Certification process

CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Certification and Audit Activities

The Management Systems Certification Body (MSCB) of SMART CERTIFICATION EOOD carries out certification and audit activities for:

  • quality management systems in accordance with the requirements of БДС EN ISO 9001:2015 (ISO 9001:2015, including A1:2024) – until the end of the transition period in accordance with Global ACI-TECH-3-TR 2029-09-30, and БДС EN ISO 9001:2026 (ISO 9001:2026) – following the decision of the Executive Agency Bulgarian Accreditation Service (EA BAS) on the transition of the MSCB’s accreditation;
  • environmental management systems in accordance with the requirements of БДС EN ISO 14001:2015 (ISO 14001:2015, including A1:2024) – until the end of the transition period in accordance with Global ACI-TECH-3-TR 2029-04-30, and БДС EN ISO 14001:2026 (ISO 14001:2026) – following the decision of EA BAS on the transition of the MSCB’s accreditation;
  • occupational health and safety management systems in accordance with the requirements of БДС EN ISO 45001:2023 (ISO 45001:2018) + A1:2024;
  • information security management systems in accordance with the requirements of БДС EN ISO/IEC 27001:2023 (ISO/IEC 27001:2022) + A1:2024 and БДС EN ISO/IEC 27006-1:2024.

The management systems certification audits carried out by the MSCB are independent third-party audits. They are conducted by the MSCB in accordance with the requirements of БДС EN ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 and the documents of competent international and national organisations – Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI), formed through the merger of IAF and ILAC, European co-operation for Accreditation (EA), and the Executive Agency Bulgarian Accreditation Service (EA BAS) – applicable to the certification process. The process and activities relating to management systems certification and the maintenance of certification granted by the MSCB are defined in the applicable certification schemes in accordance with the requirements of international standards. At present, certification activities are carried out and provided within the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Information about the MSCB, its activities and the certification process can be obtained:

  • from the company’s website at: https://smart-certification.com/;
  • by submitting an enquiry to the MSCB of SMART CERTIFICATION EOOD at: 91 Aleksandar Malinov Blvd., Office 503, Sofia 1715, or by email: office@smart-certification.com;
  • by telephone on +359 2 408 5565.

The Management Systems Certification Body treats all information concerning the client and its activities as confidential and uses it solely for certification purposes and activities, without disclosing it to third parties. An exception to this rule is permitted where information is requested by a competent authority (judicial/regulatory authority or the National Accreditation Body – the Executive Agency Bulgarian Accreditation Service). The publication of information concerning certification granted (client’s name and Unified Identification Code (UIC), addresses of certified sites, certificate number, standard, scope, dates of issue and expiry, and status) in the international IAF CertSearch database is not considered disclosure of information to third parties.

How to Apply for Certification

If you wish to obtain certification of your implemented and operational management system, you must submit an enquiry and/or an Application for Certification. The application form is available for download here. Enquiries/applications for certification are accepted on every working day between 09:00 and 17:00 at the MSCB’s office or by post/email. The MSCB requires the application to be signed by the organisation’s management or a person expressly designated by it.

The certification process and the maintenance of certification are carried out in accordance with a concluded contract.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the MSCB using the contact details provided above. The MSCB will respond promptly to every enquiry/question and, where necessary, will contact you to clarify the particulars of the enquiry/application.

If you encounter any difficulties in completing the application, please contact a member of our staff by telephone on +359 2 408 5565 or by email at office@smart-certification.com.

In Which Cases Is an Application for Certification Submitted?

An Application for Certification is submitted when applying for:

  • Initial certification;
  • Renewal of certification (recertification);
  • Extension of the scope of certification granted;
  • Transfer of accredited certification.

Within What Period Will the MSCB Review the Application for Certification?

The Management Systems Certification Body reviews each Application for Certification received to assess the completeness of the information, its ability to carry out the requested activities and the resolution of any potential differences before commencing the activities, within 5 days of receipt.

If your application contains the necessary information, steps will be taken towards concluding a contract (preparation of an offer, contractual arrangements).

If incomplete or inaccurate information is identified in the Application for Certification, the MSCB will request the necessary information and inform you of the deadline for providing it.

