Rulebook on certification and supervision of management systems

INTRODUCTION

INTERCERT DOOEL SKOPJE (hereinafter INTERCERT) is a certification body that performs certification of the quality management system for the relevant codes for which accreditation has been obtained by the Accreditation Institute of the Republic of Macedonia and ASCB International accreditation body.

INTERCERT performs the certification process independently and impartially meeting the criteria of the standard ISO / IEC 17021-1: 2015

CONTACT:

INTERCERT DOOEL SKOPJE
str. Jordan Mijalkov no. 44/2-10
1000, Skopje, Macedonia
phone.:  +389 2 614 76 74
moby.: +389 76 258 052
e-mail: [email protected]
WEB: https://inter-cert.net

ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

The basic definitions and terms used in this Rulebook are described in the following documents:

• ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015
• ISO 9001:2015
• ISO 14001:2015
• ISO 45001:2018
• ISO 50001:2018
• ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018
• ISO/IEC 27001:2013
• ISO 22301:2019

MS – management system.

Organization – client who has applied for certification

Certification audit – an audit performed to verify compliance with the requirements before a certificate is awarded.

Additional audit (complete or limited) – an audit carried out to confirm the effectiveness of the corrective measures taken as a result of the detected non-compliance.

Supervision audit – an audit performed in the organization during the period of validation of the certification to verify that the organization still meets the requirements

Re-certification audit – audit conducted to re-issue the certificate after its expiration.

Special audit – audit conducted to extend the certification, in case of major changes in the organization or in the further procedure after the suspension of the certificate.

Major non-conformity – failure to meet a standard requirement that affects the ability of the management system to achieve the expected results

Minor non-conformity – failure to meet a standard requirement that does not affect the ability of the management system to achieve the expected results

Observation – is an on-site audit of the quality management system performance that can be improved.

Objection – filed a complaint against the work of INTERCERT by a client organization, which refers to the activities in the certification process.

Appeal– filed a complaint against the work and behavior of INTERCERT or its client by an organization or a third party.

Transfer of the certificate – is the recognition of an existing certificate issued to the management system by another accredited certification body.

REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS

The organization that applies for certification is obliged to:

• meet certification requirements
• perform all activities necessary to carry out audits, including analysis of documentation, access to all processes, areas, documents, records and staff that are part of the certification, oversight, recertification, or grievance process;
• provide conditions for the operation of the auditors’ during audit.

The certification can be implemented on the management system of the organization when:

• there is objective evidence that the management system is documented,
• that internal audits have been performed on all areas of the management system,
• the system has been reviewed by the management
• there is sufficient evidence that the findings of the internal audits or the system review are effectively implemented and sustainable.

The certification within the accreditation is performed based on the following criteria:

• ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System – Requirements,
• ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental management system – Requirements,
• ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety management system – Requirements,
• ISO 50001:2018 –Energy Management System- Requirements,
• ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 – Information technology — Service management —Service management system – Requirements
• ISO/IEC 27001:2013 – Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements
• ISO 22301:2019 – Security and resilience — Business continuity management systems — Requirements
• RO4 Rulebook on the general competence requirements of conformity assessment bodies. (http://iarm.gov.mk/),
• RO5 Rulebook on requirements for invoking accreditation and use of the IARM mark (http://iarm.gov.mk/),
• МКС EN ISO 17021-1: 2016 Compliance assessment. Requirements for Management Systems Audit and Certification – Part 1: Requirements
• EN ISO 17021-2: 2016 Compliance assessment. Requirements for bodies conducting audits and certification of management systems – Part 2: Required competencies for audit and certification of environmental management systems
• EN ISO 17021-3: 2017 Compliance assessment. Requirements for bodies conducting audits and certification of management systems – Part 3: Required competencies for audit and certification of quality management systems
• EN ISO 17021-10: 2018 Compliance assessment. Requirements for bodies conducting audits and certification of management systems – Part 10: Required competencies for audits and certification of occupational health and safety management systems
• IAF MD 1 “IAF Mandatory Document for the Audit and Certification of a Management System Operated by a Multi-Site Organization” (available at (http://iarm.gov.mk/),
• IAF MD 2 “IAF Mandatory Document for the Transfer of Accredited Certification of Management Systems” (http://iarm.gov.mk/),
• IAF MD 5 “Determination of Audit Time of Quality and Environmental Management Systems” (http://iarm.gov.mk/),
• IAF ML 2: 2011 „General Principles on the use of the IAF MLA Mark” (http://iarm.gov.mk/),

