Main page > Cluster support > GMP Cosmetics

GMP Cosmetics

An international reference system for the cosmetics industry

The guiding target for GMP (good manufacturing practice) is product quality. GMP’s guarantee that products are manufactured, packaged, inspected and stored according to measures tailored to their use and specific features. They exist for other sectors.

GMP’s have been drafted for cosmetics products which:

  • :: reflect the practice and experience in effect before becoming a regulatory reference system
  • :: describe simple objectives to reduce foreseeable risks.

These guidelines do not cover personnel safety aspects in production facilities or environmental protection. Such issues are the responsibility of the manufacturer and are governed by national statutes and regulations.

The guidelines do not apply to research and development activities or to distribution.

GMP context

The European cosmetics directive refers to best manufacturing practice in effect since 1993. A statute was published on 15 November 2007 within the framework of the European Commission and International Standards Organisation (norm EN ISO 22716). It is a continuation of the ‘Council of Europe guidelines’ for which updates had become necessary owing to developments in activities implemented in cosmetics facilities.

Benefits of GMP’s

  • :: Facilitate the organisation and implementation of activities by a cosmetics establishment so as to control the factors which may have an effect on the quality of cosmetic products
  • :: Take account of the specific needs of the cosmetics sector
  • :: Reduce the risk of confusion, omissions, deteriorations, contaminations and errors – involve the staff by better knowledge of activities
  • :: Impliquer le personnel par une meilleure connaissance des activités,
  • :: Guarantee the consumer a cosmetic product with a defined quality standard
  • :: Ensure an international and acknowledged reference system for imports and exports.

GMP structure

GMP’s consist of an introduction, terms of reference, a chapter concerning terms and definitions and 15 chapters describing the major activities relating to the following:

  • :: Personnel,
  • :: Premises,
  • :: Equipment,
  • :: Raw materials and packaging items
  • :: Production,
  • :: Finished goods
  • :: Quality control laboratory
  • :: Processing sub-standard products
  • :: Waste
  • :: Sub-contracting
  • :: Deviations
  • :: Complaints and recalls
  • :: Managing modifications
  • :: Internal audit
  • :: Documentation.
 

When will GMP’s be applicable?

Norm EN ISO 22716 was published on 15.11.2007 . It will be included in an official European Commission statute and in French law by means of a decision by the director general of the Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé (Afssaps).

Information: Soline Godet – sgodet@cosmetic-valley.com