The British Retail Consortium has announced its newest Global Standard will be published on August 21.

The Storage and Distribution Standard is designed to help the tracing of products through the supply and distribution chain.

According to the BRC, it will enable retailers, manufacturers, enforcement agencies, brand owners and distribution companies, working with all types of products, to demonstrate their competence.

The Storage and Distribution Standard is the first to be arranged into separate modules with requirements tailored to particular types of business.

It applies to all modes of transport and includes standards for activities, such as:

product inspection and sorting; contract packing; quantity control inspection; contract chilling and freezing.

Kevin Swoffer, BRC’s head of technical services, said: “Storage and distribution is the link between manufacturers and retailers but it can often be overlooked. For the first time retailers and suppliers around the world will have a universally accepted standard which will make a significant contribution to ensuring product safety and integrity.”