Transferring ISO certification: records and eligibility

Establish whether a transfer is available

A transfer recognises an existing certification rather than starting from an unverified certificate image. For accredited management system certification, the accepting body evaluates eligibility and the records behind the certificate under the applicable transfer rules.

The route depends on the existing certificate's status, the scope and the accepting body's capability. A suspended, withdrawn or expired certificate should not be presented as an ordinary active transfer. Supply the actual status at the start.

Build one clear transfer file

Provide the certificate, its scope and sites, the latest audit reports and the status of findings. Include the audit programme and the next surveillance or recertification due date if available. Tell the accepting body about relevant complaints or outstanding matters.

• Use the current legal entity and identify changes since the last assessment.
• Distinguish a transfer request from an extension of scope or an additional standard.
• Keep previous correspondence that explains any suspension, gap or unresolved finding.

Agree the review before changing providers

Ask what records will be reviewed and whether additional contact or assessment is needed. The accepting body should explain its proposed route and timing after reviewing the application. A request to transfer does not itself continue or renew a certificate.

Keep existing obligations in view until responsibilities are clear. Avoid a gap caused by assuming that commercial acceptance and certification acceptance are the same event.

Plan continuity and the next audit

Confirm the scope, certificate dates and next assessment arrangements in writing. If a new certificate is issued, check the legal name, addresses, standard and scope against the approved information before distributing it to customers.

CORE can review an enquiry and identify the information required to assess the available route. An accredited transfer is only offered where the relevant accreditation and transfer conditions are confirmed.