Transferring a Certificate to a New Certification Body

A certificate transfer moves a valid accredited management system certificate from one certification body to another without restarting the certification cycle. Transfers are governed by IAF MD 2.

The receiving body carries out a pre-transfer review of the certificate, its scope and accreditation, the most recent audit reports, any open nonconformities and any complaints received. Where needed, a visit may form part of the review.

Only valid certificates can be transferred. A suspended certificate, or one under notice of suspension, cannot be accepted.

When the review is complete, the receiving body makes a transfer decision and issues its own certificate. The expiry date of the current cycle normally remains the same, and the next audit follows the existing programme.