ISO 22716 is the international standard for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in the cosmetics industry. It provides guidelines for production, control, storage, and shipment of cosmetic products to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. The standard focuses on documentation, personnel training, hygiene, equipment maintenance, and traceability throughout the manufacturing process. ISO 22716 helps organizations minimize risks of contamination, errors, and inconsistencies, while enhancing consumer safety and confidence. Certification demonstrates adherence to recognized GMP practices, supporting compliance with global regulations such as the EU Cosmetics Regulation. It is applicable to cosmetic manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors worldwide.
contact@qcert360.com
The cosmetics industry faces strict regulations and rising consumer expectations for product safety, transparency, and quality. Any lapse in manufacturing practices can lead to recalls, reputational damage, or regulatory penalties. ISO 22716 certification provides an internationally recognized framework for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in cosmetics, helping organizations deliver safe, reliable, and compliant products that meet global market demands.
ISO 22716 is an international standard that sets out guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) specifically for the cosmetics industry. It covers all aspects of the supply chain, including raw material selection, production, testing, storage, and distribution.
The standard helps organizations establish structured, traceable, and quality-driven processes to ensure consumer safety and compliance with regulations such as the European Union Cosmetics Regulation. Applicable to manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, ISO 22716 certification ensures consistent quality, operational control, and market credibility
Cosmetic products are applied directly to the skin, hair, and body, which means even small lapses in quality can have serious health consequences. For this reason, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are not optional—they are essential. ISO 22716 certification provides organizations with a structured approach to safeguarding product safety and consumer well-being.
Product safety – By enforcing strict hygiene, process control, and quality checks, the standard minimizes risks of contamination, product defects, and potential harm to consumers.
Regulatory compliance – ISO 22716 is aligned with the EU Cosmetics Regulation and other international GMP frameworks, making it a crucial requirement for accessing regulated markets worldwide.
Operational consistency – Standardized practices across procurement, production, testing, and distribution ensure uniform quality regardless of location or facility.
Consumer trust – Certification demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering safe, high-quality products, which strengthens brand reputation and customer loyalty.
Market access – Many regions, particularly Europe, mandate ISO 22716 compliance for cosmetics, making certification a passport to global trade.
What this really means is that ISO 22716 isn’t just about ticking a compliance box—it’s about building credibility, protecting consumers, and securing a competitive edge in a crowded market.
Obtaining certification boosts brand visibility and credibility, making products and services more attractive to consumers and increasing market share in global markets.
Certification assure customers of consistent quality, safety, and reliability, fostering trust, increasing brand loyalty, and ensuring higher levels of customer satisfaction.
Certification ensure compliance with global standards and regulations, helping businesses avoid legal issues, penalties, and enabling smoother entry into diverse international markets.
Holding certification distinguishes a business from competitors, signaling superior quality and reliability, and positioning the company as an industry leader in the market.
Certification provide access to new international markets, demonstrating that a business meets global standards, which facilitates expansion and opens doors to new business opportunities worldwide.
Certifications help identify and mitigate risks, streamline operations, and reduce errors or defects, ensuring efficiency and consistency while safeguarding against operational disruptions.
ISO 22716 bridges quality management with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), creating a practical roadmap for cosmetic manufacturers to ensure safety, consistency, and regulatory compliance. The core components include:
Leadership and Accountability – Top management is responsible for establishing a culture of compliance, allocating resources, and ensuring GMP principles are followed at every level of the organization.
Premises and Equipment – Facilities must be designed to minimize contamination risks, with hygienic layouts, controlled environments, and equipment that is properly cleaned, calibrated, and maintained.
Raw Material and Packaging Control – Inputs are carefully inspected, labeled, and stored with full traceability, ensuring that only approved and safe materials enter the production process.
Production and Process Management – Every production stage is documented, standardized, and monitored to ensure repeatability, product consistency, and reduced error rates.
Quality Control and Testing – Products undergo systematic inspections, laboratory validation, and stability testing to verify compliance with specifications before reaching the market.
Storage and Distribution – Finished goods are handled, packaged, and transported under controlled conditions to prevent contamination, spoilage, or damage.
Documentation and Records – Comprehensive recordkeeping provides transparency, supports audits, and serves as proof of compliance with GMP requirements.
Continuous Improvement – Organizations are encouraged to periodically review practices, assess risks, and refine processes to address new challenges, regulations, or technologies.
Together, these components form a holistic framework that not only safeguards consumer health but also enhances operational efficiency and brand credibility.
