles and aims to ensure gluten control throughout the entire production process, from raw material procurement to final product packaging. Unlike other programs that rely only on final product testing, it offers a comprehensive approach that evaluates the management system of the entire production facility.

Credibility in the Gluten-Free Product Market

Developed in 2011 by the Allergen Control Group and the Canadian Celiac Association, the standard is now endorsed by leading celiac associations around the world. Created by consensus of consumer and industry associations, retailers, manufacturers and government agencies, the program aims to improve the credibility of the gluten-free market.

BRCGS Gluten-Free
Key Objectives of the Certification Program

The BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) program is designed to facilitate access to safe products for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. It helps consumers make informed and safe gluten-free product choices and increases the ease of access to gluten-free products.
Are you looking for reliability in your gluten-free production? USB Certification guides you through the BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) certification process with its expert staff. Contact us now and start your certification journey!

Certification Process

1

Application and Proposal
The BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) certification process starts with an application and consists of several stages. First, the facility applies to the program and signs a Program License Agreement. Then a Schedule A document is prepared and gluten-free products are listed. An audit option is selected and an independent accredited certification body is chosen.

2

Audit Planning
Prior to the audit, facilities can use self-assessment tools to evaluate themselves. Independent stand-alone audits typically take 1.5 to 2 days. If the program is combined with other food safety standards with GFSI recognition, the GFCP additional audit time of 0.5 days applies.

3

Audit Report and Notification
Corrective actions are submitted within 28 days for nonconformities identified after the audit. When the corrective actions are accepted, the certificate and audit report are published.

Ensure Reliability in Gluten-Free Product Production with BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) Certification.

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How to Obtain BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) Certificate?

You can contact our USB Certification experts to schedule an audit and get detailed information about the audit process.

To obtain BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) certification, facilities need to follow certain steps. In the first stage, it is necessary to attend the training organized by BRCGS to understand the requirements of the standard. Then, after signing a Program License Agreement with BRCGS, a Schedule A document is prepared and a gluten-free product list is created. The facility establishes a gluten management system, supplier approval procedures, cross-contamination control measures and traceability systems. A third-party certification body such as USB Certification is then selected and an audit date is scheduled.

What is the Scope of BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) Certificate?

BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) certification covers all production processes where gluten must be controlled. The audit scope applies to all gluten-free products listed in Schedule A and their production processes. The product scope category is determined by evaluating the products and production processes. Points to be considered during the audit include but are not limited to the following:

Production Process:

All stages including acceptance of raw materials, storage, production lines, cleaning and cross-contamination, packaging and labeling, etc.

Supply Chain Control:

Input control, supplier verification and traceability.

Management System:

Quality Management System requirements, HACCP-based risk analysis, prerequisite programs and continuous monitoring.

Audit:

Gluten content in products must be below 20 ppm. Facilities must prove that they maintain these requirements through an annual third-party audit.

BRCGS Gluten-Free Certificate

Is it Mandatory to Obtain BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP)?

BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) certification is a voluntary program. Legal requirements for gluten-free labeling vary from country to country, and in many countries it is considered sufficient for gluten-free products to contain less than 20 ppm gluten. However, certification allows facilities to differentiate themselves in the market and gain consumer trust.

Third-party verification has been proven in research to influence purchasing decisions. 91% of consumers say their purchasing decisions are influenced by third-party verification and 76% prefer products certified by recognized celiac associations.

Retailers and international customers are increasingly demanding GFSI-recognized standards. BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) can be audited alongside GFSI-recognized standards. This allows facilities to demonstrate their competence in both food safety and gluten control.

BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) Certificate Validity Period

The validity period of the BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) certificate is 12 months. The audit frequency is determined annually and the next audit date is calculated from the previous audit date.

For independent stand-alone audits, the certificate validity date is calculated as 42 calendar days from the audit date. For recertification audits, the facility’s previous certificate validity date is extended by one calendar year. For audits combined with a GFSI-recognized standard, the certificate validity date is determined in accordance with the protocol of the relevant GFSI Standard.

You can get support from USB Certification’s experienced team for your certificate renewal processes.

Is there an Incentive for BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) Certification?

Incentive programs for BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) certification vary across countries and regions. While there are investment incentives in certain sectors in TĂĽrkiye, there is no current information on specific incentive schemes for gluten-free certification programs.

The cost of certification depends on the agreement between the facility and the selected certification body and audit fees are determined by the certification bodies. Audit duration varies according to the size of the facility, number of employees and complexity of the production process.

Program license fees are determined annually based on the number of products included in Schedule A. There are additional costs for label approval, brand use and annual audits. Facilities can combine BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) audits with other food safety standards with GFSI recognition to achieve cost effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) certification applies to many areas such as processed foods, raw materials for food service, pet food, cosmetics, natural health products and pharmaceuticals. The program covers both own-brand and customer-brand facilities. For more information, please contact USB Certification.

An independent stand-alone BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) audit typically takes 1.5 to 2 days. The audit time is determined by the size of the facility, the number of employees and the complexity of the production process. For audits combined with GFSI-recognized standards, the additional time is applied as 0.5 days.

BRCGS Gluten-Free (GFCP) can be combined with GFSI recognized food safety standards. The program offers the possibility of combined audits with standards such as BRCGS Food, FSSC 22000, IFS Food and SQF. This approach is both cost effective and time saving.

Non-conformities are classified as critical, major or minor. In case of a critical nonconformity, the certificate is not issued or the existing certificate is suspended. For major and minor nonconformities, corrective actions must be submitted within 28 days.

The GOTS standard covers all textile products made from at least 70% certified organic natural fibers or organic fibers in transition. These products include ginned cottons, yarns, fabrics, garments, home textiles, bedding, personal hygiene products and food contact textiles (except leather products).

Certificate renewal must be carried out within a 28-day period before the expiry of the certificate validity period. Facilities are regularly assessed as part of an annual audit program. USB Certification provides timely reminders and planning support for your renewal processes.

If you want to use GFCP or AOECS logos (Crossed Grain, BRCGS Gluten-Free, etc.) on product packaging → Schedule A is mandatory.
Schedule A is not required if you only want to obtain the certificate and not use logos on the products.

StatusIs Schedule A Required?Description
GFCP or AOECS logo will be used on productsâś… YesSchedule A is mandatory for logo use. All products must be listed.
No logo is used yet but will be in the futureâś… YesSchedule A should be filled in, with the note “Currently not using logo”.
Only certificates, no logo❌ NoA certificate is issued, but no right to use the logo is granted.