Introduction
V3 QualityCertification is a legal entity incorporated under the Companies Act 1956, in India.
The main object of the company is to offer independent third party certification to organizations
against various International Standards.
V3 Quality Certification offers a service to its clients, which cover the Assessment and Certification
of Quality Management Systems based on ISO 9001 and Environment Management Systems based on ISO 14001.
Criteria for Granting Certification
- The client has a documented Quality Management System applicable to its scope of certification.
- The system conforms to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 requirements.
- The client has completed at least one Internal Audit cycle.
- The client has completed at least one Management Review.
- The application form and applicable fee must be submitted.
- The client must maintain records of complaints and corrective actions.
- The final assessment must be satisfactory without Major non-conformances.
- The audit team recommendation must be favorable.
- The client must fulfill all financial obligations to V3 Quality Certification.
Certification Process
Application For Certification
The Client organization seeking certification of their QMS to ISO 9001 or EMS to ISO 14001 Standard
should submit detailed information in the prescribed format. The filled Quotation Request Form should
be signed by the authorized representative and sent to V3 Quality Certification office.
The Client organization should be prepared to provide additional information or allow V3 Quality
Certification representatives to visit the client site for gathering more information.
The Quotation Request Form is reviewed by V3 Quality Certification to ascertain the clarity of
certification requirements and capability to provide the required service.
Documentation Review
A document review is conducted to assess the documented management system against the requirements
of the relevant standard.
Pre-Assessment Audit
Before the actual assessment, a detailed examination of the client’s Quality Management System
may be undertaken. This is an optional part of the certification process.
Certification Audit
An assessment team visits the organization’s premises to verify compliance with procedures and
requirements described in the Quality Management System or Environmental Management System documentation.
Non Conformity Report
If a non-conformance is detected during assessment, a Nonconformity Report will be issued and
corrective action shall be initiated.
- Minor non-conformance requires documentary evidence for verification.
- Major non-conformance requires a follow-up audit.
- Certificates are not issued unless all non-conformities are effectively closed.
Recommendation for Certification
Organizations are recommended for certification after closure of all non-conformities and approval
by the certification panel.
Surveillance Audit
Surveillance audits are conducted regularly to ensure continued compliance with certification requirements.
- At least one surveillance audit is conducted every year.
- Six-month surveillance audits are preferred.
- Major non-conformities require follow-up audits.
- Failure to close corrective actions may result in suspension.
Re-certification Audit
Certification is valid for three years. A comprehensive re-certification audit is conducted
at the end of the cycle for renewal.
Special Audit
Special audits may be conducted in case of major non-conformities, extension of scope,
complaints, or changes affecting certification.
Maintaining Certification
- Surveillance audits must be conducted as scheduled.
- The Quality System must be maintained effectively.
- Internal audits and management reviews must be regularly conducted.
- Customer complaints and corrective actions must be recorded.
- All dues payable to V3 Quality Certification must be cleared.
Use of Logo and Certification Mark
- Certification marks may only be used for certified activities.
- Marks may be used on correspondence, advertising, and promotional material.
- Certification marks must not imply product certification.
- Certification marks cannot be used on test, calibration, or inspection reports.
- Improper use of certification marks may lead to legal action.
General Conditions for Certification
Termination
Either party may terminate the agreement by giving 30 days written notice.
Confidentiality
Information obtained during assessment or certification shall remain confidential unless required by law.
Force Majeure
Delays caused by war, natural disasters, fire, labor disputes, or other uncontrollable events
shall not constitute default.
Law
Agreements are governed by prevailing law in India and subject to Delhi jurisdiction.
Fees
Fees are payable within 7 days of invoice date and may be revised during the certification period.
Granting of the Certificate
Audit reports are reviewed by the certification committee. If satisfactory, certificates are awarded
and issued within two weeks after completing all required formalities.
Refusing Certification
Certification is refused if major non-conformities are not closed within the agreed schedule.
Suspension, Withdrawal, Cancellation or Reducing of Certificate
- Failure to comply with certification requirements may result in suspension.
- Non-payment of fees or misuse of logos may lead to withdrawal.
- Cancelled clients must stop using certification marks immediately.
- Clients may request cancellation in writing.
- Certification scope may be reduced based on performance or client request.
Complaints, Appeals and Disputes
Complaints
Complaints regarding V3 Quality Certification may be submitted in writing and will be investigated.
Appeal
Clients may appeal decisions regarding certification acceptance, suspension, withdrawal, or denial.
Disputes
Disputes unresolved through negotiation shall be referred to arbitration under the Arbitration
and Conciliation Act, 1996, subject to Delhi jurisdiction.
Right To Assess Client Records
Accreditation bodies and V3 Quality Certification have authority to assess the client’s
management system and records whenever required.