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Suspension and withdrawal

When ISAO suspends or withdraws accreditation, registration or a certificate, and what it means.

ISAO can suspend or withdraw an accreditation, an auditor registration or a certificate on the register. This policy explains when and how, and what it means for anyone relying on a certificate.

When ISAO suspends

ISAO may suspend an accreditation or a registration when, for example:

  • a surveillance assessment is not carried out on time
  • a serious nonconformity is not corrected within the agreed period
  • certificates or references to ISAO accreditation are misused
  • fees remain unpaid after reminders
  • the holder asks for a temporary suspension

What suspension means

While an accreditation is suspended, the body must not issue new certificates under ISAO accreditation for the suspended scope. Its existing client certificates stay on the register with a notice that the issuing body is suspended; ISAO decides case by case whether any of them should also be suspended.

A suspended certificate is shown on the register as suspended, with the date and the reason category. The holder must not claim certification for the suspended scope.

Reinstatement

A suspension is lifted when the holder shows that the cause has been put right. If it is not put right within the period ISAO sets, ISAO withdraws the accreditation, registration or certificate.

When ISAO withdraws

ISAO withdraws an accreditation, registration or certificate when a suspension is not resolved, when there is a serious or repeated breach of the rules, or at the holder's request. A withdrawn certificate is shown on the register as withdrawn, with the date. Withdrawal cannot be reversed: the holder must apply again.

Checking the current status

The register always shows the current status of each certificate and of the issuing body's accreditation, so check a certificate each time you rely on it.

Appeals

A holder can appeal against a suspension or withdrawal under the complaints and appeals policy. The decision stays in force while the appeal is considered.