Objectives of the audit:

• to determine the compliance of the management system of the organization, or its part, with the criteria of the audit,
• to assess whether the management system complies with the relevant legal regulations and agreements
• evaluate the effectiveness of the management system to meet specific objectives
• identify areas for potential management system improvements

CERTIFICATION AND SUPERVISION OF THE MANGEMENTS SYSTEMS

Application for certification

After the expressed interest by the certification organization and the acceptance of the previously sent Certification Offer, the organization fills in the Certification Application.

Verification of the application

INTERCERT verifies the application and the additional documentation (Current status) to assess the possibility of conducting certification. In case this is not possible, INTERCERT informs the organization in writing.

If the organization meets the requirements, INTERCERT prepares a certification agreement, which contains them as an integral part:

• Offer for certification
• This document or
• Rulebook on certification and supervision of management systems in organizations with multiple branches (only in that case).

After signing the contract, the organization submits to INTERCERT the following documents: System Manual, Quality Policy, Document Register, Organizational Chart and Responsibility Matrix.

Certification audit

The Audit team prepares a Program for the entire certification cycle which describes the activities that are planned to be carried out at the upcoming and subsequent supervisory audits, listing all the locations of the organization, if there are more than one, as well as the audit plan with specific information about the terms and units of the organization that are planned to be audit.

The certification audit is conducted in two stages. Verification dates are agreed with the organization. At least one week between them is recommended, but in special cases, depending on the scope and activity of the organization, they can be held one after the other.

The task of the team of auditors is:

• check the structure, policies, processes, procedures, records and documents of the organization related to the management system.
• assess whether they meet the requirements regarding the scope of certification
• to assess whether the processes and procedures that ensure the functionality of the management system are established, implemented and effectively implemented
• whether the relevant legislation is complied with
• to prepare a Program for the certification cycle, which will list the activities that are planned to be performed during the certification audit, as well as during all subsequent audits during the certification cycle.

The organization has the right to appoint observers during the audit, but who will not participate in the audit or in the implementation of the audit results. The presence of observers is agreed in advance with INTERCERT.

In order to facilitate the audit, the auditors should be accompanied by a guide, unless the organization and INTERCERT agree otherwise.

First stage of the audit

The first phase of the audit contains:

1. checking the documentation of the management system of the organization,
2. assessing whether the client’s location and specific conditions, as well as the staff, are ready for the second phase of the audit;
3. review of the status of the organization and understanding of the requirements of the standard, in particular with regard to the identification of key aspects of the operation or significant aspects, processes and objectives of the management system of the organization
4. gathering the necessary information regarding the scope of the management system, processes, location, as well as legal and regulatory aspects and their compliance
5. reviewing the allocation of resources and agreeing on details of the second phase of the audit
6. planning the second phase of the audit by achieving a sufficiently high level of understanding of the management system of the organization in the context of important aspects
7. assessing whether the internal audits and management review of the management system are planned and carried out and whether the level of the management system justifies the organization’s readiness for the second phase of the audit.

The first phase of the audit is conducted at the location of the organization (in special cases it can be conducted outside the organization).

INTERCERT notifies the organization in advance of the person conducting the audit (verifier or expert) and provides basic information on the duration and members of the audit team. The organization has the right to file an objection to the exclusion of a member of the team with an appropriate explanation. In case the request is accepted, another member of the check is appointed

After the implementation of the first phase of the audit, INTERCERT can agree with the organization on the date for the second phase of the audit or make changes in the preparations for the second phase of the audit.

If non-conformities are detected and the organization is unwilling to implement the second phase, a maximum of six months is given to eliminate the non-conformities.

Second stage of the audit

The audit plan is prepared based on the information gathered from the first phase of the audit. The audit plan is sent to the organization immediately after the first phase of the audit, so that comments can be submitted before the audit.

