Global Standards Segment Private Limited

GSSPL follows a comprehensive and transparent certification process aligned with ISO 17021-1:2015 requirements. Our certification process ensures impartiality, competence, and thoroughness at every stage.

Stage 1: Application & Document Review

• Submit certification application with organization details
• GSSPL reviews application and confirms scope of certification
• Document review of management system documentation
• Quotation and agreement preparation

Stage 2: Initial Certification Audit

• On-site audit conducted by qualified GSSPL auditors
• Review of management system implementation and effectiveness
• Assessment of compliance with applicable standards
• Identification of non-conformities (if any)
• Audit report preparation and review

Stage 3: Certification Decision

• Independent certification committee reviews audit findings
• Verification of corrective actions for any non-conformities
• Certification decision made based on objective evidence
• Certificate issuance (valid for 3 years)

Stage 4: Surveillance Audits

• Annual surveillance audits (6, 9, or 12-month intervals)
• Verification of continued compliance with standards
• Review of management system changes and improvements
• Verification of proper use of certification marks

Stage 5: Recertification

• Comprehensive recertification audit before certificate expiry
• Full system review and assessment
• New certificate issued for another 3-year period

Purpose

To ensure that the Certification & Accreditation Marks authorized for the client's use are governed by a set of rules established by GSSPL. These guidelines protect the integrity of our certification marks and maintain the credibility of our certification services.

Scope

All Certificates of QMS/EMS/OHSMS/FSMS/ISMS Approval issued by Global Standards Segment Private Limited (GSSPL).

References

ISO 17021-1:2015, Clause 8.3 Requirements - ensuring international compliance and recognition.

Responsibilities

General Requirements

GSSPL certification marks and documentation ensure:

• Traceability back to Global Standards Segment Private Limited
• Certified clients comply with conditions governing the use of certificates and marks
• Prevention of ambiguity regarding what has been certified
• Clear indication that certificates are issued by GSSPL

Prohibitions

• Product Marking: Certification marks shall NOT be used on products or product packaging in any way that may be interpreted as denoting product conformity
• Reports & Certificates: Marks shall NOT be used on laboratory test, calibration, or inspection reports or certificates
• Misleading Statements: Clients shall not make or permit any misleading statement regarding certification
• Scope Limitation: Marks shall not imply certification applies to activities outside the certified scope

Use of Certificate of Approval

• Certificates remain the property of GSSPL
• Valid for three years from date of issue, subject to satisfactory surveillance assessments
• Certificates are not transferable
• Must only be displayed at the location applicable to the certified scope
• Shall not be used to imply product approval
• Photocopies must be watermarked or marked as copies
• Electronic versions provided by GSSPL can be used without watermark but cannot be altered or modified
• Clients must advise GSSPL of any changes affecting the scope of supply

Use of Certification & Accreditation Marks

Permitted Uses:

• Internet, organization website, brochures, letterhead, envelopes, business cards
• Product packaging (removable) with clear statement that management system is certified, not the product
• User manuals and accompanying information
• Must always be used in conjunction with the client's name
• May be used with relevant accreditation marks when permitted

Requirements:

• Marks cannot be altered or modified
• May be reproduced in any size provided configuration and proportions are maintained
• All features must be clearly distinguishable
• Accreditation numbers (if included) are part of the mark and cannot be removed

Restrictions:

• Shall not be used on flags, buildings, or directly affixed to products
• Testing and calibration laboratories cannot apply marks to test/calibration reports
• Must not suggest product certification
• Cannot be used in a way that brings GSSPL or certification systems into disrepute

Suspension & Withdrawal

If a client fails to maintain compliance with applicable standards and certification conditions:

1. Client is formally informed in writing about the failure and asked to detail corrective action
2. If client refuses to respond, certificate may be suspended initially for 6 months
3. After 6 months, certificate is cancelled and client must return certificates and cease use of all references
4. Same rules apply if surveillance exceeds contracted period or recertification exceeds three-year period

Contractual Obligations

Correct use of certificates, certification marks, and accreditation marks is a contractual obligation monitored at surveillance and renewal assessments.

