Certification procedures

Certification process

    Why it’s worth certifying with us

    Control Union provides confidence and trust that certified products, processes, services, and organisations meet relevant standards. Our certification process is structured, consistent, and impartial, with clearly defined procedures from application to certificate issuance, carried out by qualified personnel.

    Our approach is based on objectivity and integrity, supported by an independent Advisory Council representing key sectors. The Council advises on policies to ensure impartiality, transparency, and trust in certification.

    Certification helps demonstrate compliance with standards, access new markets, and meet customer requirements.

    Information and confidentiality
    We treat all information with strict confidentiality. Data obtained during audits is only shared when required by scheme owners, accreditation bodies, or legal obligations, and always under confidentiality. No information is disclosed to third parties without your explicit written consent.

    Get started

    The first step in a certification process consists of completing an application form for the applicable scheme as available on the Control Union website. If you are not sure you have the correct form or can not find the program you are looking for, you may also contact us and we will send the applicable application form to you.

    Application forms
    Invitation to become part of Control Union
    Planning, Phases, and Procedures

    Certification process

    The certification process contains the following steps:

    Before the audit

    1. Before the audit, we send an application form to the appropriate standard. 2. After receiving it back, we prepare an offer according to its contents. 3. Our cooperation begins with the signing of the contract. 4. Before the audit, our auditor will contact you to arrange a time. 5. The audit draft will be sent to you in advance of the audit.

    Audit

    Auditors look for evidence of compliance with the standard. During the audit, they visit facilities, interview workers and managers. They also examine documents and records. During all of these activities, auditors review the effectiveness and implementation of the system and how it complies with the relevant standard(s). Auditors use standardized forms to record their findings in writing. During the audit, they raise issues that they believe are leading to non-conformities, which will be presented at the closing meeting.

    After audit

    The auditor summarizes the observations made during the audit. The audit report is reviewed and closed, and then handed over to the certification body. In case of any non-conformities, the client can submit a deficiency correction.

    Certification decision

    After evaluating the audit report, the certification body makes a certification decision. The certificate is then issued and the client can use its benefits.

    Successful audit

    Awarded with a certificate!

    If the audit is successfully completed and a positive certification decision is made, you will be proudly awarded a certificate and officially recognized as certified. This confirms that your products, processes, or organisation comply with the applicable requirements and standards.

    Please note that the validity of the certificate may vary depending on the specific standard, scope, and applicable conditions. Continued compliance and, where required, periodic assessments or audits are essential to maintain certification status.

    Use of marks and logos

    How to use marks and logos

    Upon issuance of a certificate, you may be authorised to use a designated certification mark or logo. Your right to use any such mark is contingent on maintaining a valid certificate in respect of the certified management system or products and compliance with the scheme governing the use of the mark.

    When making reference to and making use of the certificate and marks or logos, the following applies:

    • It is not allowed to make any misleading statement regarding the status of certification

    • It is not allowed to suggest that certification relates to activities, units, products etc. that are not included in the scope of certification

    • Certificates, marks and logos must be represented in their entirety, including frames and logos may only be represented in their intended colours or in black and whit

    • It is not allowed to place logos on testing reports of laboratories or calibration reports or certificates

    • If a Client after withdrawal or resignation of a certificate keeps using logos or other expressions that give rise to the suggestion that certification is still valid, CUC may take legal action

    We may take samples during an audit

    Samples

    In the process of an audit we may have to take samples. These are used to verify that your product is indeed in compliance with specifications. We are required to send these samples to a laboratory that is accredited to the ISO 17025 standard. Samples taken are divided into three parts. One part will be given to you to store as a counter sample (which we may need to use in specific situations at a later stage), one part will be sent to the laboratory and the third part will be kept by us, also as a counter sample.

    Keeping your data up-to-date

    • New units: if you wish to include new units into the certification program, Control Union should be informed about the relevant information of the units. Based on that information the audit plan will be updated. This is also applicable for withdrawal of units from the program

    • New products: A product can be added to your contract if you fill out a Control Union product specification

    • Import and transaction certificates: For all transports of certified you should apply for transaction certificates at your Control Union office. This can be done through your portal

    Certification programs

    Control Union offers tailored or pre-made Certification Programs for sustainable sourcing in many industries. Here you will find an overview of all our Certification Programs offered worldwide. You can easily filter on your specific needs, industry or location. Let Control Union be The Proof to your Promise.

    All certification programs
    Certifications
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