In July 2010 an international non-commercial association COSMOS-standard AISBL, found by European certificating organizations BDIH (Germany), ECOCERT and COSMEBIO (France), ICEA (Italy) and the Soil Association (UK) was finally formed.
This association has developed an international standard of natural and organic cosmetics COSMOS-standard; it joints together European certification schemes into one standard. This is the most united demanding standards of quality for organic and natural cosmetics in Europe.
Besides the basic principles of COSMOS it is important not only how product was obtained, but also how it will biodegrade, what intermediate stage during preparation were used. If genetically modified organisms or products were used during ingredients obtaining, it cannot be certified or approved by COSMOS.