Impartiality is defined as "not prejudiced towards or against any particular side or party." Global Standards Segment Private Limited seeks to attain the highest degree of public confidence and trust in rendering unbiased services.

Our Commitment to Impartiality

Global Standards Segment Private Limited fully acknowledges the importance of impartiality in carrying out certification body activities governed by ISO/IEC 17021. GSSPL and every member of our team commits to the following:

• Fair Treatment: We act impartially, and our policies and procedures for certification are fair among all applicants, candidates, and certified persons
• No Undue Restrictions: We do not restrict certification on grounds of undue financial or other limiting conditions, such as membership requirements
• No Commercial Pressure: We are responsible for the impartiality of our certification activities and do not allow commercial, financial, or other pressures to compromise impartiality
• No Consultancy Implication: Our staff does not suggest or imply that certification would be simpler, easier, or less expensive if consultancy or training services were used
• Training Separation: GSSPL does not offer training as part of certification activity. Our sister concern, Global Standards, is an Exemplar Global approved training provider but does not provide training to GSSPL clients
• Objective Decisions: All decisions are based on objective evidence obtained through an effective process, not influenced by other interests or parties
• Competent Decision-Makers: Certification decisions are made and approved by competent persons free from influence by other interests
• Highest Integrity: Our corporate policies and practices ensure the highest standards of integrity in all certification activities
• Personnel Independence: Our personnel are not influenced by financial, commercial, or other pressures and take action to address situations affecting impartiality
• Conflict of Interest Management: We do not use personnel with actual or potential conflicts of interest
• Legally Enforceable Agreements: We enter into legally enforceable agreements with clients and retain all authority and responsibility for certification decisions

Recognized Threats to Impartiality

GSSPL recognizes and actively manages the following threats:

Impartiality Committee

GSSPL has created a certification committee to ensure balanced involvement of interested parties. The committee provides input into certification schemes, examination types, processes, and procedures regarding certification, recertification, surveillance activities, and related matters.

Committee Composition:

• 1 Director
• 1 Certified Client
• 1 Environmental Management Expert
• 1 Occupational Health & Safety Management Expert
• 1 Food Safety Management System Expert
• 1 Information Security Management System Expert
• 2 Industry Stakeholders (academic institutions, regulatory bodies, etc.)

Ongoing Risk Management

GSSPL identifies threats to impartiality on an ongoing basis, including threats arising from:

• Our activities and related bodies
• Our relationships and the relationships of our personnel
• Annual risk assessment on impartiality and conflict of interest conducted by management
• Regular review of threats to impartiality and conflict of interest
• Binding agreements ensuring independent and impartial conduct throughout certification processes

Objective

To describe measures that GSSPL has implemented to evaluate appeals, make decisions, and receive, investigate, and resolve complaints with appropriate corrective and preventive actions.

Scope

This procedure applies to all appeals and complaints received by GSSPL in relation to certification and related services offered in all operating regions within accredited and non-accredited scopes of certification.

References

ISO 17021-1:2015; Clause 9.7 & 9.8 requirements

Definitions

Appeal: A plea/request preferred by a client to the highest decision-making committee seeking resolution on decisions made while handling a complaint or dispute, or a plea on a certification decision made by GSSPL.

Complaint: Written or verbal identification of unsatisfactory service or conduct of GSSPL auditor(s) by a client or interested/affected parties.

Appeals Procedure

1. Appeals Handling Committee

The committee comprises:

• Director & Quality Manager
• Member of Committee of Impartiality
• Technical Expert and/or legal advisor (if required)

Quality Manager serves as coordinator. No committee member shall have been involved in the audit team or technical team for the specific client appealing.

