GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice — an international quality standard for the production of dietary supplements, medicines, and food products.
What does GMP guarantee?
A manufacturer must have systems in place for:
Raw material quality — every ingredient is tested before use
Cleanliness and safety — preventing contamination (microbes, heavy metals, pesticides)
Dosage accuracy — what's stated on the label actually matches what's in the capsule or powder
Traceability — every batch is documented and can be traced
Hygienic conditions in production facilities
Why does this matter for supplements?
In most countries, dietary supplements aren't regulated as strictly as pharmaceuticals. Without GMP certification, no one independently verifies that a product actually contains what the label promises, that dosages are accurate, or that it's free of contaminants.
Main GMP certifications
NSF GMP (USA) — one of the most prestigious certifications
USP Verified (USA)
EU GMP (Europe) — more common in pharmaceutical-grade standards
ISO 22000 — often mentioned alongside GMP, but it covers food safety rather than manufacturing practice itself