ISOQAR Ltd undertakes to provide suitably qualified personnel for all audit and surveillance work using their own staff or suitable qualified subcontractors. All members of ISOQAR (full-time employees or sub-contractors) are required to sign confidentiality agreements concerned with all confidential information to which they may be exposed at client premises.

The client has right to object to any auditor if he perceives conflict to his interest. Client can raise his objection to Director Operations, who shall review the potential impartiality threat and take necessary actions; however the change cannot be guaranteed in case of no conflict perceived.

On receiving a completed Questionnaire ISOQAR will prepare a contract detailing audit cost, terms, conditions and requirements. On acceptance of this contract, the client will sign the contract and forward it with the advance cheque to ISOQAR. The project will then be allocated by the Director Operations to a suitable audit team who will then carry out the audit in line with ISOQAR's procedures.

1. The first stage of the audit as carried out by ISOQAR is to carry out Stage 1 audit, a review of the client's documentation with respect to the appropriate standard(s). This is to be performed onsite at the client's premises in conjunction with the client's management representative.
2. Once the adequacy of the management system is ascertained during the Stage-1 audit and all the identified non conformances during Stage-1, Stage 2 audit date is agreed and an audit is carried out by the auditor(s). If further visits are required due to non-compliances found, these will be undertaken and extra charge will be incurred by the client. The on-site audit is carried out using client manuals and procedures and by interviewing relevant members of staff regarding their working practices.
3. After certification, if the client changes anything which significantly affects the conformance to applicable management systems, applicable regulatory or statutory requirements or interested party requirements, then ISOQAR must be informed. ISOQAR reserves the right to re-audit if necessary.
4. Triennial / Renewal audit is required by ISOQAR prior to the expiry of current certificate.
5. The details of the certification process is also available on our web site www.isoqar.com/ www.isoqarindia.com

On completion of the on-site audit the Lead Auditor reports to the Director Operations. On receiving a report stating that the client's management system meets the requirements of the relevant Standard(s) and approval by Certification Committee, the certificate is issued. The certificate remains the property of ISOQAR. Providing the client maintains the management system to the required standard, the certificate is valid for three years. Triennial / Renewal audit is to be carried out at least three months prior to the expiry of the certificate at extra cost and the findings raised in the renewal / triennial audit will need to be closed and certification decision needs to be taken prior to the expiry of the current certificate.

After the issue of a certificate, to maintain annual registration, surveillance visits will be carried out at the client's premises (announced visits) at least once per year. If areas of concern are identified, more visits may be carried out at the discretion of the Director Ops. The client agrees to meet the extra costs relating to such increased surveillance. Any changes to scope, products or manufacturing/ service delivery6 processes must be communicated to ISOQAR.

The First Surveillance Audit needs to be conducted within twelve months from the date of the Stage 02 / Certification / Renewal Audit and the time duration between two successive audits in a cycle shall not cross twelve months. Failure to comply with this will lead to certificate suspension and further to withdrawal and client deregistration.

This may be applied for in the same way as the initial audit, indicating the increased scope of registration being required. Audit will be carried out in the areas not previously audited. If successful, a new certificate indicating the new full scope will be issued by ISOQAR. There will be a charge for extensions to scope and re-issue of the certificates. The future surveillance days will be accordingly amended.

ISOQAR may when necessary conduct short notice audits to investigate complaints, or in response to changes, or as follow up to suspended clients

ISOQAR shall wherever applicable reduce the scope of certification if during the time of routine surveillance audits / Re approval or Renewal audits it finds that the certified client has continually / seriously failed to meet the certification requirements for those parts of the scope of certification. The reduction in scope will be approved by the Chairman of Certification Committee.

Once a certificate has been issued, the client has the right to publish the fact. The relevant logos can be used on its stationery relating only to the audited scope of registration and the relevant part of the standard. All conditions of the Logo Rules issued along with the Certificate will need to be followed.

ISOQAR will take all reasonable precautions to see that there is no misuse of their certificate in client advertising etc. The client undertakes to use certification marks as appropriate to its audited scope of registration and relevant Standards.

Except as required by law and the relevant accreditation authorities, ISOQAR India will treat as strictly confidential and will not disclose to any third party without prior written consent of the Client, any information which comes into the possession of ISOQAR India or its employees in the course of providing the Service.

ISOQAR will take all reasonable precautions to see that there is no misuse of their certificate in client advertising etc. The client undertakes to use certification marks as appropriate to its audited scope of registration and relevant Standards.

ISOQAR will take all reasonable precautions to see that there is no misuse of their certificate in client advertising etc. The client undertakes to use certification marks as appropriate to its audited scope of registration and relevant Standards.

ISOQAR shall initiate the suspension process based on the following reasons:

1. Effective corrective action for the nonconformance is not implemented within a specified time period (06 months after the last day of a Stage 02 Audit days for any nonconformance ).
2. Improper or misuse of the certificate, symbol or logo not remedied to the satisfaction of ISOQAR.
3. Client ceases to supply product or service of the certified quality system for an extended period of time.
4. Client’s certified management system has persistently fails to meet any of the requirements for certification including requirements for the effectiveness of the management system.
5. Client fails to meet financial obligations to ISOQAR.
6. Client is unable or unwilling to ensure conformance to revisions of standards.
7. Existence of a serious complaint, or a large number of second- or third-party complaints, which indicate that the management system is not being maintained.
8. Client does not allow routine surveillance / recertification to be conducted at the required frequency
9. Client does not comply to the deadlines set by ISOQAR to upgrade to the latest revision of Management System Standards.
11. Client requests for suspension.
12. During the period of suspension the client shall not advertise or promote their certification mark.

