Suspension, Withdrawal, or Reduction of Certification Scope

HOQ Management Services Pvt. Ltd. reserves the right to suspend, withdraw, or reduce the scope of certification in accordance with certification rules and contractual obligations.

1. Suspension of Certification

Top Management of HOQ has the authority to suspend certification if:

• The client’s certified management system persistently or seriously fails to meet certification requirements, including effectiveness of the system

• The client does not allow surveillance or recertification audits at the agreed frequency

• The client voluntarily requests suspension in writing

During suspension, the certification status becomes temporarily invalid.

The client must immediately stop promoting its certification during the suspension period as per the certification agreement. HOQ will communicate required corrective actions to restore certification.

Suspension status will be:

• Communicated to the client in writing

• Made publicly accessible through official communication channels where required

If the issues leading to suspension are not resolved within one month or within the timeframe specified by HOQ, a decision may be taken to withdraw certification or reduce its scope.

2. Reduction of Scope

HOQ may reduce the scope of certification when:

• Certain parts of the client’s certified activities fail to meet requirements

• Nonconformities are limited to specific processes, sites, or functions

The reduction will align strictly with the applicable standard requirements.

3. Withdrawal of Certification

Certification may be withdrawn if:

• The client fails to resolve suspension issues within the specified time

• There is serious or repeated noncompliance

• The client misuses the certification mark or status

Upon withdrawal, the client must discontinue all references to certification in promotional or official materials.

Refusal, Renewal & Restoration of Certification

HOQ may refuse certification if:

• Stage 2 audit is not conducted within the agreed timeframe

• Nonconformities are not closed within the defined period

• Certification fees or dues remain unpaid

• The client denies access to information required to achieve audit objectives

Restoration After Suspension

Clients are provided up to 120 days to address issues causing suspension. Restoration is granted only after successful verification of corrective actions.

Renewal of Certification

Certification may be renewed based on:

• Continued conformity with standard requirements

• Successful completion of recertification audit

• Client request in line with certification rules