As I previously announced, I Chair the GRMA Joint Committee on the Good Manufacturing Practices for Cosmetics. I am excited to share after 4-years of hard work by so many of its members, the Global Retailer and Manufacturers Alliance (“GRMA”) is now an official, independent nonprofit organization! Many major retailers, manufacturers, trade associations and certification bodies are working together as the GRMA to develop consensus-based American National Standards for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in several industries. NSF International, an ANSI-accredited standards development organization (SDO), is facilitating the ANSI standards development process on behalf of the GRMA.
What is the GRMA? As a member-based organization, the GRMA is working to improve quality, safety and regulatory compliance in the supply chain for:
- Dietary supplements
- Cosmetics/personal care products
- Over-the-counter drugs
- Medical devices
The GRMA is using the ANSI standards development process to develop consensus-based auditing standards for GMP compliance for the above industries. For example, the GRMA is developing a standard for cosmetic and personal care products based on ISO 22716 and the U.S. FDA Cosmetic GMP Guidance for the production, control, storage and shipment of cosmetic products. The GRMA’s new standard for GMP audits will be unique – including audit requirements, audit processes and requirements for certification bodies. By combining regulatory GMP requirements and various retailer requirements, the standard will help ensure consistency and proper training of auditors, reduce the number of audits and financial costs associated with multiple audits, and strengthen safety, quality and trust throughout the supply chain.
You can learn more about NSF’s involvement with the GRMA here.
If you are interested in collaborating and networking with retail and manufacturing colleagues, would like to participate in the ANSI standards development process, or are interested in the latest industry news and research, I encourage you to look into GRMA membership. Per the GRMA, all third-party certifiers will be able to certify to the new ANSI-approved standards.
Also, as Chair of the GRMA Joint Committee on the Good Manufacturing Practices for Cosmetics, if you know of an individual in public health or an cosmetic brand that may be interested in joining the Joint Committee, please share this blog post with them so they may contact me.
Cosmetics & The Law 