Certification Decisions & Changes to Certification Status

How Decisions Are Made

Certification decisions are based on the evaluation of audit evidence against the requirements of the relevant standard(s). Decisions are made by the Certification Manager (or formally appointed alternate) who was not part of the audit team , to ensure objectivity and impartiality.

Possible Certification Decisions

GTICS may make one of the following decisions based on the evidence reviewed:

• Granting of certification
• Maintaining of certification
• Renewal / Recertification
• Extension of scope
• Reduction of scope
• Refusal of certification
• Suspension of certification
• Restoration (reinstatement) of certification
• Withdrawal of certification
• Transition of certification (standard revision)
• Transfer of accredited certification (where applicable)

Communication to Clients

GTICS communicates certification decisions to clients in writing, including (where applicable) the rationale for adverse decisions and the client’s right to appeal in line with the Appeals Procedure.

Scope Changes (Extension / Reduction)

Clients must notify GTICS of changes that may affect certification (e.g., scope, sites, key processes, legal status, management system changes). GTICS evaluates the impact and may adjust the audit programme, request evidence, conduct a special audit, and issue an amended certificate where applicable.

Suspension / Restoration / Withdrawal

• During suspension, the certificate is temporarily invalid and the client must stop using certification marks and claims.
• Restoration occurs only once required corrective actions are verified as effective.
• Withdrawal terminates certification and the client must cease all certification claims and mark usage.