Third-party audits in the cosmetics sector play a vital role in ensuring transparency, product safety, and operational compliance. Conducted by an independent entity such as GCB, these audits provide an impartial and objective evaluation of suppliers, subcontractors, or external partners across the supply chain. Their primary objective is to verify compliance with legal requirements, regulatory obligations, and applicable quality standards such as ISO 22716 (GMP).

Table of contents

  1. Scope of Third-Party Audits
  2. Benefits of Conducting Third-Party Audits
  3. Why Choose GCB?

Scope of Third-Party Audits

Third-party audits involve a comprehensive evaluation of critical areas of the audited organization’s operations:

  • Production infrastructure – assessment of technical and sanitary compliance of manufacturing facilities,
  • Systems and installations – e.g., water treatment, HVAC, lighting, ventilation systems,
  • Hygiene programs – verification of cleaning, disinfection, handwashing, and protective clothing protocols,
  • Manufacturing processes – analysis of every stage from raw material intake to final product packaging,
  • Quality control systems – inspection of incoming, in-process, and final product quality checks,
  • Storage and logistics – conditions of storage, batch traceability, and inventory management,
  • Documentation management – verification of records, procedures, inspection logs, CAPA documentation,
  • Personnel training – assessment of staff qualifications and training records relevant to their roles,
  • Regulatory compliance – including Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, ISO 22716, and retail chain requirements.

Benefits of Conducting Third-Party Audits

  • Proof of regulatory compliance – verification of conformity with legal and industry-specific requirements,
  • Enhanced credibility and trust – transparency towards clients, partners, and supervisory authorities,
  • Reduced operational risk – early detection of non-compliance and potential process deficiencies,
  • Process improvement – identification of areas for optimization and increased efficiency,
  • Benchmarking supplier performance – supports informed decision-making in partner selection,
  • Documentation for business cooperation – useful for tenders and compliance with international market requirements.

Why Choose GCB?

As an independent notified body, GCB performs third-party audits in line with the principles of objectivity, impartiality, and strict adherence to current legal frameworks. Each audit concludes with a detailed report presenting findings and, where applicable, highlighting non-conformities. Audits may be carried out periodically, one-off, or as part of a supplier evaluation program.