The Suspension period will be for a maximum period of six months, after which the certificate will be withdrawn if the conditions for placing the certificate under suspension is not met.

ISOQAR shall deregister/ withdraw or cancel the certificate on the following grounds:

1. The client fails to take effective corrective action within six months of suspension for any of the reasons given above.
2. Client makes a formal request to withdraw certification.
3. Infringement by the client of any contractual conditions between the client and ISOQAR.
4. Client will be deregistered on expiry of the current certificate unless renewal audit has been successfully completed.
5. Client can be deregistered upon expiry date of the current standards in which there are revision in the standards.
6. In case a client has certification to multiple standards, based on the reason for suspension/ withdrawal, Operations Director of ISOQAR will decide the impact of continuation of certification of other standards not affected by suspension/ withdrawal and re issue the relevant certificates in case of withdrawal.

ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 have undergone a revision and the current versions are ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001: 2015. These standards were released on 15 September 2015. The validity of the ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 is until 14 September 2018. ISOQAR India has taken a decision not to conduct certification and renewal audits against ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 140001:2004 wef from the expiry dates of these standards

If for any reason a client is not in agreement with the Lead Auditor's verdict after an audit, re-audit or a surveillance visit, including suspension or withdrawal of a certificate, he/she is at liberty to lodge a written appeal with the Managing Director of ISOQAR India Pvt.Ltd. All appeals will be held in the presence of an Appeal committee. The committee will hear evidence from the client's representative and the relevant Lead Auditor. The decision of the committee is final and binding on both the client and ISOQAR. No counter claims will be allowed by either party. No costs, for whatever reason, will be allowed for either party as a result of an appeal.

In case the Managing Director is the lead auditor or part of the audit team, then Executive Director (ED)/ Operations Director (OD) will chair the appeals committee.

The actions in response of a complaint and appeal will be recorded by the OD and will be held under confidentiality and communicated to respective appellant/ complainant.

Appeals will be handled as per the appeals handling procedure.

If a client has a complaint regarding any employee of ISOQAR, this should be sent in writing to the Managing Director of ISOQAR India Pvt. Ltd. If the complaint involves the MD then the complaint is to be addressed to the Board of Directors of ISOQAR. The complaint shall be handled as per ISOQAR’s defined complaint handling process.

1. The accreditation marks shall not be displayed on vehicles, except in publicity material containing an accreditation mark as part of a larger advertisement, provided the mark is used in the publicity material in accordance with the conditions detailed elsewhere in this information sheet.
2. The accreditation marks shall not be displayed on buildings and flags.
3. Accreditation marks may be displayed on internal walls and doors, and on exhibition stands.
4. Accreditation marks shall not be used in such a way as to suggest that ISOQAR or NABCB has certified, or approved, any product or any service supplied by a licensee of a mark, or in any other misleading manner.
5. Accreditation marks shall not be used in such a way as to imply that NABCB accepts responsibility for activities carried out under the scope of accreditation and/or certification.
6. All quotations for work that contain an accreditation mark shall clearly indicate those activities that are not NABCB accredited.
7. Accreditation Marks will not be used on laboratory, test, calibration reports
8. Any use of an accreditation mark that might contravene the conditions laid down in this publication shall be referred to NABCB.
9. Certification bodies shall ensure that they audit the use of national accreditation marks by their certificate holders. Conditions for the use of the marks by such certificate holders are given in these rules.
10. Reproduction of the marks shall be based on master versions supplied at the time of certification, to which certificate holders must add their certificate number.
11. Do not use its certification in such a manner that would bring the certification into disrepute and lose public trust.
12. NABCB logo shall not be used on visiting cards.

The use of any statement on product packaging or accompanying information that the certified client has a certified management system if used then the statement will in no way imply that the product, process, service is certified. The statement shall include reference to

• Identification of the certified client
• Type of Management System and Applicable Standard
• The certification body issuing the certificate.

ISOQAR will take action and deal with incorrect references to certification status or misleading use of certification documents, marks or audit reports. The action may include requests for correction and corrective action, suspension, withdrawal of certification, publication of the transgression and if necessary legal action.

ISOQAR issues marks corresponding to the relevant standard for which approval has been given, by way of a current Certificate of Registration. The certification mark (ISOQAR Shield) used must correspond to the standard against which the company has been audited and achieved registration (i.e. ISO 9001 or ISO 14001).

NOTE: Any misuse of marks may result in withdrawal of certificates.

(In addition to the rules below, please refer to BCB 202 latest version)

(UKAS Conditions for use of Accreditation Mark (logo). These accreditation mark rules are made by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies – UKAS, India)

To ensure that the correct markings are used the following rules shall be observed by all companies who receive certification through ISOQAR:

