Complaints and Appeals
File a complaint or appeal
Complaints concern conduct or process. Appeals concern an accreditation decision. Both are handled under defined timelines.
Definitions & scope
Complaint
A formal expression of concern regarding the conduct, process, or service delivery of IAC or an IAC-accredited body. Complaints may be filed by any person or organization, including non-clients.
- Conduct of assessors during an assessment.
- Alleged bias or impartiality breach.
- Misuse of the IAC mark or false accreditation claims.
- Service delays or communication failures.
Appeal
A formal request by an applicant or accredited body to reconsider a specific accreditation decision (grant, denial, suspension, or withdrawal). Appeals must cite the decision reference ID and provide grounds for reconsideration.
- The applicant believes findings were factually incorrect.
- Relevant evidence was not considered during the assessment.
- Procedural errors affected the decision outcome.
- The decision was disproportionate to the findings.
Process timeline
| Stage | Complaints | Appeals |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgement | 3 business days | 5 business days |
| Initial review & assignment | 10 business days | 10 business days |
| Investigation / panel review | 15–20 business days | 20–30 business days |
| Resolution / decision | 30 business days (target) | 45 business days (target) |
| Written outcome notification | Within 5 days of resolution | Within 5 days of panel decision |
All deadlines are business days. Complex cases may require extensions; the submitter will be notified in writing if this occurs.
Complaint form
Appeal form
Alternative channel: complaints@accreditationcenter.org