Scope Expansion – Reduction
When an organization applies to expand the scope of an existing certification, Sigmacert conducts a feasibility study to determine whether the expansion is possible and decides on the required audit activities. If the organization accepts the proposal for scope expansion, a scope extension audit is planned and carried out. Where appropriate, the scope extension may be conducted in conjunction with a surveillance audit. In such cases, the audit plan is adjusted according to the size of the scope expansion.
Requests for scope changes during the audit are generally not accepted. However, changes that do not affect audit duration or EA codes may be accepted at the lead auditor’s discretion. If the request is for a scope reduction, a new certificate is issued without conducting an audit.
Address Change
If an organization applies for an address change and accepts the proposal, an address change audit is planned if it is a production facility or if the services offered at the new address have a direct impact on the certified activities.
Suspension – Cancellation – Withdrawal
Suspension of a certificate means that, under specific rules, the certified organization ceases to use the certification rights temporarily, and the certification body monitors the conditions that led to the suspension.
Suspension of certification may occur due to the following reasons:
- The certified organization requests suspension.
- The client does not allow surveillance or recertification audits to be performed at the required frequency.
- The client consistently and seriously fails to implement the management system effectively, as per the standard.
If the suspension is based on the client’s request, the following actions are taken:
- The client is informed about all related procedures.
- Records are updated, and the organization’s name is removed from the list of certified organizations and all related registries.
- If applicable, all relevant parties are officially informed.
- Any outstanding payments are collected, and the client’s file is archived.
For organizations holding multiple certifications:
- If only one of the certifications is suspended, the other certificates remain valid.
To lift the suspension, the reasons for the suspension must be resolved. Regardless of the cause, a certificate can only remain suspended for a maximum of 3 months. A follow-up audit may be scheduled if necessary. The lead auditor submits a report, and if the issues are resolved, the Certification Committee reinstates the certificate.
If the issues are not resolved within 3 months, the certificate is cancelled.
The certificate may also be cancelled immediately based on a decision by the Certification Committee if any of the following conditions are identified:
- The organization declares bankruptcy or ceases operations related to the certified scope.
- The suspension period expires.
- Fees are unpaid.
- False information is provided during audits.
- Misuse of the certificate.
- The organization fails to implement the management system during the certificate’s validity.
- The organization changes its legal entity.
- Voluntary withdrawal by the organization.
- Tampering with the certificate is detected.
Once a certificate is cancelled, the client is prohibited from using or promoting the certificate and must return all originals to the certification body.
Rejection of Certification
Sigmacert reserves the right to refuse certification services outside of the regular certification process under the following conditions:
- If there is a threat to impartiality that exceeds acceptable limits (see our Impartiality and Independence Policy).
- If Sigmacert lacks sufficient resources.
- If accredited certification is requested and Sigmacert does not hold accreditation for the requested scope.