1. The marks shall be displayed only in the appropriate form, size and colour detailed in this Section.
2. The organisation's certificate number is printed under the mark.
3. When the mark is printed on an unfolded portion of A4 size stationery, it shall be displayed in a size no larger than 30 mm high. On larger portions of unfolded stationery the size may be proportionately increased.
4. Accreditation marks shall normally have a minimum height (excluding the certificate number) of 20 mm. Any enlargement or reduction shall retain the same proportions as those of the masters. The accreditation mark and the certificate number shall be considered as a single entity for purposes of enlargement or reduction.
5. In exceptional circumstances, which are usually dictated by reason of space limitation or cost, the marks may be reproduced at a reduced height, provided that irrespective of the height of reproduction, the mark must be legible, with no infilling
6. Embossed, relief, or die-stamped versions may be used. The marks may be reproduced as water marks.
7. Electronic reproduction of the marks is permitted (including Internet web sites) provided that the requirements are met and the organisation's certificate number is printed under the mark the mark is reproduced so that infilling does not occur degradation and/or distortion of the mark graphic is avoided computer files of the marks shall be prepared from mark masters. Redrawn approximations may not be used.
8. Reversed-image versions of the accreditation marks are available, and artwork masters are available on request. The organisations' certificate number shall be printed centrally underneath the accreditation mark. All other conditions for use of accreditation marks apply to these versions.
9. Accreditation marks / logo shall not be used in any way that might mislead the reader about the status of a certified organisation, activities outside the scope and imply that product, process or service is certified. Holders of Certificate shall not make, use or permit any misleading statement and certification document.
10. Holders of certificates issued by ISOQAR may use the appropriate mark in the manner prescribed, on stationery and publicity material or other items relevant to their certificate. The accreditation mark shall always be used in conjunction with the ISOQAR Shield. Holders of accredited certificates may use the ISOQAR Shield without accreditation mark if they wish.
11. Holders of certificates should not use its certification in such a manner that would bring the certification body and / or system into disrepute and loose public trust.
12. The term 'publicity material' shall not include notices, labels, documents or written announcements affixed to or otherwise appearing on goods or products, unless the goods or products have been manufactured under an accredited product conformity scheme. This restriction shall also apply to primary (e.g. blister packs) packaging, promotional products and test certificates / certificate of analysis.
13. Upon suspension or withdrawal of its certification, the use of ISOQAR / UKAS mark or logo shall be discontinued from all advertising matter, stationery etc that contains a reference to certification. The use of logo on all stationer / advertising material shall be amended if the scope of certification is reduced.
14. Upon reduction in scope, advertising matter shall be amended.

1. The accreditation marks shall not be displayed on vehicles, except in publicity material containing an accreditation mark as part of a larger advertisement, provided the mark is used in the publicity material in accordance with the conditions detailed elsewhere in this information sheet.
2. The accreditation marks shall not be displayed on buildings and flags.
3. Accreditation marks may be displayed on internal walls and doors, and on exhibition stands.
4. Accreditation marks shall not be used in such a way as to suggest that ISOQAR or UKAS has certified, or approved, any product or any service supplied by a licensee of a mark, or in any other misleading manner.
5. Accreditation marks shall not be used in such a way as to imply that UKAS accepts responsibility for activities carried out under the scope of accreditation and/or certification.
6. All quotations for work that contain an accreditation mark shall clearly indicate those activities that are not UKAS accredited.
7. Marks other than the Testing and Calibration marks may not be used on test and calibration reports and certificates, respectively.
8. Any use of an accreditation mark that might contravene the conditions laid down in this publication shall be referred to UKAS.
9. Certification bodies shall ensure that they audit the use of national accreditation marks by their certificate holders. Conditions for the use of the marks by such certificate holders are given in these rules.
10. Reproduction of the marks shall be based on master versions supplied at the time of certification, to which certificate holders must add their certificate number.
11. Do not use its certification in such a manner that would bring the certification into disrepute and lose public trust.
12. UKAS logo shall not be used on visiting cards.

ISOQAR will take action and deal with incorrect references to certification status or misleading use of certification documents, marks or audit reports. The action may include requests for correction and corrective action, suspension, withdrawal of certification, publication of the transgression and if necessary legal action.

ISOQAR recognizes that positive feedback is as important as negative. Suggestions are vital in identifying preventive action and system improvement. As with complaints, suggestions may be internal or external in nature, written or verbal.

ISOQAR recognizes that the client may have some reservations or may not agree with the conduct of auditor, auditor impartiality / confidentiality, audit findings, certification committee decision and / or overall interaction with ISOQAR staff. Client is free to appeal against these and this is treated as an appeal from the client.

Observations are witnessed incidents of service/operational deficiency, malfunction and or failure. Observations are often made by individuals independent of the activity witnessed and therefore objective in nature . Observations also play important role in identification of preventive action and system improvement.,/p>

Opportunites for Improvement are incidents where the system has not failed, yet greater operational efficiency may be obtained in analyzing current practice. Opportunites for Improvement are often collected internally, but input from external sources is also beneficial.

Any company or organisation who fails to satisfy an audit or surveillance may appeal against the decision. Client can also appeal when they have reservations regarding conduct of auditor, auditor impartiality / confidentiality, audit findings, certification committee decision and / or overall interaction with ISOQAR staff Where an appeal is received the following procedure will be followed.

The MD/ED/OD as applicable will appoint the members of the appeals committee and whose competency will be determined at time of appointment through F061B under the leadership of ED who will hear the appeal and determine the outcome. In case, MD / ED is part of the audit/ certification team, ED / MD shall decide the investigating officer for the appeals process. In such a scenario ED/MD shall approach Impartiality Committee and/or ISOQAR UK certification team to provide their inputs on the appeal. The decision on the appeal shall be taken based on the inputs by ISOQAR UK Certification committee and/or Impartiality committee by the appointed appeals committee. Results of the appeal will be reported to the board of directors.

