Certification Suspension
Certification may be temporarily suspended when:
- The certified client fails to meet the requirements of the management system standard.
- Non-conformities identified during surveillance audits are not addressed effectively or within the required time frame.
- The client misuses the certification mark or certificate, or misrepresents its scope.
- Failure to undergo scheduled surveillance or recertification audits.
- Voluntary suspension is requested by the client for internal reasons.
Impact of Suspension:
- The client’s certification becomes temporarily invalid.
- The client must immediately stop using the certification mark and must not promote their certification during the suspension period.
- Suspension status is publicly disclosed or made available upon request.
Restoration of Certification:
- The certification is restored only after the successful completion of corrective actions and verification by Elite QSC.
- The decision is reviewed and approved by authorized personnel independent of the original audit.
Certification Withdrawal
Certification may be withdrawn when:
- Non-compliance persists beyond the allowed suspension period (typically 6 months).
- The certified client refuses to take corrective actions or fails to respond to requests for information.
- Certification is misused or misrepresented repeatedly despite warnings.
- The client ceases operations, voluntarily terminates certification, or fails to maintain contractual obligations.
Consequences of Withdrawal:
- The certificate is revoked permanently.
- The organization must stop using the certification mark, and all references to certification must be removed from websites, documents, and marketing materials.
- Withdrawal is recorded and publicly disclosed in compliance with ISO requirements.
Certification Restoration
If the certification has been suspended, the organization may request restoration upon:
- Closing all non-conformities through appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
- Demonstrating continued compliance with all certification criteria.
- Successfully undergoing any required on-site or off-site re-evaluation.
Note: Restoration is not possible for withdrawn certifications unless the client re-applies for a new certification audit.
Extension of Certification Scope
A certified client may apply for a scope extension when:
- They have expanded operations, introduced new services/products, or added new locations relevant to the existing management system.
- All new elements are fully implemented and demonstrate compliance with the applicable standard(s).
Process:
- A special audit (on-site or off-site) may be conducted.
- Documentation and operational effectiveness of the new scope are evaluated.
- Upon successful evaluation, the updated certificate is issued reflecting the extended scope.
Reduction of Certification Scope
Elite QSC may reduce the scope of certification when:
- The certified client no longer supports part of the activities initially included in the scope.
- A specific process or site consistently fails to meet certification requirements.
- The client voluntarily requests the removal of certain products, processes, or locations.
Impact:
- The certificate is revised to reflect the reduced scope.
- The client must ensure accurate representation of the revised certification status across all public materials.
Commitment to Transparency and Integrity
All decisions related to certification status changes are made objectively, based on verified evidence and in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015. Elite QSC ensures:
- Confidential handling of client-related information.
- Timely communication of all certification decisions.
- Fair appeals and complaints handling in case of disagreement with any decision.
