Achieving ISO certification is a significant milestone for any business, demonstrating commitment to the internationality recognised quality, environmental and information security standards. However, not all ISO certifications carry the same level of credibility. The difference lies in whether the certification body is accredited or non-accredited. Choosing the right certification body impacts how your certification is recognized, both locally and internationally.
Sancert, for example, is an accredited certification body with SANAS (South African National Accreditation System) and busy undergoing accreditation with UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service), both of which are recognized by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). This ensures that certifications issued by Sancert meet the highest global standards.
What does “accredited” mean?
An accredited certification body is one that has been evaluated by a national accreditation body to ensure that it meets strict international standards for competence and impartiality. Accreditation bodies, such as SANAS and UKAS, audit Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), such as Sancert, according to different standards depending on the type of certification, calibration, testing or service the CAB offers. For example, Sancert, as a certification body for management systems, applies the ISO/IEC 17021 standard, while other accreditation areas, such as hygiene inspection bodies, may follow ISO/IEC 17020.
Because Sancert is accredited, its certifications are internationally recognized and widely accepted. This means businesses certified by Sancert can confidently demonstrate compliance with global best practices. Furthermore, due SANAS and UKAS being accredited with the IAF, Sancert is also shown as an accredited Certification Body on the IAF Cert Search website.
What is a non-accredited certification body?
A non-accredited certification body issues ISO certificates without oversight from a recognized accreditation authority. This means:
- There is no independent verification that they meet international auditing standards.
- Certifications they issue may not be recognized by customers, regulators, or industry stakeholders.
- Businesses that use non-accredited certifications may face challenges in tenders, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
Since non-accredited bodies do not undergo rigorous evaluation, their audit processes and certification decisions may lack consistency, impartiality, or technical competence.
Key Differences between Accredited and Non-Accredited certification Bodies.
| Aspect | Accredited Certification Body (e.g., Sancert) | Non-Accredited Certification Body |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition | Recognized globally under IAF guidelines | May not be accepted by key stakeholders |
| Credibility | Independently verified for competence and impartiality | No independent oversight |
| Compliance | Audits follow strict ISO 17021 standards | No required adherence to ISO 17021 |
| Market Acceptance | Accepted by regulators, governments, and clients | Risk of rejection by clients and regulators |
| Risk | Low risk – follows international best practices | Higher risk of disputes over certification validity |
How to Verify if a Certification Body Is Accredited
To ensure your certification holds real value, always verify the accreditation status of the certification body:
- Check their accreditation body’s website – Sancert, for example, is listed under SANAS.
- Look for the accreditation mark – Genuine accredited certification bodies will display the SANAS, UKAS, or other recognized accreditation logos on their certificates.
- Confirm IAF recognition – Accredited bodies are usually part of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), ensuring global credibility.
When choosing an ISO certification body, businesses must consider whether the certification will be recognized, respected, and beneficial in the long run. Accredited certification bodies like Sancert, provide businesses with internationally accepted, high-quality certification services that enhance their reputation and market access.
Choosing a non-accredited body may seem like a shortcut, but it can lead to wasted time, financial loss, and credibility issues. Make the right choice—opt for accreditation and ensure your ISO certification is recognized, trusted, and valuable.