The standards for achieving the EQP partner designation ensure quality practices consistent with the production of high quality, safe and reliable dietary supplements. Keeping pace with advances in the industry, the requirements of the EQP partner standard will increase over time.

• 3rd party/agency audit (NSF, USP, NPA, TGA, FDA etc) or Emerson on-site audit verifying cGMP compliance

• Raw Material testing on each batch or at a frequency justified with written rationale inclusive of:

• Identity for all Raw Materials: In-house or qualified laboratory testing - AND -

• In-house, qualified laboratory or validated supplier Certificate of Analysis for: identity, microbiological and heavy metal contaminants (NSF, USP or AHPA limits), pesticides/herbicides (for applicable botanicals), aflatoxins (when applicable), melamine (when applicable), and potency (when applicable)

• All methodologies will be compendia methods and/or scientifically valid methods

• Finished product testing for microbiological contamination

• Acceptable supplier and contract Brand qualification consisting of: demonstrated cGMP compliance, on-site audit or established historical relationship, and initial validation of certifcate of analyses for Raw Materials and Finished Products by conducting full confirmation testing
  
• SOP demonstration of controlled manufacturing processes for all Finished Products

• Specifications for all Raw Material and Finished Products and documented usage of these specifications

• EQP Partner Standards AND:

• Use of most appropriate testing methodologies when testing for identity, microbiologicals, heavy metals, pesticides/herbicides (for botanicals), aflatoxins (when applicable), melamine (when applicable), and residual solvents 

• In addition to supplier Certificate of Analysis, identity is tested on each batch of raw materials or finished product and all other analytical tests (microbiology, heavy metals, pesticides/herbicides (non-organic), solvents (concentrates) are completed on at least every 5th batch/lot, or if less than 5 lots, at least once annually.
  

• Re-qualification of Contract Brands by questionnaire and/or site audit at least every 3 years

• Potency testing procedure for finished products in place and in use

• Evident industry knowledge of common adulterants and contaminants, and sufficient testing to guarantee the absence of these adulterants and contaminants in finished products and disqualification of suppliers of adulterated ingredients.
   

• EQP Silver Partner Standards AND:
• Analytical testing on each batch of Raw Material or Finished Product for: identity, potency (label claim) and microbiological contaminants as well as other applicable analytical tests on ingredients at high risk for certain impurities (eg solvents for concentrates, pesticides for non-organics, melamine for animal proteins, aflatoxin for high risk herbs/foods, adulterants)

• A real time stability program is in use to ensure that all Finished Products meet label claim throughout shelf life

• Products contain active ingredients in sufficient quantities to be clinically effective

• Evidence of Total Quality (such as: Research & product Development,sustainable environmental practices, clinical trial support, good business practices)