• All appeals shall be received by the ED and details of appeals shall be recorded in the Appeals Register maintained by the ED. Receipt of appeal will be acknowledged
• ED shall investigate the appeal made and inform the client about its plan of action for investigation and action there upon.
• An investigation report (F070 Incident Report) for each individual appeal shall be maintained by the ED. In case, any further corrective action is required post actions identified and taken based on Incident report – Corrective action procedure QP04 is implemented.
• A copy of the investigation report shall be sent to the client.
• In case of any further ambiguity, the same shall be reviewed by the board of directors and appropriate decision arrived at.
• In case the issue still remains open; the same shall be intimated to the accreditation board for its valuable comments.
• All appeals made shall be collated and analyzed on a yearly basis.
• Necessary corrective and preventive actions shall be taken based on the appeal trend.
• Appeal trends and corrective and preventive action taken shall also be reviewed as part of the Management committee meeting and Impartiality committee meeting.
• Progress reports and out comes will be provided to the appellant
• ED shall ensure that details with respect to the appellant and actions there upon is not shared with the audit team members.
• ED shall ensure that no discriminatory action is taken against the appellant.
• Formal notice will be given to the appellant of the end of the appeals –handling process
• The client is made aware of the appeals process (F084) and the same is publically available..

Activity	Responsibility
Completion and submittal of incident report records for entry into the Corrective Action System	All ISOQAR staff members
Incident investigation and analysis	ED
Submission to Appeal subcommittee (for appeals)	ED
Appeal review, analysis and decision	Appeal Subcommittee

The quality incident may be reported by any means – verbal or written. In case of an external source, the incident report may be received by any staff member. The staff member shall fill the Incident report (F070) recording all the information and details of the complaint. The filled report shall be submitted to Director Ops for further action. In case of internal source, the incident report shall be filled by the staff member and submit to Director Ops.

Director Ops shall contact (telephone, email, letter) the external source to acknowledge the receipt of information within 5 working days of receipt. He shall understand the issue in details from the source (to avoid any error in writing the report). He may decide to personally meet the initiator, depending on the gravity and seriousness of issue.

In case of Complaints and Observations, it may be against ISOQAR (a system / procedure or a person) or a ISOQAR certified companies (client). In case of suggestion / opportunity for improvement, it is for ISOQAR to study the suggestion and decide.

In case of a complaint / observation against ISOQAR, Director Ops analyses the issue to determine if there is system error or person error. He shall determine the root cause and determine correction, corrective and preventive action. The possible complaints are –

• Administration - problems with appointments, certification files, certificates issued or issued late,
• Auditor/subcontractor problems with incomplete audit or surveillance documentation
• Agents - problems with general compliance with ISOQAR administration or audit procedures

The correction is effected immediately to satisfy the complainant. This may include training / counselling the person involved. The CAPA is discussed with other Directors during next Management Review. Appropriate action is taken based on discussions (change in procedure / formats, training to all personnel etc). An email is sent out to all staff detailing the issue and remedial action (for information). A copy of the complaint and investigation details is maintained in the respective individual’s personnel file for reference at the performance appraisals.

In case of a complaint / observation against a certified client, the Director Ops studies the complaint and discusses with the auditor (last audit). If the complaint is found genuine and valid i.e. indicates a system failure, the complaint is sent to the client for a response. No confidential reports or information will be sent to complainants without written permission from the client. Adequate time is given to the client for response. If required,

Director Ops follows up with the client for the response. Depending on the response, Director Ops may decide to –

• Write to the complainant about the response and asks for his response.
• Ask further clarification from the client
• Depute an auditor to personally visit the client and investigate for system failure. Such visit shall be considered as special visit and charged to client.
• Request a joint meeting with client, complainant and ISOQAR
• Director Ops shall communicate with the complainant at the end of the process detailing the findings and to formally close the complaint. A copy of the correspondence is kept in the client file for records and the same is passed to auditor during next audit. The details of all complaints and action taken (Correction, CAPA) are discussed in Management Review and IC meeting.
• Director (Operations) shall communicate with the client and the complainant whether to detail the compliant and its resolution on ISOQAR Website and if agreed by the client and complainant the extent to which it can be detailed will also be agreed. Depending on the input from the client and the complainant the compliant and its resolution shall be displayed on the ISOQAR Website. This display will be for a period of three months.

In case of suggestion / opportunity for improvement, the source is predominantly internal and the concerned staff member fills the incident report (F070) and submits to Director Ops. The other source may be internal / external audit.

Director Ops studies the suggestion to determine any conflict with ISO17021, ISOQAR Global policy and ISOQAR India Policy. In case the suggestion is in conflict, the same is communicated to the initiator. However, the suggestion is also discussed in Management review. In case the suggestion is found not in conflict, the suggestion is studied for benefits and the impact on other processes.

The suggestion is accepted if found beneficial and does not adversely impact any other process. Director Ops determines the changes in existing documentation and implements through Document Change process (QP01).

In case of an appeal made by a client against a decision made by auditor, Lead auditor or certification committee, the appeal shall be recorded by Director Ops and forwarded to Appeal Subcommittee. Appeal subcommittee shall review the appeal, investigate (which may include discussion with concerned client, respective auditor / lead auditor and review of audit report). Appeal subcommittee may also direct any other lead auditor to visit the site and determine the validity of the appeal. The decision taken by Appeal subcommittee shall be communicated to the client and to Director Ops for necessary action. The case shall also be discussed during the next MRM and Impartiality Committee meeting. In special cases, the case may be discussed with Impartiality Committee members on one-to-one basis.

Director Operations will inform a certified client /any other interested party the appeals and complaint handling process of ISOQAR India if any complaints / appeals are received by certified clients / interested party. This is also publically available on ISOQAR website.

