Nanocert Cruelty-Free Certification Scheme: Scope, Product Groups and Certification Requirements

The Nanocert Cruelty-Free Certification System is an independent system established to ensure that products are manufactured in accordance with the demands of consumers who are sensitive to and aware of the issue of animal testing and analysis. This system focuses on ensuring that products are not subjected to any animal testing throughout the production process and verifies this commitment through an independent audit mechanism.

What is the Nanocert Cruelty-Free Certification System?

The Nanocert Cruelty-Free Certification System is a certification system that independently verifies that the production processes of cosmetics, personal care, and cleaning products do not involve animal testing. The system was established to meet the demands of consumers concerned about animal welfare and to encourage manufacturers to produce in accordance with these demands.

The system’s primary function is to certify that not only the final product but also every raw material in its formulation and every link in the supply chain is free from a history of animal testing. This comprehensive approach elevates the Nanocert Cruelty-Free Certification beyond a mere label, transforming it into a verifiable commitment.

Product categories covered by the certification

The Nanocert Cruelty-Free Certification covers a wide range of products. This range extends from cosmetics and personal care products to household cleaning products, and from pet care products to furniture care products. Below, the product groups eligible for certification are listed under main headings:

A common feature of these product groups is the requirement that their production processes not involve animal testing. The scope of certification includes both products commonly used in daily life and care and cleaning products that require specific expertise. This broad scope ensures that the system caters to manufacturers across various sectors.

Requirements for Certification

Under the Nanocert Cruelty-Free Certification System, certain requirements must be met for the certification of the aforementioned cosmetic, personal care, and cleaning products. These requirements cover the entire production chain, from raw materials to the final product.

Prohibition on Testing at the Raw Material Level

The first certification requirement is that the product’s raw materials must not have been tested on animals under any circumstances. This requirement applies not only to the final product but also ensures that every ingredient, excipient, and additive in the formulation has no history of animal testing. For a product to receive a cruelty-free certification, not even a single raw material in the formulation may have a history of animal testing.

Testing ban at the final product level

The second certification requirement stipulates that the final product must absolutely not have been tested on animals. This requirement ensures that animals were not used at any stage of the product’s development, quality control, or safety assessment. Final product testing has historically been a common practice in the cosmetics and cleaning industries; the Nanocert system completely excludes this practice.

Supplier and Manufacturer Commitment

The third certification requirement mandates that raw material suppliers and the manufacturer commit to not testing their products on animals. This commitment includes a written and binding declaration. The supplier commitment covers every link in the supply chain and is evaluated in conjunction with the manufacturer’s own declaration.

The purpose of the certification system and the assurance it provides to consumers

The Nanocert Cruelty-Free Certification System was established to ensure that production is carried out in accordance with the demands of consumers who are sensitive to and aware of animal testing and analysis. In line with this objective, the system enables manufacturers to independently document their ethical commitments.

From the consumer’s perspective, the assurance provided by the system lies in the verifiability of the production process behind the product. A product bearing the Nanocert Cruelty-Free Certification offers consumers more than just a label; it represents a commitment to a ban on animal testing that extends from the raw material supplier to the final product. This commitment is supported by independent audit processes and is regularly renewed.

The certification process for manufacturers

For manufacturers seeking the Nanocert Cruelty-Free Certification, the process consists of application and evaluation stages. During the application process, the manufacturer submits the product formulation, a list of raw materials, and supply chain information to the system. During the evaluation phase, declarations regarding the testing history of raw materials, supplier commitments, and production process information are reviewed.

The certificate is issued once it has been verified that the certification requirements have been met. The certified manufacturer is obligated to maintain compliance with the certification requirements throughout the certificate’s validity period. In the event of a formulation change, a change in supplier, or a change in the production process, this must be reported to the system.