The second phase of the audit contains:

• Collecting information and records on compliance with the requirements of the organization’s MS
• Supervise, measure, report and control the achievements in relation to the key goals and objectives, in accordance with the MS of the organization.
• Checking the MS and the work in relation to the observance of the legislation
• The organization’s control over the processes
• Conducted internal audits and review of MS by management
• The politics of the organization
• The relationship between the requirements of the standard, policy, goals and objectives in relation to actual achievements, compliance with legislation, employee competencies, activities, procedures and records, as well as the findings and conclusions of internal audits, implementation of corrective and preventive measures and measures for improvement

If a discrepancy is detected during the audit, then the auditors issue a Record for non-compliance, i.e for minor or major non-compliance..

If the records of the audit indicate that it is not possible to achieve the objectives of the audit or indicate the existence of a direct and significant risk, the lead auditor should indicate them to the INTERCERT Manager in order to take appropriate action. These measures may cause the plan, purpose and scope of the  audit to be changed or terminated.

At the end of the audit, the team of auditors meets with the Management and the representatives of the organization that participated in the audit , the findings and conclusions of the audit (from both phases) are presented and they are informed about the recommendation for awarding the certificate.

In case of minor or major non-compliance, the representative of the organization defines the reasons for the occurrence of non-compliance. The lead verifier reviews the proposed measures and confirms their acceptance in the Non-Compliance Record. Observations may or may not be accepted by the organization, but if they are not accepted, the organization is obliged to give a reason for non-acceptance.

The organization where the non-compliances are detected, in addition to the completed Compliance Record, is required to submit a Plan for corrections and take corrective measures no later than 1 week after the audit (also applies to non-compliances and observations). Depending on the severity of the findings, the reviewers inform the organization whether further verification of the proposed measures is needed through:

• full additional audit ,
• limited additional audit,
• submission of documents with evidence (which will be verified at the next audit)

After the certification, supervision or recertification audit, the implementation of the corrective measures, as well as the evaluation of their success, must not exceed 3 months from the date of detection of non-compliance.

Additional audit

The organization takes corrective measures in accordance with its procedure for corrective and preventive measures.

A full additional audit is carried out in accordance with the principles agreed in the second phase of the audit.

Limited additional audits are carried out in certain areas related to the discrepancies detected.

Conclusions from certification audit

The lead auditor prepares an Audit Report no later than 15 days after the verification. The report contains an option whether to award the certificate or not, as well as a description of all conditions and observations from the audit.

The verification report sent to the organization contains:

• Positive findings – indicate elements of MS that have improved
• non-compliances – ie small or large non-compliances
• Observations regarding the weak elements that need to be improved in order to improve the functioning of the MS

Large and minor discrepancies, as well as observations in the Audit Report, refer to points of the standard to which they relate.

The organization has the right to comment on the Report. In case there are no comments, it will mean that the organization has accepted the Audit Report.

Awarding the certificate

The decision to award or not to issue a certificate is made by an appointed person to INTERCERT within 15 days from the date of submission of the Report by the lead auditor and based on his findings and recommendation to issue or not to issue the certificate to organization or after the implementation of corrective measures in case of non-compliance detected.

INTERCERT informs the organization about the decision. In case the certificate is not awarded, the notification is accompanied by an explanation.

It is also possible to issue a certificate with a limited scope, ie with a restriction on some processes, products or operations of the organization.

The certificate is submitted to the organization in electronic and printed form, in English and Macedonian.

The date of issuance of the certificate can not be earlier than the date of the certification decision. The certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.

If the organization operates in more than one location, locations should be listed. If there are two locations and the same certification range, no attachment must be made, but the same is stated on the certificate. But if there are more than two locations, with the same or different range, as an attachment to the certificate, all locations to which the organization functions.

The certificate states the reference which shows that the certificate has an attachment in its composition.

Audit activities

For the period of validity of the certificate, INTERCERT conducts supervisory activities aimed at monitoring the areas that are certified, as well as changes in the organization.

