ISO 22716 – Cosmetics GMP
Consumers are becoming more and more concerned about the safety of the cosmetic products they use. Fears of allergies and dermatitis caused by tainted or poisoned cosmetics have been ever-present in recent years. Certain ingredients used in cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can trigger an allergic reaction. These ingredients play a pivotal role in the cosmetic products of our choice, and correct dosing is therefore of key importance to avoid irritation of the skin through over-exposure.
Examples of over-exposure to preservatives have frequently been observed in several historic cases, one example being beauty creams that contained mercury. Beauty creams occasionally were reported to contain excess amounts of mercury, with poisoned consumers exhibiting clear toxic neurological symptoms.
The introduction of ISO 22716 marks a major step in the realisation of a globally recognised standard for cosmetic product safety. This standard was prepared by ISO Technical Committee (TC) 217 Working Group (WG) 6 between 2002 and 2006. The final document was published in November 2007.
Benefits of ISO 22716
Integrated quality
Integrates the typical requirements for product and process quality Good Manufacturing Practices with other quality guidance, for example as laid down in the prerequisites for ISO 9001.
Easy to implement
Allows easy implementation in organisations of all sizes and levels of complexity.
International basis
Forms an internationally accepted basis for quality and safety compliance in the cosmetic products supply chain.
Legal compliance
Fosters legal compliance as adopted by regulators around the world.
Hazard control
Controls and reduces cosmetic product hazards and promotes continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.
How it works
TOV America Process
TOV has a unique approach to certification which complies with the requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems.
Enquiry & quote
Tell us about your organisation, scope and sites. We send a clear, fixed quotation.
Application review
We confirm scope, competence and audit time, then agree the audit programme with you.
Stage 1 audit
Documentation review and readiness check of your management system.
Stage 2 audit
On-site audit of how the system is implemented and how effective it is.
Certification decision
An independent reviewer decides on certification and your certificate is issued.
Surveillance audits
Annual audits confirm the system is maintained and keeps improving.
Recertification
A full re-audit in year three renews the certificate for another cycle.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who needs ISO 22716?+
Manufacturers, packers, storers and suppliers in the cosmetic supply chain, including those who must show compliance to regulators and retail customers.
How long is the certificate valid?+
A management-system certificate is valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits to keep it active and a recertification audit before it expires.
How long does certification take?+
It depends on size and readiness. Once your system is implemented, the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits and the certification decision typically take a few weeks.
Can several standards be audited together?+
Yes. Standards built on the common Annex SL structure, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, can be audited together in an integrated audit.
How can my customers verify my certificate?+
Anyone can confirm a certificate with our online certificate search using the company name or certificate number.