In Which Cases Does the MSCB Refuse to Carry Out Certification / Renewal of Certification / Extension of the Scope of Certification?

The MSCB will refuse to carry out certification / extension of the scope of certification / renewal of certification activities in any of the following cases or a combination thereof:

  • Temporary inability of the MSCB to carry out the certification process, including in relation to a specific technical area / prescribed time limits;
  • Refusal to provide additional information requested by the MSCB (within the specified period), calculated from the date on which the applicant is notified;
  • Other justified reasons (e.g. the management system is certified by another accredited certification body without a request for transfer of certification having been submitted; recurring major / significant / critical nonconformities; involvement of the applicant in illegal activities; etc.).

You must submit an application for renewal of certification before the certification expires.

On What Basis Is the Certification Process Carried Out?

The certification process commences with a certification contract signed by both parties, provided that the ability to carry out the certification process / extension of the scope of certification / renewal of certification / transfer of certification has been established.

Information on the fees payable for the certification process will be provided in the offer, which covers one complete certification cycle, namely 3 (three) years. The MSCB requires you to confirm the offer (verbally or in writing). A confirmed offer forms the basis for preparing a legally binding contract. The contract is concluded in accordance with the provisions of the Obligations and Contracts Act, the Commerce Act and the requirements of BDS EN ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015.

What Are the Types of Audits and the Main Stages of the Certification Process?

The audits carried out by the MSCB are:

  • Initial certification audit in two stages (Stage 1 and Stage 2);
  • Surveillance audit;
  • Recertification audit;
  • Audit for the transfer of accredited certification;
  • Special audits – audits for extension of the scope of certification, unplanned audits (following complaints received, in the event of significant changes in the conditions under which certification was granted, audits for the restoration of suspended / reduced certification).
  • Transition audit – following the publication of a revised version of a standard; it may be conducted in conjunction with a surveillance audit, a recertification audit or as a special audit.

The MSCB will inform you in writing of the forthcoming audit and the composition of the audit team by sending you an audit plan.

The audit team is selected by the MSCB to ensure, as a minimum, that it possesses the necessary competence and is impartial and independent of your organisation and your management system.

You have the right to object to:

  • The period (date(s)) proposed by the MSCB for conducting the audit;
  • The participation of an auditor/expert in the audit.

In the event of an objection (e.g. to a member of the audit team), the MSCB requires you to provide your reasons in writing. The objection may relate to an existing or suspected conflict of interest, doubts regarding the competence possessed, etc. In such cases, the activities relating to the selection and agreement of the audit period / audit team are repeated.

How Many Stages Are Involved in the Initial Certification Audit / Recertification Audit?

The initial certification audit is carried out in two stages – Stage 1 and Stage 2. In the case of a recertification audit, Stage 1 is carried out only where significant changes have occurred (see ‘How Is Certification Renewed?’).

During Stage 1 of the audit, the MSCB audit team will carry out:

  • A review (audit) of the applicant’s management system documented information to assess conformity with the applicable certification criteria (international standard(s));
  • An assessment of readiness for conducting Stage 2 of the audit (specific conditions, exchange of information with the client’s key personnel, etc.);
  • A review of the organisation’s status and understanding of the requirements of the standard(s) in relation to processes, aspects, objectives, risks and other factors of significant importance to the operation of the management system;
  • A review and collection of the necessary information concerning the scope of the management system (in relation to the locations of the client’s organisation; principal processes / activities; use of equipment and measuring instruments; implemented levels of control; obligations arising from the provisions of applicable legislation and statutory requirements / regulations relating to the activities / processes);
  • An assessment of the understanding of the importance and identification of: significant processes / aspects / objectives and performance, and the operation of the management system in accordance with applicable requirements;
  • An assessment of the resources required for the effective and efficient conduct of Stage 2 of the audit;
  • Agreement on the arrangements for conducting Stage 2;
  • An assessment of your readiness for Stage 2 of the audit (based on information concerning the planning, conduct and documentation of internal audits and management review, etc.).

How Are Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Audit Conducted?