All staff, Sub Contractors, Directors and Committee Members will be required to agree to ISOQARS confidentiality policy and sign a confidentiality agreement. Sub-contractors will also sign an agreement which also contains the responsibility to maintain confidentiality.

ISOQAR India Pvt. Ltd. is the legal entity responsible for certification activities; reference to ISOQAR in this Policy and Public Statement refers to these legal entities.

ISOQAR its Directors, Staff and Sub-contractors fully understands the importance of impartiality in undertaking its Certification Activities. ISOQAR will therefore ensure that in all its dealings with clients or potential clients all employees or other personnel are and will remain impartial. To ensure that impartiality is both maintained and can be demonstrated the following principals have been established.

ISOQAR Certificates are only issued following a review by an independent authorised and competent member of the management team (who has not been involved in the audit) cialis 20mg prix en pharmacie to ensure that no interest shall predominate

ISOQAR does not offer (and has never offered) management system consultancy or any other form of consultancy to companies or individuals.

ISOQAR does not offer (and has never offered) an internal audit service to its certified clients.

ISOQAR does not own or have any interest (financial or otherwise) in any other company that offers certification or management system consultancy services.

ISOQAR does not have (and will not form) any relationships with companies who offer consultancy or other services that can be construed as having an impact on the certification services provided by ISOQAR. Any proposed relationship between ISOQAR and any other company will undergo a risk assessment by the Committee for Impartiality prior to that relationship being formalised. Any current relationships with companies, organisations and individuals will be risk assessed on a regular basis to ensure that the relationship does not impact upon the impartiality of the certification process.

Individuals employed by or otherwise contracted to ISOQAR are required to document and record their current and past relationships with all companies. Any situation past or present which may present a potential conflict of interest is required by ISOQAR to be declared. ISOQAR will use the information to identify any threats to impartiality and will not use that individual in any capacity unless they can demonstrate that there is no conflict of interest.

ISOQAR will not allocate a member of staff or sub-contractor to a management system audit where any past relationship has existed. Exceptionally and at the discretion of the Technical Manager or Directors an individual or sub-contractor may be allocated to a management system audit where a past relationship has existed but there has been no relationship for a minimum of 2 years.

ISOQAR does not and will not offer any commission, (‘finders fees’ or other inducements) to any individual or company in respect of referrals of clients unless:

• The terms and conditions of any such referral are clearly established and can be demonstrated and it can also be demonstrated that the fee is for a referral and the fact that a commission has been paid will in no way effect the outcome of an audit.
• A risk assessment (to establish the potential for an unacceptable threat to impartiality) has been carried out on the process through which any such payment is made to an individual or organisation (normally a consultant) requesting the commission for referrals.
• All such payments are documented, recorded, and traceable and accompanied by a purchase order and invoice.

ISOQAR does not offer specific training to any company in respect of implementing a particular standard for that company. Any training offered by ISOQAR is general in nature and available to all companies or individuals who wish to attend.

ISOQAR will ensure that it is not linked or marketed in any way which links it with the activities of a management system consultancy and will take appropriate action should any such link be identified.

Auditors and others involved in the certification process are not and will not be put under any pressure and will not be influenced in any way to come to a particular conclusion regarding the result of an audit.

No outsourcing of Audits to Consultancy Organisation.

No Referral Fees to be paid to Consultancy Organisation.

Facts based communication to Clients/ Consultancy Organisation.

Adherence to all Accreditation and other ISOQAR Policies.

ISOQAR shall not carry out any other conflicting services other than its core business of Certification.

ISOQAR shall not employ any professional conflicting its ethical policies.

ISOQAR shall not allow any of its auditors to market the services and conduct the audits for the same client.

ISOQAR shall not allow any of its auditors to carry out financial transactions with clients / consultants.

ISOQAR shall not carry out business with any consultant inducing pressures to compromise impartiality.

All employees of ISOQAR shall disclose any situation impairing the business ethics.

ISOQAR shall not allow any of the auditors to carry out audits for the client at least for 2 years from the date of relinquishment from their services for the client.

ISOQAR shall not allow any auditor to compromise on the audit timing as required as per the accreditation/ ISOQAR norms.

ISOQAR shall not allow any auditor to conduct the audit for the client for which it has not been approved for.

ISOQAR shall maintain transparency with regard to all information.

No auditor shall divulge any confidential information of the client to any third party without written consent from the client and approval by MD

No auditor shall carry any client information with them after the usage period. All client information shall be returned after usage.

Utmost care / verification to be carried out for granting the right scope of certification.

Any unethical practice observed should be notified to the management at the earliest.

ISOQAR shall not allow any of its auditors to accept any gifts from client / consultant of value greater than INR 500.

ISOQAR shall not allow any auditor to conduct audit for the organization where any of its family members / close relatives are involved at a decision making position.