Supervisory activities include:

• Supervision audits – assessing whether the organization’s MS meets the requirements of the standard
• questions to the organization regarding aspects of certification
• review of the organization’s website and promotional materials
• monitoring the generally available information about the organization
• requests to provide documents and records of the organization

Surveillance audits

Surveillance audits include:

• Internal audits and system review by management
• Control of activities related to non-compliances from the previous audit,
• The procedure for resolving complaints and objections
• The efficiency of the management system in terms of meeting the goals of the organization
• Progress in planned activities for continuous improvement
• Constant control over the work
• Monitoring changes
• The application of markings / symbols and references to certification

Supervision audits are conducted once a year. The date of the first, i.e.the second supervisory audit , should not be later than 12 months, i.e. 24 months from the last day of the second phase of the audit.

Maintenance of the certificate

The decision to maintain the certificate is made after controlling the proper course of the certification process (including supervisory activities), the Audit Report, the Non-Alignment Records and the positives of the Lead Auditor.

Recertification

The audit should be carried out at a certain time to enable the implementation of corrective measures in case of discrepancies detected, as well as verification of the effectiveness of the measures taken, before the expiration date of certification. It is recommended that the recertification audit be performed at least 45 days before the expiration date of the certification.

The recertification covers all the requirements of the standard, assessment of the functionality of the management system for the certification period. The audit also includes audit of the audit reports.

If significant changes are made in the management system or in relation to the legal requirements relating to the organization, then the first phase of the audit is carried out.

The recertification carried out in the organization aims to check:

• the effectiveness of the management system as a whole, in terms of internal and external changes, as well as its adequacy and fulfillment of the scope of certification.
• Commitment to maintaining the effectiveness of the management system and to its continuous improvement in order to improve the working operations of the organization
• whether work operations contribute to the achievement of the policy and goals of the organization.

The decision to renew the certificate is made in the same way as during the certification check. When making a decision, the Manager takes into account the complaints and appeals against the organization, as well as the results of the operation of the system during the certification period.

For this purpose, the certificate shall indicate the date of the first certification, which covers the previous three-year cycle and is in fact the history of the certificate.

Special audits

Expand the scope of certification

The scope of certification can be expanded at the request of the organization.

In the event that the organization applies to extend the scope of certification to include new areas or elements in the management system, INTERCERT determines the method and scope of the assessment.

Additional audits

Additional audits are performed:

• to control complaints,
• check for changes (which affect the management system)
• for activation of the certificate after suspension (except during suspension of the certificate due to violation of the financial conditions of the contract with INTERCERT or exceeding the date for supervision two months after the expiration of the deadline.

The manager of INTERCERT makes a decision to conduct such audit. For the duration of the audit, the organization may not file objections to the exclusion of members of the audit team. The audit report is the basis for making a decision related to the purpose of the audit.

Suspension of the certificate

The certificate may be suspended in case of detection of activities of the organization that are contrary to the contract and especially when:

• the management system of the organization does not fully or to a large extent meet the certification requirements, including the requirements related to the effectiveness of the management system
• the organization did not implement the corrective measures that arose as a result of non-compliance discovered during the audit with a certain deadline for their fulfillment,
• the organization did not take action within the set deadline to implement the changes in the system resulting from the changes in the requirements of the screening criteria
• the organization did not allow a supervisory check or recertification check to be carried out as intended
• The organization voluntarily requested a suspension
• the organization did not inform INTERCERT about significant changes in the system
• the organization has not fulfilled its financial obligations to INTERCERT
• other reasons arising as a request or agreement between the organization and INTERCERT

In case of occurrence of circumstances for which INTERCERT is authorized to suspend the certificate, an appointed person of INTERCERT makes a decision to suspend the certificate. The decision accompanied by an explanation shall be submitted to the organization in writing and shall state the dates for the period of suspension of the certificate and the consequences that result due to unauthorized use of the certificate in that period.

During the period of suspension, the organization cannot use the certificate, as well as the certification marks and the accreditation symbol.

The responsible person of INTERCERT determines the period for suspension of the certificate, which cannot exceed 6 months. The certificate is then revoked.

Renewal of the certificate

The organization is informed in writing about the conditions for renewal of the certificate which include:

• the documents that the organization should provide to INTERCERT which confirms that the conditions for removal of the suspension are met
• the positive results of the special examination

The responsible person determines the conditions for restoring the validity of the certificate and makes a decision for its renewal.

