Book excerpt: Issue 3 of the BRC's "Global standard for consumer products" replaces issues 2 and 2a. There are substantial revisions and updates to the content to take into account the increasingly complex and prescriptive safety requirements in the global consumer products market. The standard covers a wide range of non-food products in the global marketplace, including: formulated products such as shampoos, paints and cosmetics; fabricated items like televisions and toys; electrical goods; furniture and textiles. Content revisions include the re-definition of consumer products into three, more clearly specified Product Groups, depending on the level of potential risk attributable to the product. The Standard also outlines an amended frequency of audits, including an audit visit every year following certification. New content includes the introduction of a grading system, defined by the number and severity of non conformities found. 'Fundamental' clauses have been added for the most important safety issues. Failure to meet a fundamental clause may result in failure to obtain certification or suspension of an existing certificate. The BRC Global Standard for Consumer Products Issue 3 is the first publication to result from the partnership between the BRC and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) in Washington. RILA promotes consumer choice and economic freedom through public policy and industry operational excellence. Its members include retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers - which together provide millions of jobs and operate more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad.