What ISO 22716 covers
ISO 22716 sets out Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for the cosmetics industry. Published in 2007, it provides guidelines covering the production, control, storage and shipment of cosmetic products, so that what reaches the consumer is safe and consistent in quality. It addresses the practical realities of a cosmetics operation — premises, equipment, personnel, raw materials, production, finished products and handling of complaints and recalls.
It applies to cosmetics and personal-care manufacturers, contract manufacturers and the suppliers in their chain.
What certification involves
Certification assesses your manufacturing operation against the GMP guidelines, typically covering:
- Personnel — hygiene, training and responsibilities
- Premises and equipment suitable for cosmetic production
- Raw materials and packaging controls
- Production and in-process controls, and control of finished products
- Storage, shipment, and handling of out-of-specification product, complaints and recalls
It is part of the ISO Certifications portfolio ABS supports, and complements broader quality certification such as ISO 9001 for manufacturers.
How ABS helps
We prepare you for the certification audit in five steps, tailored to ISO 22716:
- Scope and gap assessment — we agree the scope of your cosmetics operation and assess what you already have against the standard, so you know exactly what to close.
- Implementation — we help you put the GMP guidelines into practice across personnel, premises and equipment, raw materials and packaging, production and in-process controls, and storage, complaints and recalls.
- Internal audit and management review — we help you run the internal audit the guidelines call for, so your operation has a record of meeting them before the audit.
- Readiness check — a pre-assessment, approached the way an auditor would approach it, highlights anything still to close.
- Audit support — we support you through the certification body’s audit and help you close any findings.
Timeline & process
For most cosmetics manufacturers, ISO 22716 certification takes around 10–14 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the operation. Each engagement begins with a fixed-price scoping call and a proposal within 24 hours.
Common questions
Who needs ISO 22716?
Cosmetics and personal-care manufacturers, contract manufacturers and their suppliers. GMP for cosmetics is expected by many retailers and underpins market access in several regions, so ISO 22716 is a practical way to demonstrate compliant manufacturing.
Is ISO 22716 the current cosmetics GMP standard?
Yes. ISO 22716 was published in 2007 and remains the internationally recognised Good Manufacturing Practices standard for cosmetics, setting out guidelines for the production, control, storage and shipment of cosmetic products.
How long does ISO 22716 certification take?
For most cosmetics manufacturers, ISO 22716 certification takes around 10–14 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the operation.
What does ABS do, and what does the certification body do?
ABS prepares you for certification: we agree the scope of your cosmetics operation, assess the gaps, help you put the GMP guidelines into practice, support your internal audit, check readiness and support you through the audit. The certification body, an independent organisation you choose, carries out the certification audit and the surveillance audits that follow, makes the certification decision and issues the certificate.
How long is an ISO 22716 certificate valid?
Typically three years, with surveillance audits in the first and second years and a recertification audit before the cycle ends. The certification body sets the exact cycle.
Can ISO 22716 be combined with other standards?
Yes. ISO 22716 is a set of good manufacturing practice guidelines rather than a management system standard, but it complements ISO 9001 for manufacturers, and certification bodies can often audit the two together.
