What is COSMOS?

COSMOS stands for “COSMetic Organic and Natural Standard“, which sets certification requirements for organic and natural cosmetics products in Europe. The standard is recognized globally by the cosmetic industry. By adhering to specific guidelines, cosmetics marketers can use COSMOS signatures, which are registered trademarks, on packaging to confirm the products meet minimum industry requirements to be considered organic or natural. COSMOS (Cosmetic Organic Standard) is a worldwide private standard. COSMOS adheres to principles such as promoting the use of ingredients from organic farming, using production and manufacturing processes that are environmentally sound and safe for human health, and including and expanding the concept of ‘green chemicals’.

Benefits of COSMOS Certification

Environmentally friendly production and processing processes respecting also human health.

Development of the concept of green chemicals

Responsible use of natural resources

Respect of biodiversity

Absence of petrochemical ingredient : parabens, phenoxyethanol, perfumes and synthetic colorants

Recyclable packaging

Check out the Who can be certified Cosmos Certification Video

Who can be certified COSMOS Certification?

Cosmetics Manufactures

Cosmetics Producers

Cosmetics Reseller

Packaging

Product storage

Labeling

Document required for COSMOS Certification

  • System Manual
  • System Procedure
  • Policy
  • Objectives
  • Mission & Vision
  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
  • Checklist
  • Forms
  • Formats
  • Records

The extent of Documented Information differs as per:

  • Organization’s size
  • Activities performed by the organization
  • Processes undertaken by the Organization
  • Products and services offered by the organization
  • The complexity of processes undertaken
  • Competence of persons involved

Role of Shamkris and Process of COSMOS Certification

Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.

The implementation process is described below:

Day 1

GAP Analysis, Certification Body, Selection, Cost Estimates

• Finding the GAP between existing system related to COSMOS requirements
• Selecting the appropriate certification Body
• Based on the scope of your business & certification Body you choose

Week 1

Developing Documents

• Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Week 4

Implementing Management System

• COSMOS Awareness training for the top management and staff
• Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization

Week 8

Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA

• Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to COSMOS requirements
• Management Review Meetings
• Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities

Week 10

Certification Body
Audit
N-C Closing

• Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
• Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification body

Week 12

Certification Body

• COSMOS certificates issued for 1 years

Year on Year

Yearly Compliance

• Support of Yearly documentation for audit

FAQ

Gaining a COSMOS ORGANIC or COSMOS NATURAL signature means that a company has met a number of in depth criteria to ensure consumers that their products are genuine organic or natural. This criteria is not only focused on ingredients but checked at various points in the journey of the product.

COSMOS specifies raw materials selection as well as formulation requirements for natural and organic cosmetics. ECOCERT approves the percentage content of ingredients of natural origin and certified organic ingredients that need to be listed on the label.