Which GMP certification best supports your cosmetics business strategy: ISO 22716 vs. NSF/ANSI 455-3?

Pressures from tightening regulations, more stringent retailer and brand expectations, and the ever-present threat of consumer litigation mean that cosmetics Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance is no longer optional, and third-party certification is increasingly an essential means for retail access, business risk mitigation, and differentiation from less prepared competitors.

The importance of cosmetic safety and quality has reached an all-time high. In the United States, the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) now mandates federal Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), enforced by the FDA. Similarly, France's DGCCRF is anticipated to make ISO 22716 GMP certification compulsory by late 2026 or early 2027, a move likely to be mirrored by other EU nations.

While ISO 22716:2007 remains a key standard, NSF/ANSI 455-3:2024 is an emerging cosmetic GMP standard gaining significant traction. Both frameworks assist brands and manufacturers in embedding quality and compliance into their operations, yet they differ in their scope, regulatory alignment, and strategic advantages.

Selecting the appropriate cosmetic GMP certification today is crucial. This decision directly influences your ability to access target markets efficiently, cultivate strong client relationships, and safeguard your brand's long-term value.

Overview of ISO 22716 and NSF/ANSI 455-3

ISO 22716 is often chosen by cosmetic companies distributing internationally or seeking broad global acceptance for its long-standing history and recognition. NSF/ANSI 455-3 has grown higher recognition among retailers and brands in the U.S. since its inception.

Key Differences Between ISO 22716 and NSF/ANSI 455-3

While ISO 22716 establishes a strong global GMP foundation, NSF/ANSI 455-3 introduces additional controls that strengthen regulatory alignment and commercial confidence in the U.S. market:

1. Facility Registration Verification
   NSF/ANSI 455-3 requires confirmation that cosmetic manufacturing facilities are properly registered in the United States.
   This provides added assurance to regulators, retail partners, and brand owners that facilities meet U.S. market entry requirements.
2. Product Registration Requirements
   Products must be registered in accordance with applicable U.S. laws.
   This strengthens regulatory readiness and supports smoother market access and retailer onboarding.
3. Enhanced Microbiological Testing Controls
   The standard requires microbiological testing of released products and retained samples to support product stability and safety verification.
   This more prescriptive approach can reduce product quality risks and strengthen consumer protection across the supply chain.
4. Mandatory Serious Adverse Event Reporting Procedures
   NSF/ANSI 455-3 requires documented procedures for handling and reporting serious adverse events in the United States.
   Clear written frameworks improve transparency, responsiveness, and brand protection in the event of safety incidents.
5. Standardized Interpretation Through Technical Guidance
   Requirements are supported by a structured Audit Requirements Guidance (ARG) used to set minimum expectations and promote consistent interpretation, while maintaining flexibility in requirements overall, to allow for innovation. 
   This enhances audit reliability and reduces variance due to differing interpretations.
6. Stronger Link Between GMP and Product Safety Files
   The standard expects sites to maintain or verify product safety documentation where required.
   This makes the connection between operational GMP controls and documented product safety more visible and defensible.
7. Batch Yield Verification Controls
   Auditors compare theoretical versus actual production yields for each batch.
   This adds an additional layer of production oversight, helping detect deviations early and strengthen process integrity.

How to Choose the Right Cosmetic GMP Certification

When deciding between ISO 22716 and NSF/ANSI 455-3, companies should evaluate:

• Target markets
• Retailer requirements
• Regulatory exposure
• Long-term growth strategy

For Cosmetic Suppliers and Manufacturers
Most brands and retailers now leverage ISO 17065 accredited third-party GMP certification rather than conducting repetitive supplier audits. ISO 17065 is the gold standard for conformity assessment with global recognition and acceptance due to the layers of checks against certifier competency and independence. Regardless of the standard you choose to certify against, choosing an accredited program is a wise choice for greatest acceptance.

If your customers operate in the U.S., NSF/ANSI 455-3 is the better option for long-term readiness. Currently, many buyers in the United States still accept both ISO 22716 and NSF/ANSI 455-3 GMP certification from suppliers. However, as the US GMP requirements established by MoCRA are promulgated, NSF/ANSI 455-3, which is revised annually, is expected to be aligned with these GMPs. Conversely, ISO 22716 has not changed since 2007, and will remain inflexible to these changing requirements due to its global basis. Some U.S. buyers are likely to phase out ISO 22716 quickly and suppliers will have a limited period to transition.

For Cosmetic Brands and Retailers
Your market strategy should drive your certification decision:

• ISO 22716 supports global distribution without U.S. focus
• NSF/ANSI 455-3 supports U.S. regulatory alignment while maintaining ISO 22716 recognition.

For cosmetic brands and retailers seeking a future-proof approach to U.S. compliance, NSF/ANSI 455-3 can offer dual coverage and stronger retailer confidence. To stay ahead of MoCRA, brands and retailers should start the strategic planning of GMP alignment and streamline of suppliers.

Why Accredited Third-Party GMP Certification Matters

Third-party certification provides objective validation of your quality management system against recognized GMP standards. An accredited cosmetic GMP certification provides additional assurance on impartiality, consistency and quality that is trusted and recognized by brands and retailers.

Beyond compliance, certification serves as a strategic risk management tool—reducing recall exposure, strengthening supplier oversight, and protecting brand reputation.

Whether you are a brand, retailer, contract manufacturer, or ingredient supplier, integrating recognized cosmetic GMP certification into your quality framework supports:

• Regulatory readiness
• Market access
• Retailer acceptance
• Consumer confidence

Eurofins Assurance offers ISO 22716 and NSF/ANSI 455-3 cosmetic GMP certification accredited to ISO/IEC 17065 by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Find out how we can support your single certification request or supplier qualification programme here.