What’s the next step
after HACCP?
Where you are now, what the next level asks of you, and how to choose between SQF, BRCGS and FSSC 22000 — without starting your food safety system again.
After a HACCP-based food safety program, the next step for most manufacturers is GFSI-recognised certification. The three schemes most used in Australia are SQF, BRCGS and FSSC 22000. They sit at the same level — you choose one, usually the one your customers ask for. Stepping up keeps your HACCP plan and prerequisite programs, and adds management-system requirements like food safety culture, internal audits and management review.
The certification ladder
Each step builds on the records you already keep.
Food safety program
The legal baseline. In Victoria, most businesses handling high-risk food keep a food safety program under the Food Act 1984, audited by council or an approved auditor.
HACCP certification
A third-party certificate that your HACCP system follows Codex principles. Often enough for food service and smaller trade customers.
GFSI certification
SQF, BRCGS or FSSC 22000. What major retailers, food service chains and many exporters expect. Some schemes offer an entry-level program to build towards it.
Customer add-ons
Retailer requirements on top of your GFSI certificate, such as Coles Supplier Requirements, Woolworths Supplier Excellence or HARPS for produce.
Your obligations depend on your business type and regulator. Confirm them with your council, certifier or Safe Food Victoria. See retailer audit requirements.
SQF vs BRCGS vs FSSC 22000
All three are GFSI-recognised. The right one is usually the one your customers will accept.
| SQF | BRCGS Food Safety | FSSC 22000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheme owner | SQF Institute (United States) | BRCGS (United Kingdom) | Foundation FSSC (Netherlands) |
| How it’s built | A single code covering food safety system and good manufacturing practice | A single, detailed standard with specific site and product requirements | ISO 22000, plus a sector prerequisite program specification, plus FSSC’s own additional requirements |
| Style | Structured code with clear modules by industry sector | Prescriptive — tells you what good looks like in detail | Management-system based, like other ISO standards |
| Audit result | Scored rating | Graded result | Certified or not, with non-conformances graded |
| Full guide | SQF in Australia → | BRCGS in Australia → | FSSC 22000 in Australia → |
| Worth a look if… | Your customers name SQF, or you want a sector-specific code | Your customers or export markets name BRCGS | You already run ISO systems such as ISO 9001 |
Schemes are updated regularly. Check the current version with the scheme owner or your certifier before you start.
What changes when you step up to GFSI
Your HACCP plan and prerequisite programs stay. These are what most sites have to add or formalise.
Management commitment
A documented food safety policy, clear responsibilities, resourcing, and regular management review with minutes.
Food safety culture
Evidence that food safety is planned, measured and improved across the business, not just on paper.
Internal audits
A schedule covering the whole system, trained internal auditors, and findings closed out with evidence.
Food defence and food fraud
Vulnerability assessments for deliberate contamination and ingredient fraud, with controls where needed.
Verification and validation
Proof that your controls work, such as environmental monitoring, calibration and validated process steps.
Document and record control
Version-controlled procedures and records that can be produced quickly, clause by clause.
Plan in months, not weeks
Most sites need time to build records before the first certification audit. Start with an honest gap check.
Certification guides
More guides are added as they’re published.
HACCP to GFSI certification: common questions
What comes after HACCP certification?
Is BRCGS higher than SQF?
Which GFSI scheme should I choose?
Do I have to start my food safety system again to get GFSI certified?
How long does it take to get GFSI certified?
Step up without starting over.
EthicalHub keeps your HACCP records and adds scheme workflows for SQF, BRCGS and FSSC 22000 on the same platform.