Achieving ISO 22716 certification brings more than just a compliance badge—it creates long-term value for cosmetic businesses. Here’s what it unlocks:
1. Improved product safety and reduced risk of recalls
By embedding Good Manufacturing Practices into every stage of production, ISO 22716 minimizes contamination risks, ingredient mix-ups, and packaging errors. This directly reduces costly recalls and protects your brand from reputational damage.
2. Compliance with EU and international cosmetic regulations
The EU Cosmetics Regulation requires manufacturers to follow GMP principles. ISO 22716 is recognized globally as the benchmark for these practices, meaning certified companies automatically align with strict legal requirements in Europe and other major markets.
3. Strengthened brand reputation and consumer confidence
Consumers are becoming increasingly cautious about what they put on their skin. Certification signals that your company prioritizes safety, transparency, and quality, making your products more attractive to both customers and retailers.
4. Streamlined processes that enhance efficiency and reduce costs
The standard encourages clear documentation, standardized procedures, and consistent quality checks. This not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces waste, errors, and unnecessary costs throughout the supply chain.
5. Access to global markets where certification is mandatory
For many regions, particularly the EU, ISO 22716 is a requirement to place cosmetic products on the market. Certification removes trade barriers and allows your business to expand confidently across international borders.
6. Competitive edge by demonstrating adherence to GMP standards
In a crowded cosmetics industry, being certified sets you apart. It proves to regulators, distributors, and buyers that your products meet the highest quality standards, giving you an advantage in tenders, partnerships, and consumer trust.
ISO 22716 is not just for large cosmetic brands—it applies across the entire cosmetics value chain. Any business involved in the development, production, or distribution of cosmetic products can benefit from adopting these Good Manufacturing Practices. Here’s how it applies to different stakeholders:
1.Cosmetic Manufacturers
Whether producing skincare, makeup, fragrances, or personal care items, manufacturers are at the core of the standard. ISO 22716 ensures that production processes are consistent, well-documented, and safe, reducing risks of contamination or defects.
2. Private Label Producers
Retailers and established brands often rely on private label manufacturers to supply products under their name. Certification demonstrates credibility, reassuring partners that products meet strict GMP and regulatory requirements.
3. Raw Material and Packaging Suppliers
The safety and quality of cosmetics start long before the final product. Ingredient and packaging suppliers play a crucial role in preventing contamination and ensuring traceability. ISO 22716 certification shows they meet the high standards expected by regulators and manufacturers alike.
4. Distributors and Retailers
Beyond production, retailers and distributors also need confidence in the integrity of their supply chain. Working with ISO 22716-certified partners guarantees compliance, reduces liability, and strengthens consumer trust in the products they sell.
5. Testing Laboratories
Accredited labs that test cosmetic products for safety and compliance also benefit from ISO 22716. Certification confirms their ability to deliver reliable, validated results that support quality control and regulatory submissions.
6.Businesses targeting global expansion
For any company aiming to enter regulated markets such as the EU, ISO 22716 is often non-negotiable. Certification opens doors to new regions, partnerships, and distribution channels by proving adherence to international GMP standards.
ISO 22716 emphasizes a culture of continuous improvement in cosmetic manufacturing and supply chain management. Organizations are expected to conduct regular audits, inspections, and process evaluations to identify gaps and enhance compliance. Feedback from consumers, regulatory updates, and technological advancements must be integrated into operational practices to maintain high standards of product safety and quality. By systematically reviewing and refining manufacturing processes, companies can prevent contamination, reduce defects, and ensure consistency across all products. This proactive approach not only strengthens regulatory alignment but also builds lasting consumer trust and brand credibility. Over time, continuous improvement fosters innovation in production techniques, facility management, and quality control, helping organizations remain competitive in global markets while adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices.
ISO 22716 certification goes beyond regulatory compliance—it is a strategic tool for ensuring cosmetic product safety, operational excellence, and market credibility. Implementing this standard helps organizations embed Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) into every stage of production, from raw material handling to distribution. The result is consistent product quality, minimized risk of contamination or recalls, and enhanced consumer confidence, while facilitating access to international markets where GMP compliance is essential.
Qcert360 offers end-to-end support for ISO 22716 certification, guiding organizations through every step of the process. Our services include initial gap analysis, development of GMP-compliant documentation, staff training, internal audits, and preparation for certification assessments. With Qcert360, companies gain more than just a certificate—they establish robust quality systems, demonstrate commitment to consumer safety, and build lasting brand reputation. Partnering with us ensures a smooth, efficient certification journey that positions your business for long-term success in the competitive global cosmetics industry.
Qcert360 is a specialized solutions and services provider, focusing on management consulting, training programs, assessments, certifications, and managed services.
Copyright © 2018-2025 Qcert360. All rights reserved. Developed by Qcert360.
Fill out the form to get your project cost in 1 hour