Withdrawal of the certificate

The certificate can be withdrawal in case the reasons for the suspension are not removed by the organization with a deadline set by INTERCERT. After the revocation of the certificate, the organization cannot use the certificate, as well as the certification mark (symbol of accreditation). The decision to revoke the certificate is made by a Responsible person and recorded in the Certification and supervision system of the management system.

INTERCERT terminates the contract and revokes the certificate. The organization is informed about it in writing, stating the date of revocation of the certificate and the consequences of further unauthorized use and invocation of the certificate.

Limitation of the scope of the certification

INTERCERT limits the scope of certification in order to exclude those areas that do not meet the requirements. This occurs when the requirements of the certification scope are not fully or largely met. The limitation of the certificate must meet the requirements of the standard. The scope of certification may be limited:

• when it is discovered that it is impossible to carry out the work in the full scope of the awarded certificate
• when the organization is unable to take corrective action resulting from a non-compliance discovered during the audits
• at the request of the organization

Transfer of rights

The rights from the supervisory review agreement are transferred at the request of the organization as a result of changes in its legal status. In case when the Manual with the other accompanying documentation is submitted in addition to the request (e.g., Current status of the organization, rules, procedures), it indicates that only the legal status of the organization has changed and in that case INTERCERT decides to transfer contract rights without checking.

If the submitted documents indicate that in addition to the legal status, there are other changes (e.g. in the organizational structure), the decision to transfer the rights can be made only after prior verification.

Notification of changes of the organization

The organization should immediately inform INTERCERT of the changes that have affected the management system. These changes relate to:

• legal, organizational or changes in the ownership of the organization
• management organization and structure (key management or decision-making technical staff)
• the contact address and the place where the work processes take place
• the scope of work covered by the management system
• changes in the management system and processes

Based on the information about possible changes, INTERCERT decides whether the changes should be checked through a special audit or the next regular audit.

CHANGES IN CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

INTERCERT timely informs the organization in writing (with a return) of changes in certification requirements. Changes in certification requirements may be caused by changes in the standard by which the system is certified or by changes in accreditation requirements. The information submitted to the organization indicates the scope of the changes, the effective date and the method of their application. In case of significant changes in the certification requirements, INTERCERT determines the transition period for which the changes should be applied in the organization’s system, notifies the organization in advance and determines the activities to be applied in the transition period.

The organization should inform INTERCERT whether it can apply the changes within the set deadline. INTERCERT can control the introduced changes through questionnaires, interviews or on-site visits or by conducting checks.

If the organization informs INTERCERT that it cannot implement the changes within the given deadline, when the changes are not implemented within the given deadline, or it is discovered that the changes have not been implemented, then the organization certificate is suspended from the date of the changes.

REISSUE OF THE CERTIFICATE

After the expiration of the validity of the certificate in the three-year cycle, Intercert reissues the certificate of the organization under the same registration number, with the suffix “_ed. 2 (3, 4 … etc.) ”And with a new validity of three years, unless otherwise determined.

INTERCERT may reissue the certificate with certain changes to the certificate itself in cases of request of the organization in which certain changes occurred in relation to the name, address, scope of certification or at the request of INTERCERT in cases where changes have occurred in relation to the name of the certification body, the address, the scope of accreditation, in cases of change of the design of the certificate without other substantial changes in the content or in case of change of the standard itself.

In case of revision of the standard with a certain period of migration, the certificate is issued with a validity determined until the final date for migration, and then, if the organization migrates in the new version of the standard, a new certificate with the remaining period of validity is issued. issuance, not longer than three years in one certification cycle.

In such cases, INTERCERT withdraws the obsolete document from the organization and destroys it and reissues a new certificate under the same number with the suffix “_r 1 (2, 3 … etc.)”.

RESOLUTION ON COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS

Complaints against INTERCERT activities

Any organization can file an objection to an INTERCERT decision or activity in the certification process. Submitting a complaint from the organization must not cause discriminatory attitude by INTERCERT.

The objection of the organization may refer to the discovered non-compliances, the methods for their removal, the refusal to grant the certificate, the suspension or revocation, etc.

