When sourcing body care products for your brand, manufacturing compliance frameworks such as GMPC and ISO 22716 can directly impact your launch timeline, product safety, and market access. Understanding the differences, overlaps, and application scenarios for each will help you make faster procurement decisions and avoid costly compliance gaps.
What GMPC and ISO 22716 Actually Cover
- GMPC (Good Manufacturing Practice for Cosmetics) — Often aligned to US FDA guidelines, focuses on facility hygiene, personnel training, equipment calibration, raw material controls, and documented production processes.
- ISO 22716 — An international standard providing detailed guidance on cosmetic GMP principles, widely accepted in EU, AU, and many export markets for audit and registration.
Both aim to ensure consistent, safe production, but ISO 22716 is more prescriptive and recognized globally, whereas GMPC references can be country-specific.
Why This Matters in Body Care Sourcing
- Market entry: ISO 22716 certification simplifies EU registration; GMPC alignment supports US domestic sales and some Asian imports.
- Retail compliance: Large chain retailers often mandate ISO 22716-certified suppliers to reduce audit complexity.
- Risk control: Audit-ready documentation lowers recall risk and satisfies insurance requirements.
Fast Comparison Table
| Criteria |
GMPC |
ISO 22716 |
| Primary scope |
Good manufacturing practice guidance (often national) |
Globally recognized GMP standard for cosmetics |
| Recognition |
US, some Asia-Pacific |
EU, AU, global trade partners |
| Audit format |
Flexible, varies by certifying body |
Structured against ISO clauses |
| Documentation rigor |
Moderate — can be facility-specific |
High — standardized processes and records |
| Impact on procurement |
Critical for domestic OEM agreements |
Critical for export and multinational retail contracts |
Procurement Recommendations
- Export-focused brands: Prioritize ISO 22716-certified facilities; request the current certificate and last audit summary.
- Domestic US brands: Verify GMPC compliance; request SOP samples and GMP training records.
- Dual-market brands: Select suppliers holding both credentials to minimize duplication in audit prep.
Evidence to Request from Manufacturers
- Copy of ISO 22716 certificate, valid and issued by accredited body
- Copy of GMPC certificate or compliance statement
- Most recent audit report summary
- Batch records template showing raw material lot traceability
- Quality manual including SOPs for cleaning, calibration, and training
Common Pitfalls
- Assuming labels like “ISO compliant” mean certified: Always request the official certificate and verify auditor accreditation.
- Overlooking renewal dates: Expired certifications can delay registrations and shipping.
- Not aligning claims substantiation: Certifications do not cover efficacy claims; coordinate with independent labs.
FAQ
- Do I need both GMPC and ISO 22716?
Not always. For EU exports, ISO 22716 is typically enough. US-focused brands often work with GMPC-compliant production only.
- How often are audits required?
Usually every 12 months for ISO 22716, GMPC cycles vary by certifier.
- Is ISO 22716 mandatory for Amazon EU?
It is strongly encouraged and often requested during category approval, especially for cosmetics.
- Can a small batch OEM hold ISO 22716?
Yes, if they implement and maintain the required processes; size is not the limiting factor.
Request a Quote with your target markets, SKU list, packaging specs, and desired compliance scope to receive a faster sourcing proposal.
Hi, I'm Alex Zong, hope you like this blog post.
With more than 20 years of experience in OEM/ODM/Private Label Cosmetics, I'd love to share valuable knowledge related to cosmetics & skincare products from a top-tier Chinese supplier's perspective.