Disciplinary actions for non-adhering to impartiality policies shall be taken by the Management in consultation with Impartiality Committee.

includes technical review. The audit report (corrected if possible) along with audit report review checklist (F101) in case of Stage 1, Stage 2, Follow Up, Scope Extension, Special Audit, Recertification Audit and any cases where a certificate change is involved is submitted to Certification committee member for technical review which includes review of the information provided by the audit team is sufficient with respect to certification requirements, scope of accreditation and effectiveness of corrections and corrective actions are effective for all non conformances raised during the audit. Stage 2 Review shall be carried out by the auditor qualified for the specific EAC sector, provided he has not participated in the audit and has not declared any conflict w.r.t. the client. Technical reviewer will be allotted who does not have a conflict of interest. It is the responsibility of the auditor to pro-actively declare of any conflict. The technical review may lead to a deviation note (F102), which is issued against the team leader, if a deviation is found. All auditors are trained for the review process. In cases where technical expert is used for the audit, the technical reviewer may discuss with the technical expert on the NC / observations used. The reviewer may also discuss any particular part of the report with the team leader / specific auditor. The reviewer also identifies if correction to deviation note (F102) issued needs to be completed prior to Stage 3. In case the audit report does not require review by certification committee chairman, the report is returned to AE for Stage 4.

includes decision making by certification committee chairman. Any audit report requiring issue of certificate (Stage 2 audit, change in scope or address, triennial audit etc) requires review and approval by certification committee chairman. For routine surveillance, the review by certification committee chairman is not required and the reviewer records his / her signature on the “Report Reviewed by” column of the audit report. The technical reviewer shall decide whether the report needs submission to certification committee chairman. Certification committee chairman reviews the findings of Stage 1 and 2 in addition to review of audit report prior to taking the decision. Correspondence related to the client (e.g. Complaints received against the client, changes in scope, media reports etc) are also reviewed during recertification decision. The decision taken is recorded on F101 form. For stage 1 audit, the stage 2 audit may be planned after technical review, however the certification committee chairman shall review the stage 1 audit report along with stage 2 audit before making his decision. The certification committee may ask for specific inputs from the client or send any auditor to the client to verify any part of the report.

In case Certification committee chairman is involved in the audit or is not available or has declared conflict w.r.t. any client, any other director reviews the audit report and takes the decision.

Involvement of the decision maker / technical reviewer / admin reviewer in audit means any type of audits which includes Stage 01, Stage 02, Surveillance, Renewal, and Special Audits. Report Reviewers (Admin and Technical), Certification Decision Makers should not be involved in any of these audits

includes further action by Account Executive. AE reviews the decision taken by technical review member and / or certification committee chairman for the following –

• Preparing the certificate as per process detailed below.
• Updating the client data base w.r.t. changes in client details, NC’s issued in the audit, planning for next audit etc.
• Filing the report in the client file along with all relevant papers like audit notes, corrective actions submitted by client etc. Auditor performance evaluation sheets etc are filed in respective files. Alternately the electronic copies of this documents to be saved in respective client folders.
• Verify compliance to all ISOQAR quality and certification requirements

This involves preparation and review of certificate, certificate signature by Managing Director and updating the registrar of firms. In absence of Managing Director, Executive Director / Operations Director can sign the certificate.

Certificates are issued to clients following initial audit, extension to accredited scope, triennial audit, upgrade on surveillance or change in company details (name, address etc).

Certification documents are normally sent to the certified client in paper format though the postal system, however provision exists for the certificate to be sent electronically in a format that prevents alteration.

The certificates will be numbered sequentially starting with I001 followed by the global client code of ISOQAR

• No certificate will be issued unless ISOQAR has evidence that all non-conforming notices raised have been closed out.
• Select the appropriate blank certificate(s) based on the standard as indicated on the audit report. Be sure to check for any changes indicated on Comment Sheets attached to audit report.
• Determine the certificate number for NABCB accredited certificates by reviewing the Register of Approved Firms (F100).

• Set the issue date to be the date of approval by certification committee chairman indicated on the F101 Audit report review checklist. Set the expiration date to be three years later. (An issue date of 15/10/11 would result in an expiration date of 14/10/14.)
• The expiry date may vary from above for transfer cases, where the expiry date shall be the same as earlier certificate. Also refer to any specific instructions given by Director Ops w.r.t. expiry dates e.g. during transition to revised standard, the expiry of old standard may be pre-decided by the accreditation board.
• The expiry date will be 14 Sept 2018 in case of all ISO 9001:2008 version certificates
• The initial registration date shall be the issue date for first 3 year cycle. In the triennial / renewal case, the initial registration date shall be the issue date of first certificate issued. Re Issue date will be the date the recertification audit report was approved by the certification committee and the expiry date will be an addition of three years from the previous expiry date or 14 Sept 2018 in case the renewal audit is carried out as per ISO 9001:2008 standard. The certificate number shall continue to be the same. The scope and address shall be the same as in earlier certificate unless changed at time of recertification audit.
• In case the client goes for second cycle but not as triennial (i.e. a gap between expiry of first cycle and second initial date), the certificate shall be considered as fresh and initial registration date shall be the same as issue date. The earlier certificate shall not be considered. A new certificate number shall be awarded.
• On each certificate to be issued, fill in the client organization's name, base office, address, standard (including issue year of standard), and scope, initial issue date, re issue date, expiry / valid until date based on the information on the audit report and certification review check list. Be sure to check for any changes indicated on Comment Sheets included in the audit report. The certificate will also include the name, address and certification mark of the certification body and other marks (e.g. accreditation symbol)
• Have the Director Ops review the certificate for any errors. In case the Director Ops is involved in the audit then Managing Director / Technical Director will review the certificate for any errors. In case the MD/OD/TD are involved in the audit, then a person from the certification committee will review the certificate for any errors. Submit the corrected and final certificate to Managing Director / Technical Director / Operations Director for his signature.
• Multiple sites each operating a common system with the same scope of certification shall have all the addresses on the same certificate. The client may request for individual certificates. In such cases, each site is issued with its own certificate with the same certificate number and a suffix is added. The certificate number shall be I/001A, I/001B etc.
• In cases of group of companies, the locations may have different scopes of certification or trading names, each is issued with respective names, addresses and scope. The certificate shall have the same certificate number with a suffix (as explained above).
• Clients may have integrated system where certificates for multiple standards are issued. In such cases, the NABCB accredited certificate is issued as above. Rest of the certificates shall be issued by ISOQAR UK using its own format and process. Necessary comment shall be added to the client file and client database for future reference / use.
• In the event of issuing any revised certification documents, then the original certificate number will have a suffix of revision number. E.g. I/001/07 – R1, for first revision. The expiry date of the certificate does not change and continues the same as the original. Issue date shall be the date of C.C. Chairman Approval. Initial Registration date shall be the same as original.
• In case of transfer of certificates, takeover of at time of renewal audits from other certifying bodies, the initial issue date / certified since can be the date when the client was initially granted certification

