IFS HPC is a globally recognized standard outlining quality and safety requirements for cosmetics and personal care products. Certification in line with IFS HPC helps manufacturers meet regulatory and market expectations, while strengthening trust among retailers, business partners, and consumers. It is a strategic tool supporting market access and competitive advantage in the personal care sector.

Table of contents

  1. Introduction to the IFS HPC Standard
  2. Scope of the IFS HPC Requirements
  3. Benefits of IFS HPC Certification
  4. IFS HPC in Practice

Introduction to the IFS HPC Standard

IFS HPC (International Featured Standard – Household and Personal Care) is an internationally recognized certification standard designed for manufacturers of cosmetics, personal care products, and household goods. Its growing relevance is closely tied to the rising expectations of retail chains that require documented evidence of product safety and quality before initiating cooperation with suppliers.

Certification under IFS HPC enables companies to demonstrate compliance with regulatory and retail requirements, strengthen operational transparency, and improve their market position—especially in retail supply chains and international distribution.

Scope of the IFS HPC Requirements

The IFS HPC standard outlines a comprehensive framework for managing production, hygiene, safety, and quality control in cosmetics and personal care manufacturing environments. Key assessment areas include:

  • Resource Management – efficient use of human and material resources to ensure process continuity and consistent product quality,
  • Personnel Hygiene – personal hygiene protocols to minimize product contamination risk,
  • Production Planning and Control – defined manufacturing procedures aligned with product specifications,
  • Facility Infrastructure – maintenance of production environments that support product safety,
  • Monitoring and Measurement – regular checks of quality and operational parameters to drive continuous improvement,
  • Corrective Actions – procedures for addressing deviations and preventing recurrence,
  • Incident Management – effective systems for responding to product-related incidents,
  • Management Responsibility – active involvement of senior leadership in maintaining and improving quality systems.

Benefits of IFS HPC Certification

Certification of a quality management system under IFS HPC provides multiple business advantages:

  • Regulatory compliance – alignment with applicable legal and safety standards,
  • Eligibility for collaboration with retail chains – certification is often a prerequisite for supplier qualification,
  • Increased market credibility – recognized proof of high operational and product standards,
  • Competitive differentiation – enhanced brand positioning in a highly regulated and demanding market,
  • Access to international markets – global recognition of IFS HPC supports international trade opportunities.

IFS HPC in Practice

IFS HPC certification applies to manufacturers of cosmetics, personal care items, hygiene products, and private-label production facilities. It provides a structured approach to quality assurance, risk mitigation, and supply chain compliance.

GCB conducts independent conformity assessments against the IFS HPC standard, supporting organizations in meeting the expectations of commercial partners and regulatory bodies within the European market and beyond.