How does ISO 22716 help secure contracts with retail chains?

A cosmetic product on the shelf of a large retail chain is the result of a lengthy process – and it’s not just about the formula, packaging or price. Before a brand enters a beauty store or supermarket chain, its manufacturer must undergo a quality system audit. The ISO 22716 certificate is one of the documents that significantly simplifies this process – or without which there is simply no point in even starting the conversation.

Why do retail chains require ISO 22716?

For a major retailer, putting a product on the shelf is not just a commercial opportunity – it is also a responsibility. If a product proves to be defective or dangerous, the negative consequences will be felt not only by the manufacturer but also by the retailer’s brand. That is why large retailers are increasingly reluctant to rely on suppliers’ declarations – they want proof.

ISO 22716 provides such proof. It confirms that the production process takes place under controlled conditions, is documented and verifiable by an independent third party. This eliminates a large part of the risk that a retail chain takes on when introducing a new supplier. In many cases, the lack of a certificate is not a reason for negotiation – it is the end of the conversation.

How does ISO 22716 speed up entry into retail chains and help maintain a position within them?

An implemented GMP system simplifies one of the most time-consuming stages of working with retail chains – the supplier audit. Instead of spending weeks responding to questionnaires and organising inspection visits, an ISO 22716-certified company can present ready-made system documentation and reduce this process to a minimum.

This means:

• faster progression through the supplier qualification stage
• greater credibility during retail chain audits
• easier expansion of cooperation to include further product lines
• lower risk of losing a contract for quality-related reasons

A company that has entered a retail chain with ISO 22716 certification also finds it easier to renegotiate the terms of cooperation. The certificate acts as an argument that says: “our quality is no accident – it is a system that can be verified.”

ISO 22716 as a prerequisite for a sustainable presence in the retail market

In the cosmetics industry, product quality is just the beginning. It is equally important whether a company can document and maintain that quality over time. Retail chains are not looking for suppliers for a single season – they are looking for partners they can rely on. ISO 22716 is one of the strongest indicators that a company is ready to be such a partner. Are you planning to implement ISO 22716? Find out how we help cosmetics manufacturers prepare for certification.