GRANTING CERTIFICATION
Granting of Certification
Universal Certification (Unicert) grants certification when a client’s management system fully meets our certification requirements and all relevant accreditation requirements (e.g., IAS – International Accreditation Service, United States of America (USA)). Certification decisions are made by the Certification Manager or an authorised responsible person, independent of the audit team, based on a thorough review of audit findings and supporting evidence.
REFUSING CERTIFICATION
Universal Certification (Unicert) may refuse certification if the applicant is not a legally registered entity, if certification requirements are not met, or if objective evidence of effective implementation and maintenance of the management system is insufficient. Such decisions are made by an authorised responsible person, independent of the audit team, and are formally communicated in writing to the client, including information on the right to appeal.
MAINTAINING AND RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATION
Certification is maintained and renewed when the client continues to meet all applicable certification and accreditation requirements throughout the certification cycle. Ongoing compliance is verified through scheduled surveillance audits and a recertification audit at the end of the cycle.
SUSPENSION, WITHDRAWAL AND RESTORATION OF CERTIFICATION
Certification may be suspended if certification or accreditation requirements are not fulfilled. Suspension will not normally exceed six (6) months, during which clients must stop all use of certificates and marks that could mislead interested parties. If issues are not resolved within this period, certification will be withdrawn, and all certificates must be returned. Reinstatement after withdrawal requires a full recertification audit. Corrective actions leading to compliance are reviewed by the Certification Manager or authorised responsible person, who may approve the restoration of certification status once conformity is confirmed.
EXPANDING OR REDUCING SCOPE OF CERTIFICATION
The scope of certification may be expanded or reduced when the client continues to meet all requirements of Universal Certification and applicable accreditation rules. Any change is based on the verification of objective evidence during an audit, with the final decision made by the Certification Manager or authorised responsible person, independent of the audit team.
COMPLAINT
Universal Certification treats all complaints as important and handles them with confidentiality and impartiality. Complaints are reviewed by the Quality Manager or Director, investigated objectively, and corrective actions are taken where necessary. Outcomes are formally communicated to the complainant to ensure transparency and closure.
APPEAL
Universal Certification (Unicert) recognises the right of clients to appeal certification decisions. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Quality Manager, who will coordinate the process. Each appeal is reviewed impartially and referred to an independent Appeals Committee, ensuring that no individual involved in the original decision participates in the review. The outcome of the appeal is formally documented and communicated to the client, and any necessary follow-up actions are managed by the Quality Manager or authorised personnel.
