Costco GMP audit consulting

Costco Wholesale is a US retail group serving many product categories. Where Costco requests a GMP audit, the review focuses on manufacturing quality and risk management. The applicable audit scope and requirements must be confirmed for the product and facility concerned.

1. Audit preparation areas

The eight preparation areas introduced in this article are:

• Management commitment and continual improvement
• Risk management
• Quality management system
• Site and facility management
• Product control
• Product testing
• Process control
• Personnel training

This list is an introductory preparation guide, not confirmation of the current checklist version. Food and non-food audit programmes may differ; obtain the applicable requirements from Costco. Costco’s published 2022 supplier terms describe separate audits for GMP, quality, safety and related areas.

Following the audit, the auditor issues a report with findings and, where applicable, scores and a rating. Costco considers the results together with its other supplier requirements; an audit result does not guarantee supplier approval or orders.

2. Benefits

• Improve control of product and service quality.
• Strengthen buyer relationships and create a foundation for long-term market development.
• Reduce business risks and improve readiness for potential orders.
• Demonstrate responsible business practices to prospective customers.
• Develop a management system aligned with the buyer’s requirements and strengthen competitiveness.

3. ITVC Global services

ITVC Global helps businesses prepare for the applicable Costco GMP audit through:

• Training on the requirements of the applicable Costco GMP audit programme.
• Implementation consulting and support in preparing for the audit.

4. References

Costco vendor information

Costco supplier terms – published 2022 version