Stage 1 of the audit is conducted on-site at the client’s premises. Exceptions to this rule are permitted where both stages of the audit are conducted simultaneously or where Stage 1 is conducted at the MSCB’s office on the basis of documentation provided by the client, at the client’s express request and subject to the following conditions:

  1. The MSCB has established that you understand and are aware of the consequences of circumstances that may lead to the interruption of the audit;
  2. The MSCB has information on the performance of your management system (e.g. from previous audits / certification already granted);
  3. A small effective number of personnel (up to 8 persons);
  4. The organisational structure and management system processes are not complex.

The Stage 1 audit may be conducted without an on-site audit only if the conditions specified in points 3 and 4 are met simultaneously. In such cases, you must provide the MSCB with at least the following for review: management system documentation (documents), evidence of the results of internal audits and management review, and documents confirming the information provided in the Application for Certification, in order to achieve the objectives of the Stage 1 audit and determine the degree of readiness for conducting Stage 2.

The audit results are presented to you during the audit closing meeting, documented in an audit report and communicated by sending an annex to the report. The annex may be sent / handed over after the audit (within 5 (five) working days for Stage 1 of a certification audit and within 10 (ten) working days in all other cases – Stage 2 of a certification audit, surveillance audit, recertification audit, etc.).

The lead auditor documents the audit results and draws a conclusion regarding readiness for conducting Stage 2 of the audit in the report. All findings relating to nonconformities / potential nonconformities of the management system are identified for audit (verification) during Stage 2 of the audit.

If significant and/or numerous problems are identified that may prevent Stage 2 of the audit from being conducted, the MSCB takes the following actions:

  • Repetition of Stage 1 of the audit or part thereof;
  • Review of the resources required and the preparations for Stage 2 of the audit;
  • Postponement of Stage 2 of the audit or initiation of actions to terminate the certification process.

Before Stage 2 is conducted, you must take action to resolve the identified problems (where applicable). If they are not resolved, they will be reported as nonconformities during Stage 2.

Stage 2 of the audit is conducted within 1 (one) month of Stage 1.

Stage 2 of the certification audit is conducted on-site at the client’s premises. During this audit, the audit team collects evidence of the degree of implementation and effectiveness of the client’s management system.

Parts of the audits may be conducted remotely using information and communication technology (ICT), including at virtual sites, where its use has been agreed with you in advance and the security and confidentiality of information are ensured. During the application review, the MSCB verifies whether you have the necessary ICT infrastructure. If agreement on the use of ICT is not reached, other audit methods are applied. The audit plan specifies how and to what extent ICT will be used, while the audit report specifies the extent of its use and its effectiveness in achieving the audit objectives. A virtual site is not permitted where physical processes are carried out. Remote audit time is included in the total audit time (Global ACI-TECH-3-003).

During Stage 2 of the audit, you must:

  • Provide the audit team with access to: the documented information of your management system (documents and records); the locations (sites) covered by the management system;
  • Provide opportunities for observation of your processes;
  • Ensure the attendance of your management / its representatives at the opening and closing meetings of the audit and whenever necessary (e.g. during audits of processes relating to the context / leadership / policies and objectives, etc.);
  • Provide the necessary conditions and resources for conducting the audit;
  • Designate contact persons and guides during the audit.

On-site audits begin and end with meetings at which the lead auditor will:

  • Provide information on the audit objectives and criteria;
  • Introduce the audit team and inform you of the tasks assigned to its members;
  • Provide information on: audit methods; classification of findings and subsequent actions and deadlines;
  • Explain and confirm the commitments undertaken regarding professional confidentiality, independence and impartiality;
  • Explain the procedure for handling complaints and appeals, etc.

Where nonconformities are identified, they will be communicated to you at the time of their identification and reported during the audit closing meeting. The classification of nonconformities is the responsibility of the lead auditor. The MSCB will inform you in writing of the results of the review of the proposed corrective action plan / corrective actions.

The client must demonstrate the effectiveness of the corrective actions taken in response to identified major (significant) nonconformities no later than 6 (six) months after the audit closing meeting. After this period, the effectiveness of the corrective actions is verified by repeating the Stage 2 audit activities before proceeding to the next stage of the certification process. If the applicant refuses or is unable to take action to eliminate the identified nonconformities, the certification process is terminated.

What Documents Will You Receive When Conformity Has Been Established and a Decision to Grant Certification Has Been Made?

