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
Withdrawal of Certification
Scope Reduction & Other Corrective Actions
Requesting Withdrawal or Scope Reduction
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.
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.
Once withdrawn, the client must cease all use of RACERT certification and associated marks immediately.
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.
Organisations intending to withdraw or reduce their certification scope must submit a written request to the Certification Manager.

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