New certification bodies can now apply to Cosmos-standard

Cosmos -standard AISBL (1), the International non-profit Association whose object is to offer an internationally recognized standard for organic and natural cosmetics, are opening of the approval process for new certification bodies (2) to be authorized to certify to the Cosmos -standard. Cosmos -standard AISBL was founded in June 2010 by five leading European organisations – BDIH, COSMEBIO, Ecocert Greenlife, ICEA, and Soil Association – representing more than 1 400 companies, more than 24 000 certified cosmetic products in more than 40 countries all over the world. This follows the announcement in February of the opening of membership of the Cosmos AISBL (3) and of certification for those associated with the founder members – individuals, companies and licensees.

The Control Manual for the COSMOS-standard specifies the procedures and requirements that certification bodies must follow to apply for, gain and maintain approval to use the COSMOS-standard. A body who wants to apply to certify to the Cosmos -standard shall certify cosmetic products only in accordance with the prerequisites and obligations set out in the COSMOS-standard. The Cosmos-standard Control Manual, the certification body application form and information about fees, etc can be downloaded from the website.

(1) The COSMOS-standard AISBL is an international non-profit organisation based in Belgium. Its objects are to promote, support, coordinate and facilitate the activities and the success of its members by: - Owning and developing the COSMOS-standard as an international (and internationally accepted) standard for organic and natural cosmetics; - Authorising and overseeing high quality and harmonized certification; - Evolving towards more organic ingredients and environmental improvement through exchange, debate, and improved standards; - Representing and integrating opinions of members and interested associated bodies through the exchange of scientific, social, economic and market experience; - Contributing to policy development at all levels; - Raising awareness of organic and natural cosmetics.

(2) Certification Bodies are those that operate independent, third party product inspection and/or certification systems.

(3) Membership of the COSMOS-standard AISBL is open to national, European and international organisations who have an interest in organic and natural cosmetics and who respect the interest of the AISBL and its members.

(4) COSMOS-Standard defines the requirements for the production of organic and natural cosmetics. Compliance with the standard is denoted by one common signature with two levels, “Organic” and “Natural”, which are displayed on the labelling of the certified product. The signature must be used ONLY in conjunction with the logo of the responsible association or certifier, thus also identifying the association or certifier associated to it.