Where conformity of your management system has been established, documents attesting to that conformity will be issued to you – a certificate and annexes thereto (where applicable).

Certification documents are issued in hard copy and handed over at the MSCB’s office or sent by post/courier (with acknowledgement of receipt).

The validity of certificates issued by the MSCB may be verified by submitting an enquiry to the MSCB and through the IAF CertSearch database. The MSCB implements measures to protect certificates against forgery. If you identify or suspect the use of a forged certificate or an unauthorised reference to certification by the MSCB, please notify the MSCB. The MSCB investigates every report and, where necessary, notifies EA BAS and the competent authorities (Global ACI-TECH-3-015).

How Is Information Exchanged with the MSCB and What Are the Obligations of the MSCB and the Certified Client?

The Management Systems Certification Body (MSCB) of SMART CERTIFICATION EOOD provides access to information on the certification process and certification requirements through its website (the ‘News’ section) or by means of a specific written notification. Such information includes, but is not limited to:

  • A description of the certification process;
  • The criteria (standard(s)) within the scope of certification activities;
  • Requirements of applicable legislation and/or statutory regulations;
  • The pricing mechanism (fees for certification services);
  • Requirements for the use of the certification mark(s);
  • Information relating to the obligations and powers arising from the certification contract, including those concerning the exchange of information;
  • A description of the process for handling complaints and appeals received.

The MSCB will inform you of any significant changes to the certification requirements, including subsequent actions and deadlines (where applicable), the approach to verifying conformity with new/amended requirements, and other relevant information. Verification of the follow-up actions taken by certified clients is carried out in accordance with the method and within the timeframe announced in advance by the MSCB.

Clients whose management systems have been certified have the following obligations arising from the certification contract:

  • To maintain the conformity of their certified management system continuously throughout the entire period of validity of the certification;
  • To use the certificate / certification mark(s) granted in accordance with the MSCB’s requirements (Rules for Referencing Certification and Using the MSCB Certification Mark, Together with or Separately from Accreditation Marks (link)), without misleading users of their processes/products/services or the public;
  • Not to discredit the MSCB in any way;
  • To be familiar with and comply with the certification requirements;
  • To provide audit teams with access to the sites and information necessary for conducting audits and certification activities;
  • To provide information on potential risks associated with the implementation of the audit plan (e.g. specific access conditions, the need to use personal protective equipment (PPE), etc.);
  • To actively assist the audit team in implementing the audit plan;
  • To pay the fees due for certification activities;
  • To inform the MSCB immediately of any changes to:
    • The client’s legal, commercial or organisational status or ownership;
    • The registered office/contact address and/or certified sites;
    • The organisation and management, including key personnel – managers, persons with decision-making responsibilities, technical personnel and others;
    • The scope of activities included in the certified management system;
    • Significant changes to the management system and its processes.

How Does the MSCB Maintain Certification Granted During the Three-Year Certification Cycle?

The Management Systems Certification Body plans and carries out surveillance activities during the three-year period of validity of certification granted, namely:

  • Conducts surveillance audits at least once per calendar year;
  • Requests information relating to aspects of the certification granted, including documented information;
  • Reviews information relating to claims concerning the certification granted (e.g. online publications, advertising materials, brochures, etc.);
  • Applies appropriate mechanisms for monitoring compliance with obligations relating to the certification granted.

All requirements of the applicable standard(s) are audited during one certification cycle.

The first surveillance audit is conducted no later than 12 months from the date of the certification decision, and subsequent surveillance audits are conducted within 12 months of the preceding audit, but at least once per calendar year. A surveillance audit may be conducted earlier than its planned start date, by up to 2 (two) months.

If the conduct of a surveillance audit is prevented without valid reasons, action is taken to suspend certification for a period of up to 6 (six) months. Within this six-month period, you must declare in writing your readiness for the restoration of certification.

How Is Certification Renewed?

The certification renewal process is similar to that for initial certification. The recertification audit must be conducted before the certification expiry date. The MSCB conducts Stage 1 of a recertification audit on-site at the client’s premises where significant changes have occurred in:

  • The certified organisation’s management system;
  • The client’s organisation or the circumstances in which the management system operates (e.g. changes in obligations arising from applicable legislation, the requirements of the standard(s), activities, etc.).

