Certification of a client may be suspended or withdrawn for several reasons, including the following:

1. Failure to meet certification requirements:
   • The certified management system consistently and significantly fails to meet certification standards. This can include:
     1. Inadequate response to identified non-conformities.
     2. The management system no longer reflects the current structure or processes of the organization (e.g., due to changes, acquisitions, or diversification).
     3. A major portion of the management system is not implemented.
2. Surveillance and recertification audits:
   • If surveillance or recertification audits are not conducted as per the required schedule or frequency, a 2-month grace period will be provided to the client. If the audits are not completed within this period, the certification will be suspended, and the client will be notified accordingly.
3. Violation of certification contract terms:
   • Non-compliance with the terms of the signed certification contract, such as:
     1. Non-payment of fees.
     2. Incorrect use of the certification mark or misrepresentation of certification status.
4. Customer-requested suspension:
   • The customer voluntarily requests a temporary suspension of their certification.
5. Requests from regulatory authorities:
   • Regulatory authorities may request suspension due to:
     1. Evidence of non-compliance with regulatory or statutory requirements related to the certified management system.
     2. Evidence of a non-effective management system following serious incidents or accidents.

Suspension is typically the first step in the process, with withdrawal following if the issue is not resolved within the specified timeframe. In certain cases, NORMEIRA may opt for a direct certificate withdrawal based on the seriousness of the issue. If the failure relates to a specific part of the organization or specific products/services, NORMEIRA may reduce the scope of certification rather than suspending it. The client may also be warned that suspension is being considered.

A formal letter will be sent to the client to communicate the decision to suspend or withdraw the certification. If a certificate is withdrawn, the client must:

1. Stop using the certification mark and any reference to the certification.
2. Return the original certificate(s) and copies to NORMEIRA.

The client has the right to appeal the decision, which can be done through the complaints procedure.