NaTrue and QAI reach agreement on international recognition for fast-track certification of “Made with Organic” Cosmetics
The Brussels-based Natural and Organic Cosmetic Association (NaTrue) and US-based Quality Assurance International (QAI), have agreed to create a fast-track mutual recognition process for the certification of products complying with both the NaTrue-Label and US NSF/ANSI 305: Made with Organic Personal Care Products.
NSF/ANSI 305 is the American National Standard that allows labeling and marketing requirements for personal care products made with organic ingredients.
This break-through development is only possible as both criteria, whilst not identical, share and are driven by the same fundamental objective: to provide reliable, transparent guidance for authentic, “made with organic ingredients” for personal care products.
QAI and NaTrue are developing a guidance document to identify the differences (gap analysis) between the two standards which, at the same time will help provide a blue print for manufacturers on how to demonstrate compliance with both standards.
This initiative will:
- Create important cost-savings and time- savings for manufacturers.
- Consolidate two certification processes into one.
- Provide a much-needed consumer orientation between “like” standards (across border).
The certification process reflects important underlying principles of NaTrue’s Label Management System, principles to which QAI equally adhere. The certification process:
- Is an accredited, certification process – ISO 65-accredited certification organizations will be responsible for certifying the products.
- Is open – it may be carried out by any appropriately qualified certification body.
- Will offer additional transparency.
Both organizations feel this is an important first step in providing solutions to a complex situation; discussions on mutual recognition/harmonization of standards are to be further progressed with a view to a second step.
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About QAI
Quality Assurance International (QAI), an organic industry pioneer founded in 1989 and headquartered in San Diego, Calif., is the leading provider of organic certification services worldwide. As a USDA-accredited certifying agent, QAI’s programs verify organic integrity at each link of the product handling chain, helping to assure compliance with organic standards for agricultural producers, food processing facilities, integrated manufacturing operations, contract packing operations, traders, distributors, retailers, and ultimately, for consumers. The company has grown to include operations in the U.S., Canada, Japan and the European Union, and remains dedicated to fostering sustainable agriculture and a healthier planet, while providing educational outreach to the organic community and consumers. For more information, visit www.qai-inc.com.
Contact : Joe Smillie, Senior Vice President, Tel.: + 1 802 860-6666
About NaTrue
NaTrue is an International Interest Grouping of Natural & Organic Cosmetics manufacturers’ who aim to safeguard the highest possible standards for Natural Cosmetics and their ingredients. Originally not an objective, the establishment of a reliable label and corresponding criteria became an important priority for NaTrue as international criteria harmonization talks remained without tangible results following several years of negotiations. There is no legal definition for Natural and Organic Cosmetics and the NaTrue-Standard has but one goal: to strengthen consumers trust in Natural Cosmetics and to provide a reliable standard for all cosmetics manufacturers who wish to develop authentic Natural and Organic Cosmetic products. Membership to NaTrue is not a condition for certification under the NaTrue-Label.
For more information, visit http://www.natrue.org/.
Contact: Julie Tyrrell, General Secretary, Tel.: +32 (0)2 791 75 66