Client database shall be amended as per the database management process. The completed certificate with the audit report is reviewed by Director Ops for correctness and completeness of the certificate.

The certificate with all attachments like logo rules, cover letter etc is submitted to Managing Director / Technical Director / Operations Director for his signature.

Managing Director has no authority to reject / deny the issue of certificate. He may return the certificate to Chairman of Certification Committee clearly stating the reason for holding the issue. Chairman of Certification Committee shall review the reason and investigate on the same. However, if the Chairman has satisfied himself and re-sends the certificate to MD for approval, MD shall sign the certificate. A computer generated signature may also be used. The above process can be carried out by ED in absence of MD.

The signed certificate shall be sent to the client at his address or any other address he has specifically requested. The certificate shall not be issued to any other person without a written approval from the client. The certificate docket shall contain at least the following –

• Cover letter from ISOQAR
• Certificate
• Rules accompanying the logo (F103)
• CD containing soft copy of the logos / Hard Copies of the Logo.
• Customer survey form (F104)

A copy of the certificate together with all other documents supporting the approval shall be placed in the client's file or scanned in and stored on the doc server.

ISOQAR will verify in subsequent audits the usage of logo to ascertain incorrect references to certification status or misleading use of certification documents, marks or audit reports.

Actions which can include requests for correction and corrective action, suspension, withdrawal of certification, publication of the transgression and, if necessary, legal action.

CHANGE IN CERTIFICATE

The client may request for change in certificate. This may be due to –

• Change in ownership
• Change in name of the company
• Change in location
• Increase or decrease in scope (products, services offered etc.)
• Increase or decrease in locations (opening / closing of site etc.)
• Change in the version of the standard certified

Client shall request for change in certificate or reduction / expansion in scope to Director Ops. Director Ops shall review the request and decide for a special audit if the next audit is not due in near future or if the next audit cannot be preponed. Director Ops shall also determine if the changed scope is within accreditation scope of ISOQAR.

In case of change in name of company or location without any change in management, the client shall submit ROC approval / any other regulatory approval for the change. Where the management has changed, the details of M&A and ROC approval / any other regulatory approval shall be submitted along with the request.

The duration for the special visit shall be decided by Director Ops and communicated to the client. The lead auditor submits a descriptive report detailing the changes, justification for reduction / expansion of scope and review of the impact of change in the scope (use of logos etc). Where expansion of scope is requested, the compliance to QMS for the respective activities and impact on other processes is verified. In case the special visit is carried out as a part of routine surveillance, the descriptive report is added to the surveillance report.

The report is reviewed as detailed in 10.1 and 10.2 above. A new certificate is issued with the reissue date (this distinguishes the revised certificate) but having the same expiry date on successful completion of the above process. Director Ops shall review the contract to determine change in contract w.r.t. duration for further visits etc.

Refusing Certification

Certificates will be refused if there are any major non-conformances identified at time of certification or recertification audit until the time the corrections and corrective actions are verified.

Client will be informed about this at the time of opening and closing meeting.

Refusal to take business:

The Director Ops assesses a prospective client with respect to the risk of supplying services. Director Ops may refuse to provide the service for any of the following reasons

• Client business is out of accreditation scope
• Non availability of competent staff
• Commercial reasons
• Questionable reputation of client

This instruction covers suspension procedures through withdrawal or cancellation of the certification certificate and revision of the register of approved firms.

• Grounds for action are brought to the attention of the Director (Ops), who reviews the information and decides whether to proceed. Either way, the he / she issues a letter to the client via registered mail / courier advising them of the details of the grounds for action and the decision on whether to proceed.
• If the Director Ops decides to proceed, the client must reply to ISOQAR India within fourteen days of receipt of letter.
• If the Director Ops determines that the action or position contained in the client reply is satisfactory, he issues a letter stating this, and mails it to the client via registered mail.
• If actions are required, due dates must be set and Director Ops must review the actions at those times to ensure that they are effectively completed in order to prevent suspension or cancellation.
• If the client does not reply in fourteen days, if the reply is not satisfactory, or if the actions required are not effectively completed in the allowed time, the Director Ops determines whether to suspend or cancel certification.
• If the decision is made to cancel certification, the MD is responsible for suspending the client or canceling the client from the Register of Approved Firms, advising the client by registered mail / courier, and publicizing the cancellation, if necessary. MD cannot over-rule the decision made by Director Ops.

