Policies
Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) define the legal framework governing all interactions, obligations, and responsibilities between Certinova Management Pvt. Ltd. (referred to as “CMPL”) and any organization (the “Client”) seeking certification or undergoing audits under CERTINOVA’s ISO management Managementservices. CERTINOVA operates as an independent, impartial, and IASaccredited certification body, providing a broad range of certification services across industries, geographies, and sectors.
This document outlines the expectations from both CERTINOVA and the Client, setting forth the rights and obligations that ensure a structured, transparent, and mutually respectful certification process. It ensures legal clarity, protects the interests of all involved parties, and supports the consistent application of certification principles as per ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 requirements. By initiating the application, engaging in an audit, or signing a service contract, the Client affirms their understanding and agreement to abide by these Terms and Conditions in full.
Scope of Services
CERTINOVA delivers accredited third-party certification services covering ISO standards including, but not limited to, ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), ISO 27001 (Information Security), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity), and ISO 37001 (AntiBribery). These services encompass the complete lifecycle of certification, starting from application intake, documentation review, audit scheduling, pre-assessment (if applicable), formal Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits, annual surveillance assessments, and recertification audits, along with certification issuance and updates.
All certifications are conducted in accordance with IAS (International Accreditation Service) requirements and the applicable conformity assessment standards (such as ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 and related sector-specific technical documents).
Obligations of the Client
The Client must:
1.Submit accurate and complete information during application and throughout the certification process
2.Ensure unrestricted access for CERTINOVA auditors to all relevant sites, documents, employees, and processes
3.Maintain and operate the certified management system throughout the validity of the certification
4.Notify CERTINOVA immediately of any structural, legal, operational, or scope-related changes that could affect the certification status
5.Make payments as per the mutually agreed invoice terms and keep financial accounts in good standing 6.Use the certification only in line with CERTINOVA policies and never to mislead stakeholders, clients, or regulators
Step-by-step guidance from application and documentation review to audit, certification, and ongoing surveillance.
Confidentiality
CERTINOVA maintains strict confidentiality protocols to protect client information, ensuring that any proprietary, sensitive, or personal data is not disclosed to unauthorized third parties. Exceptions apply only when disclosure is required under law, regulatory obligations, or accreditation board rules. The Client is likewise expected to keep CERTINOVA’s processes, reports, methodologies, and audit checklists confidential.
Use of Logo and Certification Marks
Upon successful certification, clients are authorized to use the CERTINOVA and IAS accreditation marks as defined under CERTINOVA’s Logo Usage Policy. The mark may be used in marketing materials, websites, or reports as long as it is clear that the certification pertains to the management system and not to products or services. Misuse of marks, or use after certificate suspension, expiration, or withdrawal, will result in disciplinary actions, which may include public notice or legal recourse.
Use of Logo and Certification Marks
Upon successful certification, clients are authorized to use the CERTINOVA and IAS accreditation marks as defined under CERTINOVA’s Logo Usage Policy. The mark may be used in marketing materials, websites, or reports as long as it is clear that the certification pertains to the management system and not to products or services. Misuse of marks, or use after certificate suspension, expiration, or withdrawal, will result in disciplinary actions, which may include public notice or legal recourse.
Certification Validity and Surveillance
Certification issued by CERTINOVA remains valid for three (3) years, provided the certified organization complies with annual surveillance audits. Failure to allow timely surveillance, unresolved major nonconformities, or misuse of the certificate can result in suspension or cancellation. CERTINOVA reserves the right to alter the certification status or scope if the client’s compliance level changes during the validity cycle.
Suspension, Withdrawal, and Termination
CERTINOVA may suspend or terminate a certification in cases of:
1.Continued noncompliance or failure to correct nonconformities
2.Breach of contract, fraudulent behavior, or willful misrepresentation
3.Deliberate denial of access to audit sites, documents, or personnel
4.Misuse of the certificate or marks Clients are notified in writing about the reason and allowed an appropriate time to respond. Appeals can be filed according to CERTINOVA’s official Appeals and Complaints Handling Policy.
Fees and Payment
All certification fees are defined in the client-specific quotation. The fee includes application review, auditor man-days, travel (if applicable), reporting, and certificate issuance. CERTINOVA reserves the right to withhold services or delay certification due to non-payment. Refunds, where eligible, are subject to CERTINOVA’s Refund & Cancellation Policy.
Limitation of Liability
CERTINOVA shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss suffered by the Client, including loss of business, revenue, contracts, or data. CERTINOVA’s total liability in relation to the provision of services shall be limited to the fees paid by the Client in respect to the particular service that gave rise to the liability claim
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted according to the laws of India. Any legal dispute shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of courts located in Uttar Pradesh. The Client agrees not to initiate or pursue legal proceedings in any other jurisdiction.
Amendments and Interpretation
CERTINOVA reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions periodically to align with regulatory updates, accreditation board guidance, or internal procedural changes. Any revisions will be published on CERTINOVA’s official website. Continued engagement with CERTINOVA following such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Engaging with CERTINOVA for certification services confirms the Client’s full acceptance and adherence to the above Terms and Conditions.