Suspending, Withdrawing & Reducing Certification Scope
In certain situations, it may be necessary to suspend, withdraw, or reduce the certification scope of a certified organisation. These measures are taken to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements and uphold the trust associated with RACERT certifications.
Certification Suspension
Certification suspension may occur in the following situations:
- Failure to Meet Certification Requirements – If a certified management system persistently or seriously fails to comply with the required standards, including effectiveness concerns.
- Refusal of Mandatory Audits – If a certified client does not allow surveillance or recertification audits at the required intervals.
- Voluntary Suspension Request – Clients may request temporary suspension due to operational changes affecting compliance.
- Misuse of Certification or Logo – Any unauthorised or misleading use of RACERT certification marks.
- Serious Complaints Against the System - Verified complaints indicating the management system is not being maintained effectively.
- Failure to Meet Contractual Obligations - Non-adherence to RACERT’s certification terms and conditions.
Upon suspension, the certification remains inactive until the organisation takes corrective actions within a defined timeframe.
Withdrawal of Certification
Certification withdrawal is considered when:
The organisation fails to rectify issues leading to suspension within the given timeframe.
A serious breach of certification requirements or ethical misconduct is identified.
The organisation requests voluntary withdrawal from certification.
Scope Reduction & Other Corrective Actions
In cases where non-conformities affect only part of a certified scope, RACERT may:
- Allow certification continuation under specific conditions
- Reduce the certification scope to exclude non-compliant areas.
- Conduct an evaluation review of the certification status.
- Suspend certification until corrective measures are implemented.
Requesting Withdrawal or Scope Reduction
Organisations intending to withdraw or reduce their certification scope must submit a written request to the Certification Manager.