What should you know about certificate suspension or revocation?

We strive to limit the number of suspensions or revocations of certifications by properly informing our customers. However, it may happen that a certificate must be suspended or revoked during the certification cycle. In this article you can read about the possible causes, meaning and consequences. But also, what you can do to obtain a valid certificate again!

What does it mean when a certificate is suspended?

As Brand Compliance, we ensure high-quality and independent services. This means that the certificate you received from us, has been issued because we have determined that your organization meets the strictest audit criteria.

If a certificate is suspended, this means that the certificate is not valid for a certain period, because the required audit criteria are no longer met. The suspension can be lifted when the causes that led to suspension have demonstrably been remedied.

What are possible reasons for a certificate to be suspended?

There are several reasons that can lead to suspension of an issued certificate. These reasons arise from the obligations that both we as a certification body and you as an organization must comply with; the so-called accreditation and certification requirements. To give you an idea, we have listed a number of reasons for suspension.

Suspension will be considered if an organization:

• voluntarily requests a suspension;
• does not (timely) handle identified nonconformities;
• continues to fail to meet certification requirements;
• fails to schedule surveillance or recertification audits within the applicable timeframe;
• makes incorrect use of the certificate and/or logo(s);
• does not pay the invoice relating to the certification activities on time;
• affects the good name and/or reputation of Brand Compliance.

What happens if your certificate is suspended?

We will do everything within our power to enable you to take appropriate action. This will be discussed with you and communicated to you in writing. The letter clearly describes what is expected of you and within what period.

What rules apply while your certificate is suspended?

Brand Compliance must publish the suspension of the certificate on its website. You may therefore not use the certificate, logos and certified status during the suspension. Consider, for example, the removal of statements about the relevant certification on your website and/or social media, etc.

Once the issues that led to the suspension have been resolved, Brand Compliance can re-validate the certificate and you may use the certificate, logos and certified status again.

When can a certificate be revoked?

If you are unwilling and/or unable to meet the requirements (in time), the certificate may be revoked. At that time, you must return the issued certificate and stop all statements related to the certification. You will be informed of this at least in writing.

To conclude

As indicated in this article, we will communicate as clearly as possible what is expected of you in order to lift the suspension and how the process until the lifting will take place.

If you have additional questions about your suspension or revocation, you can always contact your Brand Compliance Lead Auditor.