What is ISO 22716:2007- Cosmetics - Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certification?

ISO 22716 is the standard describing the Perfumes & Cosmetics Good Manufacturing Practices. It has been written in collaboration with perfumes & cosmetics industry professionals and promotes best-in-class methods. Perfumes & cosmetics Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is one of the pillars of the New European Regulation for Cosmetics. This regulation sets very high requirements to ensure consumers’ safety. Among these new legal requirements, all cosmetics products circulating onto the European Market will have to be produced according to the Cosmetics Good Manufacturing Practices described by the ISO 22716 standard.

All participants in the cosmetics products chain, European and non-European, are concerned. Ingredients producers, products final assembler, distributors and importers/exporters, all actors are involved and new responsibilities have been defined.

Perfumes & Cosmetics Good Manufacturing Practices are a set of hands-on advice, operational rules and organizational guidelines especially focused on human, technical and administrative factors affecting product quality. The objective of the GMP is to define the activities which lead to the final product corresponding to the expected specifications, and therefore product safety. The scope of ISO 22716 is not only limited to production activities but also includes control, storage and expedition.

Why ISO 22716:2007certification is important?

Consumers are becoming more and more concerned about the safety of the cosmetic products they are using. 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. Obviously, these ingredients play a pivotal role in the cosmetic products of our choice and correct dosing of these substances therefore is 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 implementation and certification of a system regarding the good manufacturing practices for cosmetics means the choosing of a systematic approach for the identification of the potential risks related to products, services upon the safety of the cosmetics it produces and finding the actions needed for the elimination or reduction of such risks.

What are the benefits of ISO 22716:2007certification?

• Validate the conformity of your Management System with the new legal requirements.
• Prepare and facilitate legal inspections by Health Authorities.
• Demonstrate to your stakeholders (retailers, product traders, importers etc.,) that your processes and facilities are in conformity with GMP.
• Inspire consumers’ confidence.
• Ensure access to your markets (in Europe and Worldwide).
• Enhance operating efficiency and competitive market appeal.

Is ISO 22716:2007certification mandatory in UAE?

As per new rules, GMP certification for perfumes & cosmetics industry is mandatory and GMP certificate is a mandatory requirement for product registration with Dubai Municipality & ESMA.

Who can acquire ISO 22716:2007certification?

It is a useful tool for all perfumes & cosmetics industry of any size or type ,for implementing good manufacturing practices that allows organizations to control the impact of activities, products, and services upon the safety of the cosmetics it produces.