ISO certification for Amazon Sellers

ISO certification for Amazon Sellers: Amazon is the main platform for manufacturers and resellers to do their online sales. Navigating through the requirements of selling beauty and health products on Amazon can be baffling, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated.

The health and beauty industry is a profitable and popular business. In the United States of America alone, food is the only category where consumers spend more money on health and beauty products.

Items such as skin and hair care products and cosmetics, which make up the bulk of the beauty market, account for roughly $445 billion in sales per year. Moreover, it has been predicted that the dietary supplement market will be worth more than $278 billion by 2024.

To ease your company’s journey of going through the requirements, QSE Academy has prepared the steps, tips, and answers to the frequently asked questions about the matter.

Purpose of Amazon Requirements

• To intensify Amazon’s credibility as a leading supplier of health and beauty items.
• To protect customers from harm.
• Ensure the health of consumers.
• Reduce the risk of counterfeit items.
• Provide a warranty if applicable.
• Inspect and grade a product’s functionality.

What Health and Beauty Products Gain from Amazon

A few years ago, customers saw a wide range of health and beauty products from small independent sellers. Have you noticed that current items are from more vetted and examined sources?

Amazon acquired PillPack, which is an online medication packaging and delivery service, back in June 2018. In the same year, the platform’s beauty product sales rose by 26%, gaining $950 million in the second quarter.

By reviewing and scrutinizing products, Amazon ensures good quality control. This process of avoiding counterfeiting issues helps cement its image as a trustworthy selling platform.

Amazon only grants permission to sell to honest and legitimate sellers. As a result, customers are assured that your business’ items passed standards and they can safely buy on Amazon. In addition, buyers can review and evaluate your products.

Requirements on Selling in The Health and Beauty Category of Amazon

Manufacturers and sellers who want to enter Amazon’s health and beauty category must produce the certifications and appropriate paperwork to pass the seller requirements of the website.

• Adhere to the Compliance Checklist

Amazon Seller Central has a compliance checklist for the cosmetics and skin/hair care section. It encompasses requirements for packaging, labeling, detail page, and products and ingredients.

For instance, cosmetics must be new and sealed in the original manufacturer’s packaging. In terms of labeling, manufacturers must include the product’s name, its purpose or use, ingredient list, and necessary label warnings.

The detail page must not state that the item can treat, mitigate, or prevent disease unless the statement is FDA approved. For products and ingredients, items must not contain prohibited ingredients.

• Prepare Needed Documents

Health and beauty categories on Amazon are not gated overall, but Amazon has restricted categories and subcategories. These ‘gated’ categories and subcategories require a certain verification process.

Gated subcategories include OTC medication, dietary supplements, feminine hygiene, contraceptives, sports nutrition, and topical medication. Amazon has divided the health and beauty products into two categories that each have their own certification and paperwork requirements.

The following are classified under Health & Personal Care products:

• Vitamins
• Dietary supplements
• Herbal supplements
• Sports products like energy drinks, amino acids, and protein powders
• Health care products like cold, pain, nausea, cough, and allergy remedies
• Childcare products like skin creams and diapers

Meanwhile, the following products are categorized into Beauty items:

• Makeup
• Adult skincare
• Haircare
• Oral care
• Fragrance
• Foot, hand, and nail care
• Personal accessories like shaving products, toothbrushes, waxing tools, and mirrors

For gated products, you can follow these steps:

1. Sign up on Amazon Seller Central.
2. Click the Inventory link and choose to Add a Product.
3. Look for the item you intend to sell.
4. Click the Listing Limitations Apply link across from the restricted item.
5. Select the Request Approval button to start the application process.

The actual documents vary, especially if your products are considered gated items. Generally, products must be sold and listed with the manufacturer’s Universal Product Code.

Manufacturers must provide three invoices dated within the last 90 days for the products they intend to sell. They must also provide at least two documents that prove their inventory’s sources and authenticity, like a business license. Amazon will then conduct a review process and the Product Compliance Team will determine if your product is eligible for sale.

Furthermore, you need certain certifications to complete your documents. In the next parts of this post, QSE Academy has piled up the certifications you must secure.

The Importance of Being ISO 9001 Certified Before Selling on Amazon

Health and beauty products being sold on Amazon commonly need to be certified as genuine and manufactured under a recognized Quality Management System (QMS). ISO 9001 is the most accepted and recognized certification to secure because it is the global standard for businesses aiming to certify their QMS.

However, the certification applies to your business, not the actual products. Your business would have to undergo CE marking for product certification.

ISO certification and GMP ISO 22716 for Amazon sellers 

The FDA is responsible for publishing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulations that are in line with the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Inspectors who are professionally trained in GMP certification perform inspections of employee training, manufacturing equipment, and maintenance procedures.

Similarly, manufacturers must be able to prove that they comply with quality, cleanliness, and legal standards to ensure their products can be safely used by consumers.

Note that GMP certification isn’t issued directly to distributors and sellers, but they may ask a manufacturer to supply them with a copy of the manufacturer’s GMP certification.

QSE Academy Can Work on Your Certification

Manufacturers and sellers are obliged to submit an ISO 9001 certification and a Good Manufacturing Practices certificate for Amazon. They may need external help with obtaining the necessary certifications.

Amazon sellers who are looking to take their business to the next level may want to consider ISO certification. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a globally recognized body that sets standards for businesses in a variety of industries.

An ISO certification can help to show potential customers that your business is committed to quality and safety, which can give you a competitive edge. It can also open up new markets and opportunities, as many buyers will only work with certified suppliers.

The process of becoming ISO certified can be complex, but it is well worth the effort for Amazon sellers who are serious about growing their business. With an ISO certification, you can show the world that you mean business!

This is where QSE Academy can boost your application. Our master process experts and toolboxes can assist your business in understanding ISO standards, as well as implementing a QMS.

Getting ISO certified and implementing a QMS aid your business in meeting or exceeding customer satisfaction through quality manufacturing. By ensuring quality products and operational excellence, you increase the success rate of selling your health and beauty products on Amazon.