GMP and ISO 22716 are the two terms buyers hear most when vetting a cosmetic manufacturer. They overlap, but they are not the same thing. Here is what each means and which one matters for your brand.
What is GMP
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a broad set of principles ensuring products are consistently produced and controlled to quality standards. In Malaysia, cosmetic GMP aligns with the ASEAN Cosmetic GMP guidelines.
What is ISO 22716
ISO 22716 is the international standard for cosmetics Good Manufacturing Practices. It gives detailed, auditable guidance on production, control, storage and shipment of cosmetic products.
Key differences
GMP is the principle; ISO 22716 is a specific, certifiable standard that implements cosmetic GMP. A factory certified to ISO 22716 has been audited by a third party against a defined checklist.
Which matters for Malaysia
For NPRA notification, alignment with ASEAN Cosmetic GMP is expected. ISO 22716 certification is not always mandatory but is a strong, verifiable signal of quality and is increasingly expected by export buyers.