2. Appeals Process

1. Registration (7 days): Admin Manager registers appeal with all details and sends acknowledgment within 7 working days
2. Review: Committee reviews appeal and discusses circumstances necessitating the appeal
3. Hearing: Predetermined hearing date set; appellant's representative invited to present their case
4. Decision (7 days): Committee decision communicated to appellant within 7 days of decision
5. Progress Reports: Available upon request during appeal handling
6. Corrective Action: Quality Manager reviews decision and takes necessary corrective action to prevent recurrence

Complaints Procedure

1. Registration & Acknowledgment

• Admin Manager registers all written or verbal complaints in Corrective Action Request form
• Acknowledgment sent to complainant within 2 working days
• Progress reports provided if resolution is delayed

2. Complaint Types

GSSPL distinguishes between:

• Certification Activity Complaints: Related to GSSPL's certification activities
• Certified Client Complaints: About a certified client, requiring consideration of management system effectiveness (referred to relevant client)

3. Investigation & Resolution

1. Information Gathering: GSSPL gathers all information and verifies validity
2. Root Cause Analysis (15 days): Identify root causes and corrective actions within 15 days (maximum 30 days with justification)
3. Decision & Approval: Quality Manager or Director (not involved in subject of complaint) reviews and approves decision
4. Communication (7 days): Admin Manager informs client of action taken and resolution within 7 days of completion
5. Effectiveness Monitoring: Quality Manager monitors effectiveness of corrective action
6. Public Disclosure: GSSPL determines with client and complainant the extent of information that can be made public

4. Escalation

If complainant is not satisfied with the solution or timeframe is exceeded, they may complain to the accreditation body.

Terms of Reference

The Appeals and Complaints Handling Committee is authorized to:

• Investigate any appeal or complaint within its terms of reference
• Seek any relevant information from any member of staff or relevant third parties
• Obtain legal or independent professional advice as needed
• Address all complaints and appeals impartially and independently
• Uphold integrity in resolving appeals and complaints
• Counteract commercial or other considerations preventing objective handling
• Resolve all appeals and complaints within specified time
• Report to GSSPL management on statuses of appeals and complaints

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the services of Global Standards Segment Private Limited (GSSPL), you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provisions of this agreement.

2. Certification Services

GSSPL provides certification services for Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems (OHSMS), Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), and Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) in accordance with ISO 17021-1:2015 requirements.

• All certification processes follow internationally recognized standards
• Certification decisions are based on objective evidence gathered during audits
• Certified organizations must maintain compliance with applicable standards
• GSSPL reserves the right to conduct surveillance audits at contracted intervals
• Certificates are valid for three years, subject to satisfactory surveillance audits

3. Use of Certification Marks

Certified clients are authorized to use GSSPL certification marks subject to the following conditions:

• Marks may only be used in accordance with GSSPL guidelines as detailed in our Marks & Logo Rules
• Marks remain the property of GSSPL
• Misuse of certification marks may result in suspension or withdrawal of certification
• Clients must discontinue use of marks immediately upon suspension or withdrawal of certification
• Marks shall not be used on products or in a manner implying product certification
• Clients must not make misleading statements regarding their certification status

4. Client Obligations

Certified clients must:

• Maintain compliance with applicable management system standards at all times
• Cooperate with GSSPL auditors during all audit activities and provide access to records
• Promptly address any non-conformities identified during audits with effective corrective actions
• Notify GSSPL of any significant changes to their management system, organization structure, or scope
• Pay all applicable certification, audit, and surveillance fees on time as per agreement
• Allow GSSPL to verify proper use of certificates and certification marks
• Participate in surveillance audits at contracted intervals

5. Certificate Validity and Maintenance

• Certificates are valid for three years from the date of issue
• Continued validity requires satisfactory annual surveillance assessments
• Certificates are not transferable to other organizations or locations
• Certificate shall only be displayed at the location specified in the scope
• Changes to organization or scope require notification and may require audit

