Suspensions and withdrawals
Directory status indicates whether an accreditation is valid within the published scope. The definitions below are the official meanings as recorded in the IAC Directory. Status changes are effective immediately upon the date of the decision letter.
Accreditation is valid
The accredited body has demonstrated ongoing compliance with all applicable criteria. Accreditation is valid within the published scope until the next surveillance or reassessment, or until the expiry date — whichever comes first.
Always verify the specific scope and dates in the Directory before relying on accredited results.
Temporarily suspended
Accreditation is temporarily suspended in full or in part. During suspension, the body must not claim accreditation or use the IAC mark for the affected scope. Causes may include:
- Unresolved major nonconformities from a surveillance or complaint investigation.
- Failure to submit required surveillance documentation by the deadline.
- Voluntary request by the accredited body (e.g., during a major operational change).
Suspension may last up to 90 days. If conditions are not resolved, the Accreditation Committee may proceed to withdrawal.
Withdrawn or expired
Accreditation has been permanently removed or has expired without renewal. The body must immediately cease all claims of IAC accreditation and remove the IAC mark from all materials. Causes may include:
- Failure to resolve suspension conditions within the 90-day deadline.
- Fundamental non-compliance revealed during assessment or investigation.
- Voluntary surrender of accreditation by the body.
- Expiry of the 4-year accreditation cycle without reassessment.
A withdrawn body may re-apply after a minimum 12-month cooling period (6 months for voluntary surrenders).
Status change process
| Trigger | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Major nonconformity (surveillance) | Corrective action requested | 30 days to submit plan |
| Corrective action not accepted | Suspension initiated | Immediate upon decision |
| Suspension issued | Body must resolve conditions | Up to 90 days |
| Conditions not resolved | Withdrawal recommended to Committee | Committee meets within 15 days |
| Committee decides withdrawal | Directory updated; body notified | Same day |
| Body requests voluntary surrender | Case Coordinator processes | 5 business days |