Where the continued conformity of the management system has been established, documents (certificate(s) and annexes thereto, where applicable) are issued to attest to the renewal of certification.

What Is the Procedure for Extending the Scope of Certification?

The scope of certification granted may be extended on the basis of an application for extension of the scope of certification. An audit for extension of the scope of certification may be conducted at any time during the valid certification cycle, including during a surveillance audit or a recertification audit.

The conduct and documentation of an audit for extension of the scope of certification are similar to those for initial certification / recertification. When planning activities for extension of the scope, all requirements relating to the requested extension are taken into account. Following the successful completion of the audit and the subsequent activities for extension of the scope, the validity period of the existing certificate remains unchanged. The certificate is reissued, with the information concerning the date of issue, scope of certification and other relevant details updated.

In Which Cases Does the MSCB Conduct Unplanned Audits?

The MSCB conducts unplanned audits in the following cases:

  • Where the MSCB receives information classified as a complaint against the client concerning the effectiveness of the client’s certified management system or a breach of the MSCB’s requirements for referencing certification / using the certification / accreditation mark;
  • Where the MSCB receives information relating to significant changes in the structure or processes of the certified organisation or in the requirements of the relevant certification scheme / standard;
  • Where follow-up actions relating to suspended certification are required;
  • Where information is received concerning an extraordinary event or circumstance that could affect the client’s ability to carry out activities within the scope of certification granted and/or to maintain the conformity of its management system with the applicable requirements (IAF ID 3:2011, BAS QI 22);
  • Where a transition audit to a revised version of a standard is required and is not conducted in conjunction with a planned audit;
  • Where information is received concerning fraudulent behaviour, the provision of false information or the use of forged certificates.

The MSCB selects and appoints an audit team to ensure that the necessary competence, independence and objectivity are maintained when conducting unplanned audits. The client does not have the right to object to members of the audit team.

What Are Your Obligations in the Event of Suspension, Reduction of Scope or Withdrawal of Certification?

In the event of suspension / reduction of scope / withdrawal of certification, you must:

  • Cease using invalid certification documents – certificate(s) and annexes thereto. These must be returned to the MSCB;
  • Cease referencing certification in relation to the reduced / suspended / withdrawn certification.

You may appeal in writing against any adverse decision made by the MSCB during the certification process, stating the arguments supporting your position, in accordance with Procedure P 9.7, ‘Appeals and Complaints Resolution Process’.

In Which Cases Does the MSCB Take Action to Suspend Certification?

The MSCB decides to suspend certification for a period of up to 6 (six) months when:

  • The certified management system persistently or seriously fails to meet the certification criteria and requirements (e.g. identification of recurring major (significant / critical) nonconformities, etc.);
  • There is incorrect / misleading reference to certification granted (breach of the MSCB’s requirements for the use of documents and marks evidencing certification / reference to certification status, etc.);
  • The conduct of planned audits (surveillance or recertification audits) is obstructed;
  • There are outstanding financial obligations relating to certification;
  • The client has submitted a written request for suspension of certification.

Certification is restored following a written declaration of readiness by the client within the suspension period, but no later than 6 (six) months from the date of the suspension decision.

Certification is restored once the cause of the suspension has been eliminated. If the causes of suspension are not eliminated, subsequent action is taken to withdraw certification or reduce its scope, depending on the specific circumstances.

In Which Cases Does the MSCB Reduce the Scope of Certification?

The MSCB takes action to reduce the scope of certification by excluding areas / processes that do not conform to the applicable requirements (e.g. in cases of recurring or serious breaches of the requirements of the relevant certification scheme / standard), on the recommendation of the audit team / lead auditor / another authorised person with appropriate competence and on the basis of a reasoned decision by duly authorised internal personnel of the MSCB.

When reducing the scope of certification, the requirements of the specific standard against which the management system is certified are observed.

Following a decision to reduce the scope of certification, the MSCB reissues the certification documents (certificate(s) and annexes thereto, where applicable).

In Which Cases Does the MSCB Take Action to Withdraw Certification?