6. Suspension and Withdrawal

GSSPL may suspend or withdraw certification in cases including but not limited to:

• Failure to maintain compliance with applicable standards
• Misuse of certificates, certification marks, or accreditation marks
• Failure to address non-conformities within agreed timeframes
• Non-payment of fees
• Refusal to cooperate with surveillance audits
• Actions that bring GSSPL or the certification system into disrepute
• Fraud or premeditated misuse of certification

7. Appeals and Complaints

Clients have the right to:

• Appeal certification decisions through our established Appeals Procedure
• File complaints regarding certification services or auditor conduct
• Receive fair and impartial handling of appeals and complaints
• Escalate unresolved complaints to the accreditation body

8. Confidentiality

GSSPL maintains strict confidentiality regarding all information obtained during the certification process, except where disclosure is required by law, accreditation requirements, or with client consent.

9. Liability and Indemnification

GSSPL shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from certification services. Certified organizations agree to indemnify GSSPL against any claims arising from misuse of certification or failure to maintain system compliance.

10. Impartiality

GSSPL is committed to impartiality in all certification activities. We do not offer consultancy services and maintain independence from commercial pressures. All decisions are based on objective evidence.

11. Changes to Terms

GSSPL reserves the right to modify these terms at any time to reflect changes in standards, accreditation requirements, or business practices. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

12. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of India. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.

13. Accreditation and Compliance

GSSPL operates in accordance with ISO 17021-1:2015 requirements and maintains compliance with accreditation body requirements. All certifications can be validated on www.iafcertsearch.org.

1. Introduction

Global Standards Segment Private Limited (GSSPL) is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and business address
• Organization Information: Company name, industry, size, management system details, and organizational structure
• Audit Information: Documentation, records, and evidence gathered during certification audits
• Communication Records: Correspondence related to certification services, complaints, and appeals
• Payment Information: Billing details and payment transaction records

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Processing certification applications and conducting audits
• Maintaining certification records and databases
• Communicating about certification status, audits, and requirements
• Complying with ISO 17021-1:2015 and accreditation body requirements
• Handling appeals and complaints
• Improving our services and customer support
• Maintaining certification registers and directories
• Processing payments and managing accounts

4. Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

• Accreditation Bodies: As required for accreditation compliance and oversight
• Auditors: Our certified auditors who conduct certification audits on our behalf
• Impartiality Committee: For review of impartiality concerns and conflicts of interest
• Legal Authorities: When required by law, regulation, or legal process
• Public Registers: Basic certification details published in certification registers (organization name, certification scope, certificate number, validity dates)
• IAF CertSearch: Certificate information published on www.iafcertsearch.org for validation purposes

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. No Cookies Policy

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure data storage systems with encryption
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Regular security assessments and audits
• Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
• Confidentiality agreements with personnel and auditors
• Physical security measures at our offices

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill certification requirements and comply with legal obligations:

• Active certification records: Duration of certification plus 5 years
• Audit records: Minimum 5 years after audit completion
• Withdrawn/suspended certifications: 5 years after withdrawal/suspension
• Appeals and complaints: 5 years after resolution
• Financial records: As required by applicable tax and accounting laws

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information held by GSSPL
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of information (subject to legal and certification requirements)
• Object to processing of your information
• Request information about how your data is used and shared
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
• Lodge a complaint with relevant data protection authorities

Please note that certain information must be retained to meet ISO 17021-1:2015 and accreditation requirements, even if you request deletion.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (such as www.iafcertsearch.org). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of India for accreditation body reporting and international certification register purposes. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

11. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or accreditation standards. We will notify certified clients of significant changes through our usual communication channels.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us at:

• Email: certification.gs@gmail.com
• Phone: +91 9628166661, +91 8090004568
• Address: C-37/6, Paper Mill Colony, Nishatganj, Lucknow - 226006, Uttar Pradesh, India

Last Updated: January 2026