Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) | South Africa
Your Questions Answered – What It Is, Why It Matters & How to Get Certified
South Africa’s cosmetics sector is changing fast. Major retailers, distributors, and brand owners are now requiring suppliers to hold a valid ISO 22716 certificate as a non-negotiable procurement condition, and the pressure is growing. If you have been asked to show your ISO 22716 certificate, here is what you need to know.
| 💡 ISO 22716 is not currently a SANAS-accredited standard in South Africa. An independent third-party audit from an ISO 17021-accredited certification body is internationally recognised and fully accepted by retailers and trade partners. |
What Is ISO 22716?
ISO 22716, Cosmetics: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), is an international standard covering the production, control, storage, and shipment of cosmetic products. In South Africa it is also adopted as SANS 22716:2011. It applies to manufacturers, contract packagers, and anyone who handles finished cosmetic products before it reaches the consumer.
The standard covers personnel and hygiene, premises and equipment, raw material and packaging controls, production SOPs, quality control, documentation, and complaint and recall management.
Why Is ISO 22716 In Demand Right Now?
Major South African retailers – including pharmacy chains, health and beauty retailers, and online marketplaces – have begun including ISO 22716 as a supplier onboarding requirement. Internationally, it is mandatory for the EU market. Locally, SAHPRA and the DTIC are moving in the same direction. Suppliers who certify now avoid being delisted and are better positioned as regulations tighten.
SANAS vs ISO 17021 – What Is the Difference?
SANAS does not currently offer an accreditation scheme for ISO 22716, meaning no certification body in South Africa can be SANAS-accredited for this standard. ISO/IEC 17021 is the international standard governing management system certification bodies. Certification from any ISO 17021-accredited body – recognised by the IAF (International Accreditation Forum) – is internationally valid and fully satisfies your customers’ requirements.
Key Business Benefits
- Retain and grow customers who require supplier certification
- Access EU and international export markets where GMP compliance is mandatory
- Reduce the risk of product recalls and contamination incidents
- Demonstrate due diligence to regulators and trade partners
- One certificate satisfies multiple customer audit requirements
How the Certification Process Works
The process follows the ISO 17021 framework: an optional gap analysis, a Stage 1 documentation review, a Stage 2 on-site audit, and – once any non-conformances are resolved – certificate issuance. Certificates are valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits and a full recertification audit at the end of the cycle. The timeline is typically three to six months for businesses with existing quality systems.
| ✅ As an ISO 17021-accredited certification body, we conduct independent ISO 22716 GMP audits for cosmetics manufacturers across South Africa. Contact us today to discuss your path to certification. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ISO 22716 certification mandatory in South Africa?
Not currently under law. However, it is increasingly mandatory as a commercial requirement imposed by retailers, distributors, and brand owners. It is also mandatory for exporting to the EU and several other markets.
Does my certification body need to be SANAS-accredited?
No. ISO 22716 is not a SANAS-accredited scheme, so no certification body in South Africa can hold SANAS accreditation for this standard. ISO 17021-accredited certification is the correct and fully recognised approach.
How much does ISO 22716 certification cost?
Costs depend on the size of your facility, the number of product lines, and the complexity of your operations. We provide transparent, individualised quotations with no hidden costs. Contact us for a quote.
Can a small or medium-sized manufacturer get ISO 22716 certified?
Absolutely. ISO 22716 is designed to be scalable. The requirements are proportionate to the size and complexity of your operation. Small manufacturers and artisanal producers can and do achieve certification.
What is the difference between ISO 22716 and Halaal or Organic certification?
They address different things. ISO 22716 covers how you manufacture – your GMP processes. Halaal, Organic, Vegan, or Cruelty-Free certifications address what is in your product and how ingredients are sourced. Many companies hold multiple certifications, each serving a different market requirement.
Contact Us Today to Start Your ISO 22716 Certification Journey
ISO 17021-Accredited | Independent Third-Party Audits | South Africa