The MSCB takes action to withdraw certification in the following cases:

  • Cessation of the client’s activities;
  • The certification granted is no longer valid and the client has not requested its renewal;
  • There are outstanding nonconformities identified during an audit for the restoration of suspended certification;
  • The client has not declared its readiness for the restoration of suspended certification within 6 (six) months of the suspension decision;
  • The management system fails to ensure compliance with new / amended certification requirements;
  • Identification of recurring nonconformities or implementation of inadequate corrective actions in response to major nonconformities against the certification requirements;
  • A written declaration by the client;
  • Incorrect and/or misleading reference to certification;
  • Failure to fulfil financial obligations for certification services provided;
  • Failure to complete the transition to a revised version of the standard by the end of the transition period;
  • Identified fraudulent behaviour, provision of false information or use of forged certificates.

The decision to withdraw certification granted is the responsibility and within the authority of the MSCB.

The decision to withdraw certification will be communicated to you in writing within 7 (seven) days of the date on which it is made. You have the right to appeal against such a decision in accordance with Procedure P 9.7, ‘Appeals and Complaints Resolution Process’.

Transfer of Accredited Certification

The MSCB undertakes the transfer of certification from another accredited certification body only where it has access to documented information enabling it to make a decision on the transfer (audit reports, audit findings, etc.). The transfer is carried out in accordance with Global ACI-TECH-3-002 (IAF MD 2).

Certification may be transferred where the certification is valid (i.e. there is a valid certificate issued by another certification body). The body that issued the certificate must hold valid accreditation (granted by a National Accreditation Body (NAB) that is a signatory to the EA MLA / Global ACI agreement for the field of ‘Management Systems Certification’).

Suspended certification or certification that is in the process of being withdrawn cannot be transferred.

Certification transfer is carried out through a review of documents and, where the review identifies a need (e.g. outstanding major nonconformities), an on-site visit to the client’s premises by an audit team / lead auditor possessing appropriate competence in the field of the certification granted.

A review of documented information is mandatory before the transfer of certification.

The review of actions taken in response to major (significant) nonconformities identified during a previous audit is carried out in cooperation with the certification body that issued the certificate. Where such cooperation is not practicable, the MSCB documents the reasons.

The findings from the review and the visit are documented in a report (F 9.6-1, ‘Certification Transfer Report’) and include verification of at least the following:

  • Evidence confirming that:
    • The certificate was issued by a certification body accredited for the relevant field by an accreditation body that is a signatory to the EA MLA / Global ACI agreement;
    • The certified scope falls within the MSCB’s scope of accreditation;
  • The grounds / reasons for the transfer;
  • Evidence that the locations and scope of certification are correct and have valid status;
  • Confirmation that the certificate is valid and that adequate actions have been taken to eliminate all nonconformities identified during the previous audit. It is appropriate for these activities to be carried out in cooperation with the body that issued the certificate;
  • Documented information on the performance and effectiveness of the management system throughout the certification cycle – audit reports, nonconformities and subsequent actions, and other documents and records from the certification process. Where audit reports are unavailable or the most recent audit has not been completed, the applicant for certification transfer is invited to submit an Application for Certification;
  • Documented information on reports of concerns and complaints received and subsequent actions;
  • Documented information relating to the applicant’s legal / regulatory obligations and compliance with them.
  • The status of all outstanding major (significant, critical) nonconformities from a previous audit is clarified with the certification body that issued the certificate before the transfer. Such nonconformities must be verified / followed up during the audit at the client’s premises.
  • Where there are no outstanding major (significant, critical) nonconformities from a previous audit and none are identified during the transfer review, action is taken to make a certification decision. Following a positive decision, a certificate / certificates are issued.
  • When planning subsequent audits (surveillance or recertification), the existing audit programme is taken into account, except where an initial certification or recertification audit has been conducted.
  • Where, following the preliminary certification transfer review, the MSCB has doubts regarding the correctness and adequacy of the scope of certification, follow-up actions are taken. These actions are determined by the extent and nature of the doubts and may include: conducting initial certification; carrying out an on-site visit whose scope includes and focuses on the identified problematic areas / activities / processes; etc.

How Will the Transition to a New Version of a Standard Be Carried Out?

