Book excerpt: The new, updated Global Standard for Storage and Distribution Issue 2 will replace Storage and Distribution Issue 1 for all audits from March 2011. The Standard provides certification for the section of the supply chain between BRC Standards for the manufacture of food, packaging and consumer products and the end user of these products, the retailer/food service company. Aimed at companies involved in the storage and distribution of goods, the new Standard represents a substantial upgrade to Issue 1 and builds upon experience, with a new lay out, simpler presentation and clearer explanation of requirements. The Standard is designed to ensure best practice in the handling, storage and distribution of products and to promote continuous improvement in operating practices. The updated Standard includes the audit requirements, scheme rules and background to the Standard and provides the basis for an accredited certification of sites storing and/or distributing food, packaging and consumer products. It also enables certification of sites that wholesale products or carry out a range of contracted services.