• Effective corrective action for major nonconformance is not implemented within a specified time period of sixty days from the date of non-conformance issued.
• Improper or misuse of the certificate, symbol or logo not remedied to the satisfaction of ISOQAR India.
• Client ceases to supply product or service of the certified quality system for an extended period of time.
• Client’s certified management system has persistently fails to meet any of the requirements for certification including requirements for the effectiveness of the management system.
• Client does not allow surveillance / recertification audits to be conducted as per defined frequencies.
• Client fails to meet financial obligations to ISOQAR India.
• Client is unable or unwilling to ensure conformance to revisions of standards.
• Existence of a serious complaint, or a large number of second- or third-party complaints, which indicate that the quality management system is not being maintained.
• Client voluntarily request a suspension

An intimation (verbal / written) will be sent to the client fifteen days prior to suspending and issuing the suspension letter

Suspension period will be maximum of six months.

If the client has taken actions for the reasons they were suspended then these actions will be reviewed and if found satisfactory the certificate will again be restored.

The following reasons are considered grounds for de registration:

• The client fails to take effective corrective action within the maximum suspension period.
• Client makes a formal request to withdraw certification.
• Infringement by the client of any contractual conditions between the client and ISOQAR.
• Failure to comply with the deadline for transition to ISO 9001:2015 / ISO 14001 : 2015

An intimation (verbal / written) will be sent to the client fifteen days prior to deregistration and issuing the deregistration letter

The suspension or deregistration can be initiated if the client does not allow the routine surveillance to be conducted at the required frequency. The first surveillance audit is carried out not more than 12 months from the certification decision date. The subsequent routine surveillance is carried out not more than 12 months from the last surveillance audit with a grace period of one month given under special circumstances. In case the audit is not done as per above defined time lines the certificate is suspended and a suspension letter is sent to the client and also requesting him to agree for the audit. In case of client not conducting the surveillance audit within the suspension period, then the client is de registered. Successful completion of the audit within the suspension period shall not impact the certification and the suspension is revoked.

In case the audit is not done within within the suspension period, the certificate is deregistered / cancelled and the client shall be considered as a fresh case for certification. In this scenario the Operations Director will study such cases and make a decision whether a Stage 01 Audit again needs to be conducted or not.

Special circumstances might be like strike, natural calamities, business operations (case to case basis) etc.

Subject to actions by the client, the following steps will be taken leading to possible suspension or cancellation of the client's certification:

• Unless a reply is received to the letter accompanying notification within 14 days, certification will be suspended and a notification of suspension may be published at the discretion of ISOQAR India.
• The client's response to the accompanying letter will be reviewed and the proceedings may be put on hold while clarification is sought.
• Where mutually agreed-upon corrective action is to be implemented, a time period for implementation will be buy viagra usa specified and a review of the corrective action undertaken at the appointed time. This may be the subject of a special surveillance visit or of review of submitted objective evidence, at the discretion of ISOQAR India. Should the corrective action not be considered adequate or not be completed by the appointed time, certification will be automatically suspended.
• In the case of serious circumstances, ISOQAR India may invoke suspension during the period pending the implementation of corrective action.
• Where suspension has been invoked due to failure to conduct surveillance audit, the client shall give justification for failure and offer suitable date. The date shall not be later than six months from last audit. Failure to offer for audit within six months shall result in cancellation of certification. In case the surveillance audit is conducted within six months then the suspension will be revoked.
• When corrective action to resolve the problem(s) taken by the client has been verified, certification will be resumed. The period of certification will not be revised to cover the period of suspension.
• During the period of suspension the client shall not make claims that they are certified and will withdraw usage of the certification marks from all places where ever used.
• Cancellation of certification will be invoked where, following suspension of certification, the client fails to respond to ISOQAR India communications within the 14-day grace period or fails to implement corrective action within the appointed time period or fails to complete the routine audits within the time frame under which they are under suspension.
• In extreme circumstances ISOQAR India may invoke the cancellation of certification with immediate effect without recourse to initial certification suspension.
• Cancellation of certification will require the client to assume the status of non-approval and return all certification documentation to ISOQAR India.
• Use of certification documents, symbols, or logos by the client following certification suspension / cancellation may result in legal action being taken against the client.
• Re-approval after certification cancellation will be on the same basis, and follow the same process, as that of initial application for a new client. This will require a full assessment, with optional stage one review at the discretion of ISOQAR India.
• The de-certification will be published as a separate list and will be available at the ISOQAR India office and made available upon request.
• The client has the right to appeal any decisions of ISOQAR India and a copy of the appeals procedures will be made available upon request.
• AE shall remove the companies where the certificate has been cancelled. During suspension, suspension remark shall be placed in the registered of approved firms.
• The client files for all cancelled cases shall be archived for a period of 3 months and then destroyed.
• Expanding / Reduction in scope of Certificates issued

ISOQAR India shall wherever applicable and as requested by the certified organization expand the scope of certification if during the time of routine surveillance audits / Re approval or Renewal audits it finds that the certified client has added more parts to the existing scope of certification. This will be done after the successful completion onsite audit at time of routine surveillance audits / Re approval or Renewal or as a special scope extension audit if required by the client. The expansion in scope will be approved by the Director Ops.

ISOQAR India shall wherever applicable reduce the scope of certification if during the time of routine surveillance audits / Re approval or Renewal audits it finds that the certified client has continually / seriously failed to meet the certification requirements for those parts of the scope of certification. The reduction in scope will be approved by the Director Ops.

List of Registered Firms / Suspended Firms / De Registered Firms is updated as and when any new certificate or revised certificate is issued, revoking of suspension, any certificate is suspended or de registered and these are available upon request to ISOQAR Office by any party.