June 18, 2026Quality

A logo on a website is not proof. Before you commit budget and your brand's reputation, take a few minutes to confirm a manufacturer's certifications are genuine, current, and actually cover the products you want made. Here is how.

1. Ask for the certificate, not just the claim

Request a copy of each certificate (GMP, ISO 22000, BRCGS, and any others). A legitimate manufacturer will share these readily. Check the certificate holder's legal name matches the company you are contracting with.

2. Check the dates

Every certificate has an issue and expiry date. Confirm it is currently valid — not lapsed or "in renewal." For audited schemes like BRCGS, also note the audit date so you know how recent the assessment is.

3. Confirm the scope

Scope is where many brands get caught out. A certificate may cover one product category or production line but not another. Make sure the scope explicitly includes your dosage form — capsules, tablets, powders, or liquids — and the activities you need, such as packaging.

A valid certificate with the wrong scope is the most common trap. "Certified" does not automatically mean "certified for your product."

4. Verify with the issuing body

Certificates are traceable to the certification or accreditation body that issued them. Many maintain online directories or will confirm a certificate number on request. Cross-check the certificate number rather than relying on the PDF alone.

5. Match the grade to your needs

For schemes that assign grades, understand what the grade means. A higher BRCGS grade such as AA reflects fewer audit findings and a more mature quality system — useful leverage when your own retail customers run supplier due diligence.

6. Look beyond the paperwork

Ask how quality is maintained between audits: batch records, raw-material testing, traceability, and how non-conformities are handled. Strong answers here tell you the certification reflects daily practice, not just audit-week effort.

Quick pre-signing checklist

1. Copies of all relevant certificates received
2. Each certificate is currently valid
3. Scope covers your dosage form and packaging needs
4. Certificate numbers verified with the issuing body
5. Grades understood and acceptable for your markets
6. Clear answers on between-audit quality controls

If you would like to see how this looks in practice, Mirfarma is happy to walk through our GMP, ISO, and BRCGS Grade AA certifications and confirm scope for your specific product.