Where a revised version of a standard against which you are certified is published, the transition of certified clients is carried out in accordance with the mandatory Global ACI documents and the requirements of EA BAS:

  • The MSCB issues certificates against the revised versions following the decision of EA BAS on the transition of the MSCB’s accreditation;
  • The transition of your certification is carried out through a transition audit – in conjunction with a surveillance audit, a recertification audit or as a special audit. The audit covers, as a minimum, the amended requirements of the standard, changes in the context of your organisation and the need for other changes to your management system, and may be conducted remotely using ICT;
  • The MSCB assesses whether additional audit time is required for the transition audit, taking into account the extent of changes to your management system and whether the audit is conducted in conjunction with a planned audit or as a special audit;
  • After the date specified by Global ACI for the relevant standard, initial certification is carried out only against the revised version;
  • Certificates issued against the previous version cease to be valid at the end of the transition period;
  • If you decide not to undertake the transition, audits may continue against the previous version, but your certification will expire at the end of the transition period; the MSCB may shorten the certificate’s period of validity.

The MSCB will inform you in writing and through its website of the deadlines and necessary actions throughout the transition period.

Changes Following the Granting of Certification

Changes to certification granted may arise as a result of amendments to the standard(s) and/or significant changes to the client’s organisation and certified management system. Where the applicable requirements for management systems change, the MSCB will publish information on the changes and subsequent actions on its website or send a written notification.

Where changes relate to a request / declaration of intent by a certified organisation (e.g. a request for reduction of scope, suspension or voluntary withdrawal of certification granted, etc.), the MSCB requires the request to be submitted in writing and the certification documents (certificate and annexes thereto, where applicable) to be returned to the MSCB. In the event of termination, reduction of scope, suspension or withdrawal of certification, the client is obliged to cease using the certification marks granted and to cease referencing certification.

Where the client wishes to extend the scope of certification granted, an Application for Certification must be submitted.

What Are the MSCB’s Rules for Referencing Certification Granted and Using the Certification Marks Provided?

You can familiarise yourself with the MSCB’s rules for using the certification marks provided and for correctly referencing certification here.

In Which Cases Does the MSCB Have an Obligation to Provide Information?

Through its website, the MSCB provides access to the following information: MSCB policies; scope of activities (the management systems certification schemes applied); a description of the main stages of the processes for granting, refusing, maintaining, renewing, suspending and restoring, withdrawing, extending or reducing the scope of certification; transfer of accredited certification; the MSCB’s requirements for referencing certification granted and using the certification marks provided; processes for handling requests for information, complaints and appeals received, etc.; information on new / amended certification requirements, including subsequent actions; and other relevant information.

The MSCB will inform you of all significant changes to the certification requirements through its website and/or by written notification. Verification of conformity with new / amended requirements is carried out by the MSCB within previously announced timeframes. The deadline for achieving conformity with new / amended certification requirements may be extended upon written request from a certified organisation, within the time limits established by Global ACI and EA BAS.

Information concerning certification granted / a client, including the validity of certificate(s) and the specific geographical areas in which the MSCB operates, may be obtained in response to a written request, as well as through the IAF CertSearch database. The MSCB’s contact details for correspondence are: Management Systems Certification Body of SMART CERTIFICATION EOOD, 91 Aleksandar Malinov Blvd., Office 503, Sofia 1715; email: office@smart-certification.com.

What Changes Must You Notify the MSCB About?

Clients with certified management systems must inform the MSCB in writing of any changes that may affect the management system’s ability to achieve its intended results and maintain conformity with the applicable requirements. Such changes may relate to:

  • The legal, commercial or organisational status or ownership of the organisation;
  • The registered office address and/or certified sites;
  • The organisation and management of processes / activities (e.g. key management personnel, personnel responsible for decision-making, technical personnel and others) included within the scope of the management system;
  • Significant changes to the management system, etc.

The MSCB requires certified clients to assess the impact of any changes that have occurred on the management system’s ability to meet the applicable requirements and achieve its intended results.

The MSCB reviews the information received and determines follow-up actions, where applicable. These actions are determined by taking into account the nature and impact of the changes. They may be included within the scope of the next planned audit or an unplanned audit.

Approved by: Neli Dimova,
Head of the Management Systems Certification Body (MSCB)

Date: 15.102026