Pak CA may suspend, withdraw or reduce the scope of a certificate. The current status of every certificate is always shown on the online verification page.
Suspension
A certificate may be suspended, normally for up to six months, when:
- the management system persistently or seriously fails to meet the requirements;
- the client does not allow surveillance or recertification audits at the required times;
- the client does not close nonconformities within the agreed time;
- the client misuses the certificate or certification mark;
- the client does not pay the agreed fees; or
- the client asks for a voluntary suspension.
During suspension the certificate is temporarily invalid. The client must not promote its certification and the status shown online is SUSPENDED.
Reinstatement
The certificate is restored when the issues that caused the suspension are resolved and verified by Pak CA, usually through a special audit.
Withdrawal
A certificate is withdrawn when the issues are not resolved within the suspension period, when the client seriously breaches the certification agreement or misuses the certificate, or at the client's request. A withdrawn certificate must no longer be used, and all copies and references to certification must be removed from documents, websites and advertising. The status shown online is WITHDRAWN.
Reduction of scope
When a client persistently or seriously fails to meet requirements for part of its scope, the scope is reduced to exclude that part.
Appeals
The client may appeal any decision to suspend, withdraw or reduce scope through our complaints and appeals page.