As of Thursday, the completed version of the regulation will come into force which will simplify the rules and procedures related to the marketing of cosmetic products throughout the EU.
This will require cosmetics to be produced according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and will hence require an adjustment of sorts from manufacturers in order to avoid any loss of market approval.
"The objective of GMP requirements is that only products meeting acceptable specified requirements will be distributed, placed on the market and made available to end users."
Thus Intertek's service aims to ensure consumers are well informed by monitoring the composition and labeling of products and providing for the assessment of product safety and the prohibition of animal testing.
According to the company's lead in health and beauty services, Dr. Robert Fellous;“With the expansion of GMP auditing services alongside our existing recognised expertise in R&D product support, testing and regulatory guidance, we are able to provide clients with a single source solution to help them meet any challenges presented by the EU regulations.”
Additional level of guidance
The solutions provider says the easiest way to demonstrate compliance with GMP requirements is to implement the international standard ISO 22716:2007.
ISO 22716 provides guidance for the production, control, storage and shipment of cosmetics products taking into consideration aspects affecting product quality and the specific needs of the cosmetic sector.
“Our third party ISO 22716:2007 certification program adds an additional independent level of assurance to the organization's quality management system, while reducing the manpower necessary to certify to this new standard.”
“In fact, the regulations state that compliance with good manufacturing practice shall be presumed where the manufacture is in accordance with the relevant harmonized standards, which is ISO 22716 in this case,” it states.
By adding ISO 22716 certification services to its cosmetics services, which include product testing, clinical studies, toxicology and safety assessments, quality control, product claims verification, screening for restricted substances, packaging eco-design and supplier audits, Intertek offers a comprehensive compliance solution to cosmetics manufacturers.