Many companies use ISO Certification as a way to manage risk in their supply chains, and buyers will often ask for copies of ISO Certificates during the tendering or supplier review process.
But how can buyers verify the certificate provided by a supplier is genuine and what can they do if they suspect it is not. Here are some tips.
Check Out the Certification Body
There are many certification bodies out there and these very between accredited and non-accredited companies.
Firstly, search for the Certification Body who has issued the certificate you have. Look for news articles, negative reviews and bad press.
Then look at their website to see what information is on there and whether it has been updated recently.
If they claim to be accredited, for example by UKAS, then you can go to the accreditation body website and search for the certification body there. This will tell you which standards they are accredited for.
See also: ISO Accreditation Bodies Around the World
Check the Version of the Standard is Current
You can use the ISO Website to check for the current version of a standard. This is usually the four-digit YEAR at the end, for example ISO 9001:2015.
When standards are updated there is usually a three-year transition period. So you should not see an old version of the standard more than three-years after it has been updated.
Check the Issue and Expiry Dates
ISO Certificates operate on a three-year cycle and should contain an expiry date. Ensure the certificate you have is in date.
The certificate may also have a first-registered date and a reissue date.
Usually the expiry date is three-years after the most recent reissue date, however this can be changed during a transition to a new standard, for example if the expiry of the certificate is after the maximum time allowed to transition to the new version of the standard, the expiry date may be moved earlier.
Check with the Accreditation Body
Many accreditation bodies offer a certificate search tool, allowing you to verify a certificate on their database.
For example:
Some certification bodies also have a search tool on their website.
What if I suspect a Certificate is Fake?
You can contact the issuing certification body directly if you believe a certificate is fake, and they will be able to validate it or take appropriate action.
It is important for the integrity of ISO certification that fraudulent certificates are taken out of circulation.
Need more help?
Our Certification Management Services team can help you with all aspects of ISO Certification. Contact us for support!