URGENT ACTION REQUIRED
Following our previous communications, UKAS is continuing to monitor registration of accounts in IAF CertSearch. It is a mandatory requirement of IAF MD 28:2023 that all accreditation bodies and their accredited certification bodies populate the data in CertSearch and UKAS has simplified the process with the sync functionality available via UKAS CertCheck.
As we approach the deadline of 26 October 2024, UKAS has been contacting those certification bodies that have yet to activate their accounts, and UKAS shall monitor completion over the coming weeks to ensure full compliance. The continued accreditation of any certification body that fails to meet this deadline will be in jeopardy as UKAS has an obligation as a signatory to the IAF MLA to ensure full compliance.
Details of the actions that you are required to undertake in order to comply with IAF MD 28 are provided in our earlier communication, reproduced below for convenience.
For further guidance, please refer to the IAF brochure which provides a high-level guide and links to support information.
In addition IAF has been running monthly CB webinars: please refer to the IAF CertSearch CB Webinar Schedule. The next webinar will be held on 23 October.
It is imperative that UKAS and its accredited CBs can demonstrate full compliance with the requirements of IAF MD 28 by 26 October 2024. This will help ensure that a fully populated IAF database of accredited management systems certificates will provide an accurate and reliable source of information to the global marketplace.
If you have any queries regarding this then please raise these with your Assessment Manager at the earliest opportunity.
Communication sent to certification bodies in July 2024:
Dear Customer,
This is a reminder that the publication of ISO MD28 in October 2023 made it mandatory for all ISO/IEC 17021-1 certification bodies accredited by an IAF (International Accreditation Forum) member body to upload data on the certifications they issue to IAF CertSearch by 26 October 2024.
All certification bodies need to take action to upload their certifications to IAF CertSearch before the deadline. We are pleased to inform you that this can easily be achieved via functionality in UKAS CertCheck, which allows you to easily sync uploaded certifications to IAF CertSearch.
The default setting for data synchronisation is that data is not uploaded, but customers can easily turn this functionality on via their CertCheck portal, although you will need to ensure that you have activated your IAF CertSearch account first. Guidance on how to turn on the functionality is available here and should you need any assistance please contact [email protected].
IAF CertSearch is an online database allowing for the verification of ISO/IEC 17021-1 accredited management system certification. Globally all certification bodies that are accredited by an IAF member body are required to populate the database with their certification data. IAF CertSearch will be a valuable resource for those who rely upon accredited certification to provide assurance in their supply chain, helping to combat fraud and adding even more value to holding accredited certification.
Download this Technical Bulletin as a pdf here.