What to Consider before applying for Accreditation
IOAS specializes in delivering assessment services for standard schemes in organic and sustainable agriculture, cosmetics, textiles, and related sustainability fields, in line with our mission to uphold integrity and sustainability in these sectors. We focus on providing a rigorous yet informative assessment experience to meet the specific needs of our clients.
For Certification Bodies (CBs) Considering Accreditation:
- Recognize the Need: Understand the specific accreditation or approval your company requires. IOAS offers a range of accreditation and assessment options, see our sectors and associated schemes
- Understand the Benefits: Consider what accreditation or approval to a particular scheme will provide for your organization and clients, including the potential to enhance credibility and market access.
- Familiarize Yourself with Requirements: Grasp the standards and criteria against which IOAS will assess your CB to ensure compliance with the scheme’s requirements. IOAS offers a pre-assessment service for CBs that need help understanding the requirements of any scheme or would like to subject themselves to a preliminary check on their documented system.
- Identify Application Steps: Map out the various steps in the application process, which may include applying to the scheme owner and submitting necessary documentation to IOAS.
- Know Your Rights and Obligations: Recognize the rights and responsibilities that come with accreditation, including compliance with the IOAS contract for assessment and accreditation and maintaining the requirements of accreditation.
- Be Clear on Costs: Understand the initial and ongoing costs of obtaining and maintaining accreditation, including any fees payable to the scheme owner.
To obtain detailed information and begin the application process, IOAS provides the following documents on our website:
- General Operating Manual
- IOAS Application Information Document
- Sample Accreditation or Surveillance Contract
- Fee Schedule
- IOAS Application Form
After reviewing these documents, you are encouraged to contact us at enquiry@ioas.org to clarify any questions, or Submit an Application.
We will send you the appropriate document checklist. Submission of the completed application form and payment of the application fee initiates the formal assessment process. An initial application process will normally take 9-12 months.