Is your ISO Certification up for renewal?

You can’t let your certification lapse. This gives your direct competitors an advantage. You can’t afford a situation where your competitors are ISO certified and you are not.

By losing ISO certification, you risk losing business, damaging your reputation, and limiting your ability to tender deals to other businesses that require ISO certification.

The stakes are high. This simple lapse can damage your business’ profitability.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about getting your ISO certification renewed, so you won’t need to stress when it’s time for renewal.

How do you know if your ISO certification is up for renewal?

Your ISO certification is valid for up to three years from your certification date. You can find out when you’re due for a re-certification by checking the expiry date on your certificate. If you can’t track down your certificate, then contact the certifier who issued your certificate.

A re-certification audit is intended to make sure your business complies with the regulations and standards required for the ISO Certification.

Your business should be constantly trying to improve standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and management systems. Your recertification is simply a way to make sure you’re always improving.

What are the consequences if you don’t renew your ISO Certification?

The biggest consequence of not renewing your ISO certification is clear.

• You will no longer be ISO certified.
• There are several benefits to being an ISO certified business, and you certainly don’t want to risk losing customers who need your business to be ISO certified.
• You will need to recall all your ISO certified products.
• ISO logos will have to be removed from your website, products and advertisements, and failure to do so could lead to court action.
• You risk losing your business’s credibility by losing ISO certification.

How does an ISO re-certification work?

Just like your ISO certification, at recertification, the auditor will assess your organisation and your Management Systems and processes, and make any relevant findings on your ongoing compliance with the requirements of the standard.

How can you make your ISO Certification recertification easier?

The easiest way to streamline your recertification process is simply by planning ahead.

You can review your previous audit reports and conduct an internal review of your systems well ahead of your recertification date.

If any improvements can be flagged prior to the audit – you should implement a fix as soon as possible. Conducting annual reviews will also make the overall process easier for your business. The more regularly you review your systems – the fewer changes you’ll need to make come recertification time.