The appeal can be submitted by the organization within 14 days from the date of delivery of the decision by INTERCERT.

In order to resolve the complaint, the applicant must submit a detailed description of the case and the scope of the complaint. The person dealing with the complaint must not be previously involved in the subject matter of the complaint (during the review or certification decision).

Complaints submitted to INTERCERT are resolved in accordance with the procedure of INTERCERT, agreements with organizations and the Civil Code of the Republic of Macedonia.

The information obtained during the grievance procedure is considered confidential.

Every complaint submitted to INTERCERT is recorded and the receipt is confirmed in writing to the submitter. If a visit to the organization is required, then the person agrees on the date, examines the problem on the spot and prepares a report with the findings. The complainant is informed about the course of the procedure.

The decision whether the complaint is accepted or not is made by the INTERCERT Manager who was not previously involved in the subject of the complaint. The decision-maker determines what actions should be taken in response to the complaint. It then prepares a letter with information on the conclusion of the procedure, the decision of INTERCERT and further activities regarding the complaint.

In the event of a dispute over a decision between the organization and INTERCERT, after all attempts to reach an agreement, the parties may institute arbitration proceedings using a joint mediator approved by both parties. If the arbitration procedure does not bring results in resolving the dispute, the parties may undertake activities in resolving the dispute in accordance with the Civil Code of the Republic of Macedonia.

The organization can inform the Accreditation Body (Institute for Accreditation of the Republic of Macedonia) about the activities of INTERCERT.

Appeals

A third party may complain about any INTERCERT activity or conduct. Upon receipt of the complaint, INTERCERT determines whether the complaint relates to certification activities or to a certified client.

In case the complaint refers to the certification process, the person handling the complaints reviews the complaint and makes a decision on its merits and the applicant is informed about the actions that will be taken on the basis of it or its unfoundedness with an accompanying explanation.

If it is directed against a certified client, then INTERCERT examines the effects of a certified management system. The grievance redressal person must not be involved in the certification process in advance.

Each complaint submitted to INTERCERT is recorded and the receipt is confirmed in writing to the applicant.

If a visit to the organization is required, then the person arranges the date, examines the problem on the spot and prepares a report with the findings.

The decision whether the appeal is accepted or not is made by the INTERCERT Manager who was not previously involved in the subject of the appeal.

The decision-maker determines what actions should be taken in response to the complaint. It then prepares a letter with information on the conclusion of the procedure, the decision of INTERCERT and the further activities regarding the appeal.

INTERCERT together with the organization and the complainant decide whether the information about the complaint and its resolution will be made public.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION

INTERCERT may make public the following information about the organization:

• information about the awarded certificate,
• for the suspended certificate,
• for the revoked certificate

Information about the organization that is publicly available is:

• the name of the company,
• the standard according to which the certification was performed
• the scope of certification,
• location (city) and all branches

At the request of one of the parties, INTERCERT submits a list of valid certificates and confirms in writing the certificate status of an organization (validity, suspension, revocation or restriction).

Other information about the organization is confidential.

The information of the organization is also available to the accreditation body.

Access to information about the organization to a third party is possible only with the prior written permission of the organization.

In any case when information is provided to a third party in accordance with a law, INTERCERT informs the organization about the content of the requested information.

USING THE CERTIFICATE AND CERTIFICATE MARKS (SYMBOLS)

Using the certificate

INTERCERT allows the organization and its representatives to use the certificate:

• for the duration of the certificate validity,
• in advertising and promotional activities, if they refer to the field of work that is within the scope of certification,
• during negotiations and agreements with partners of the organization that relate to the area of ​​work that is within the scope of certification.

INTERCERT instructs the organization:

• to meet the requirements of INTERCERT when using the certificate through various media: Internet, brochures, advertisements, etc.
• not allow certificate-related information that could lead to misleading
• not use the certificate at all in case of suspension or revocation
• update any changed certificate information across all materials it uses
• not use the certificate for operations or processes that are not covered by the scope of the certification
• not to use the certificate in a way that could jeopardize INTERCERT’s reputation and credibility.

During the audits, INTERCERT checks the correct use of the certificate, the certification marks, the accreditation symbols and the audit report.

