In the competitive world of haircare, maintaining ethical standards while expanding into new markets can be a formidable challenge. This is the story of how Knudsen&CRC Team, as the exclusive audit partners for Leaping Bunny in the US and Canada, went beyond compliance to help a renowned US haircare brand successfully navigate the Leaping Bunny China Qualification Program, paving the way for their ethical entry into the Chinese market.

Client Profile

Our client is a US-based leading haircare brand renowned for its groundbreaking technology, which repairs and strengthens hair at the molecular level. With a commitment to quality and ethics, the brand offers a range of cruelty-free, vegan products free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, designed for both professional salons and at-home use.

The Challenge

In 2023, our client faced a significant hurdle: maintaining their Leaping Bunny status while expanding into the Chinese market. This presented a complex challenge due to China’s historically strict regulations on cosmetic animal testing. The brand had two primary objectives:

1. Ensure no animal testing was conducted at any stage during product filing in China as part of the pre-market audit.
2. Maintain Leaping Bunny status while selling in China during the post-market phase.

Our Approach

Knudsen&CRC Team rose to the challenge by providing a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy that went far beyond merely conducting an audit:

1. Formulation Review: We assisted with the thorough review of product formulations, ensuring compliance with Chinese regulations while maintaining cruelty-free status.
2. Efficacy Claim Management: Our team rigorously reviewed efficacy claim artwork and audited supporting reports to ensure compliance with the Leaping Bunny China Qualification Program requirements.
3. Safety Assurance: We conducted a thorough review of testing and safety assessment reports, ensuring the highest standards of product safety without compromising ethical principles.
4. Manufacturing Compliance: We ensured compliance with manufacturer government certifications, such as GMP and manufacturing licenses.
5. Post-Market Surveillance: Our team implemented systems for monthly monitoring of adverse reactions and oversaw product recall monitoring.
6. Crisis Management: We provided ongoing support and crisis management as part of the audit program.

Key Innovations

1. Tailored Audit Standards: We developed comprehensive China-tailored audit standards meeting the strictest Leaping Bunny China Qualification requirements.
2. Integrated Compliance Strategy: We implemented an innovative approach that seamlessly integrated Chinese regulatory requirements with Leaping Bunny standards.
3. Proactive Risk Management: Our team developed a proactive risk assessment and management system, anticipating and addressing potential compliance challenges before they arose.

Results that Speak Volumes

Our collaborative efforts yielded impressive results:

• Successful completion of the pre-market audit, ensuring compliance with the strictest Leaping Bunny China Qualification program standards
• Maintenance of Leaping Bunny Status while selling in China during the post-market phase
• Expansion of partnership to include product registration and responsible agent services

Long-term Impact

1. Market Access: Our client successfully entered the Chinese market while maintaining their ethical standards and Leaping Bunny certification.
2. Brand Integrity: The brand’s commitment to cruelty-free practices was upheld, strengthening their global reputation.
3. Operational Efficiency: Our comprehensive support streamlined the client’s regulatory processes, enabling them to focus on core business activities.
4. Ongoing Partnership: We established weekly collaborative meetings to maintain regulatory alignment and market responsiveness, ensuring our client stays ahead in this dynamic market.

Client Testimonial

“I am so happy that we found Knudsen&CRC! It was a happy accident, but in our short time working together they have already provided far more insight and strategic guidance than we had received from our former partners. The team is incredibly responsive, and, in my experience, their knowledge of the Chinese market far surpasses any other agency or consulting firm I have worked with. I highly recommend partnering with Knudsen&CRC!”

– Director, Regulatory & Compliance

Key Learnings

1. Strong collaboration between clients and regulatory teams is essential for achieving success in complex markets like China.
2. Adhering to the highest Leaping Bunny standards is vital for cruelty-free companies operating in China.
3. Providing comprehensive support beyond auditing creates significant value for clients navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
4. Regular communication and proactive regulatory updates are crucial for maintaining compliance and seizing market opportunities.

At Knudsen&CRC Team, we do not just conduct audits – we transform regulatory challenges into opportunities for growth, learning, and market leadership. Our work with this US haircare brand demonstrates our commitment to going beyond compliance, working side by side with our clients to deliver successful outcomes in highly regulated industries.

As the exclusive audit partners for Leaping Bunny in the US and Canada, we leverage our unique expertise to ensure that cruelty-free brands can maintain their ethical standards while expanding into new markets. This case study exemplifies our dedication to delivering comprehensive solutions that not only meet regulatory requirements but also empower our clients, uphold core brand values, and drive long-term growth in the dynamic Chinese market.