It's essential for organisations to thoroughly understand and meet the requirements of the certification body to avoid refusal, suspension or withdrawal of certification.
Southpac Certifications may refuse, suspend and/or withdraw certification for various reasons, as outlined below.
Inadequate Documentation or Evidence
If an organisation fails to provide sufficient or accurate documentation demonstrating compliance with the required standards, the certification body may refuse certification. This includes incomplete records, missing evidence of processes, or inadequate records of corrective actions taken.
Non-Compliance with Certification Requirements
Organisations must meet all the criteria set forth by the certification body. Failure to comply with these requirements, such as not implementing necessary processes or not adhering to timelines for corrective actions, can lead to a refusal or suspension.
Major Non-Conformities
Any Major Non-Conformances raised during the Stage 2 Certification Audit or re-certification must be closed out and verified as such by the Lead Auditor before a positive decision can be made. If a Major Non-Conformance cannot be closed out within 6 months, the Stage 2 audit must be re-undertaken.
Failure to Allow Required Audits
If an organisation does not permit surveillance or recertification audits to take place at the required intervals, the certification body may suspend or withdraw certification.
Unpaid Invoice
Non-payment of invoices can result in the suspension or withdrawal of certification.
Changes in Organisation Structure or Operations
Significant changes, such as mergers, acquisitions, or changes in key personnel, that affect the organisation's ability to comply with certification requirements may lead to a refusal, suspension or withdrawal of certification.
Impairment of Impartiality
If there is a perceived or actual conflict of interest that compromises the impartiality of the certification process, the certification body may refuse certification.
Ineligibility for Specific Certification Schemes
Organisations may be ineligible for certain certifications due to factors like incorrect classification of products or services, or if the certification body is not designated to assess specific sectors.
Southpac Certifications is committed to transparency and clear communication throughout the certification process.
In the event that certification is refused Southpac Certifications ensures that clients receive a detailed report outlining the reasons for the decision. If certification is suspended or withdrawn, Southpac Certifications will provide ample notice and warning to the client, allowing them time to address any issues before formal actions are taken. This approach reflects Southpac's dedication to supporting clients and fostering continuous improvement in their management systems.
Restoring Certification
If your certification has expired, Southpac Certifications may restore it within 6 months, provided that:
- Outstanding Activities Completed: All required recertification activities are finalised.
- Major Non-Conformities Addressed: Any significant issues identified during previous audits are resolved.
In such cases, the effective date on the restored certificate will be on or after the recertification decision, and the expiry date will align with the original certification cycle. It's preferable to commence a new certification cycle at this point to ensure ongoing compliance.
If certification expires and the restoration conditions are not met within the 6-month window, Southpac Certifications requires at least a Stage 2 audit to assess the organisation's compliance and readiness for certification renewal.