In case the organization does not comply with the requirements listed above, INTERCERT takes appropriate action to resolve the issue.

They include:

• request for corrective measures to be taken by the organization
• suspension or revocation of the certificate
• Public disclosure of information about the violation of rights
• legal steps

Use of certification marks and accreditation symbols

Rules for the use of certification marks and accreditation symbols:

• Certification marks and accreditation symbols can be used only for business purposes, on promotional and advertising documents and only for operations that are within the scope of certification of the organization
• Certification marks and accreditation symbols can not be used to promote the quality of a product, i.e. they can not be placed on the product packaging. It is allowed to narrate on the packaging that the organization is certified according to the ISO standard, without the use of the certification mark.
• Certification marks and accreditation symbols must not be used in laboratory test reports, calibrations or controls.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATE MARK AND ACCREDITATION SYMBOL

Use of the certification mark (in case of non-accredited certification of management systems)

The organization can use the certification mark (depending on the system) according to the following principles:

Basic dimensions of the certification mark

• width S = 55 mm + 27mm for each standard
• height H = 24 mm

N-xxx/202x- mark for non-accredited certificate with serial number and year of issue

If a certificate is issued for each standard individually, then the ordinal number of the certificate is retained, and each standard receives an ordinal number

N-xxx-1(2),(3)/202x – mark for non-accredited certificate with serial number of the standard  and year of issue

It is allowed to reduce the basic dimensions of the certification mark in accordance with the following conditions:

• to maintain the proportions of width and height
• not to disturb the graphic characteristics of the mark
• Maintain the legibility of letters and numbers
• do not change the logo and colors of the mark
• a black and white variant of the certification mark is allowed

Use of the certification mark in combination with the accreditation symbol of the IARM (in case of accredited certification of the management system) 

The organization must not use the accreditation symbol alone, without the INTERCERT certification mark.

The organization may use the INTERCERT certification mark in combination with the IARM accreditation symbol in accordance with the following principles.

Basic (minimum) dimensions

• width S = 55 mm + 27mm for each standard
• height H = 24 mm

I-xxx/202x- Certificate for accredited certificate with integrated systems (quality, environment and health and safety at work or any two of them) with ordinal number and year of issue

Q-xxx/202x- mark for accredited quality system certificate with ordinal number and year of issue

Е-xxx/202x- mark for accredited certificate for environmental system with ordinal number and year of issue

S-xxx/202x- Certificate for accredited system for health and safety system at work with ordinal number and year of issue

It is allowed to reduce the basic dimensions of the certification mark and the accreditation symbol according to the following conditions:

• to maintain the proportions of width and height
• not to disturb the graphic characteristics of the mark
• Maintain the legibility of letters and numbers
• do not change the logo and colors of the mark
• a black and white variant of the certification mark is allowed

Other requirements regarding the use of the INTERCERT certification mark in combination with the IARM accreditation symbol are given in the IARM document R 05 Rulebook on the requirements for invoking accreditation and the use of the accreditation mark. http://www.iarm.gov.mk/.

The organization must not use the accreditation symbol alone, without the INTERCERT certification mark.

The organization must not use the combined accreditation symbol IARSM and the IAF MLA mark, which is present only on the certificates issued by INTERCERT.

TRANSFER OF ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE

Accredited certificates can be transferred after an analysis of the application submitted by the organization and conducted by INTERCERT. Then a decision is made on:

• transfer of the certificate without conducting a check
• need to conduct a certification check
• need to conduct a recertification check

Suspended certificates may not be subject to transfer.

The scheme of the previous audit program is used to determine the program of the current supervisory or recertification audit.

Records

• F 9.1-1 Application for certification

Instructions

• PR 9-3 Rulebook on the duration of work of auditors

Other

• IAF MD 1:2018 – Audit and certification of a Management System Operated by a Multi-Site Organization
• IAF MD 5:2019 – Determination of audit time
• IAF MD 11:2013 – Audit of integrated Management Systems
• EA 7/04:2017 – Legal compliance as a part of Accredited ISO 14001:2015
• IAF MD 22:2019 – Application of ISO/IEC 17021-1 for the certification of Occupational Health and Safety management Systems