Here is how it works:

When a client intends to transfer their accredited certificate to GTICS, they must first notify GTICS of their intention and request a quotation. At this stage, GTICS requires the client to be aware of certain rules. Clients transferring after a Stage 1 audit with their current certification body will need to commence with Stage 1 again under GTICS.

All non-conformances raised by the outgoing certification body whether at Stage 2, Surveillance 1 or 2, or recertification must be fully closed. The client’s audit cycles must be up to date, the certificate must be valid and not suspended or withdrawn, and it must not be under consideration for suspension or withdrawal.

The outgoing certification body must have been accredited for the relevant scope at the time of the client’s last audit cycle; otherwise, the certificate will be considered invalid. Additionally, there must be no unresolved actions related to significant complaints, legal matters, or regulatory non-compliances or incidents.

Once the notification is received, GTICS will verify that GTICS’s accredited scope is within its accreditation body’s MLA scope, that GTICS holds the necessary accreditation for the required scope, and that it has the competent resources to provide the service. Only once these checks are complete will GTICS prepare and submit a quotation to the client. If the quotation is accepted, GTICS will proceed with the transfer process.

GTICS will then liaise directly with the outgoing certification body to request the relevant information and evidence about the accredited certificate. The outgoing certification body must provide confirmation that its accredited scope falls within its accreditation body’s MLA scope, a copy of the valid certificate, and evidence of accreditation for the audit scope stated on the certificate. They must also confirm that the certificate has been removed from relevant websites and electronic platforms. The outgoing certification body must supply the previous three audit reports within the current cycle and evidence that the audit cycle was maintained. They must also provide evidence that all major NCs from the last audit were closed both corrections and corrective actions and that all actions for minor NCs were addressed, with corrections closed and at least the corrective action plan accepted

GTICS verifies that it is accredited for the relevant scheme and IAF codes if not, the transfer cannot proceed

Once all the necessary information has been received, GTICS certification manager will carry out a review to confirm that all required documentation and evidence have been provided and that the certificate is eligible for transfer, and to determine whether a site visit is required before issuing a GTICS certificate to the client. Following the review, the certification manager will make the certification decision, after which the client will be issued with their GTICS certificate. The administrator will then ensure that all platforms and databases are updated accordingly. The client’s audit cycle will continue, with the next audit taking place as scheduled.