Based on the discovery of serious lapses at Intertek Testing Services NA Inc. (Intertek), a GOTS-approved Certification Body (CB), Global Standard gGmbH management has decided to partially suspend the work in specific areas of Intertek’s operations. Intertek was notified on 25 July 2024.
The suspension prohibits the CB from issuing Transaction Certificates (TCs) for specific products, while other TCs are still permitted to be issued with strict risk assessment at their end. Intertek are also prohibited from acquiring any new clients, regardless of scope of operations. Renewal of Scope Certificates (SCs) are permitted as long as the scope does not include ginning, spinning, sale or trade of lint cotton and grey yarn. No enhancement of SCs shall be permitted during the suspension.
This suspension shall remain in force until Intertek demonstrates full compliance to their contractual and certification obligations.
Intertek has been given 90 days to report to both Global Standard and their Accreditation Body (AB) of their findings and actions.
The suspension may potentially cause challenges within the value chain, especially to those who are certified by Intertek or for those who have value chain partners certified by Intertek.
A suspension is not a withdrawal, but rather an opportunity for the CB to demonstrate positive intent to address any issues within their systems. The primary objective of suspending a CB is to retain the integrity of the GOTS system and the goods certified under it. This remains our primary aim so that all organisations that use and rely on GOTS can continue to do so. While we regret the inconvenience caused to the supply chain, it is crucial to ensure that confidence in the Standard does not wane.
Key Points of Suspension:
Immediate Effectiveness: Intertek is suspended from issuing TCs and SCs for entities involved in ginning, spinning, sale or trade of lint cotton and grey yarn.
- Limited Operations: Intertek cannot take on new clients.
- Strict Monitoring: Intertek may continue issuing TCs for existing clients, with strict risk assessment and responsibility, provided they do not engage in the restricted activities.
- Renewals Allowed: Intertek can renew expiring SCs for existing clients but excluding those involved in restricted activities.
Implications for Supply Chain Operators (SCOs):
- Service Disruption: SCOs who have value chain partners certified by Intertek may face disruptions in their certification and transaction certificate issuance processes, particularly for ginning, spinning and trading lint cotton and grey yarn.
- Need for New Certifier: While understanding that the suspension is temporary and includes a deadline for the CB to rectify the situation, SCOs may decide on migrating to another GOTS-approved CB to ensure continuity in certification services based on their risk assessment. In these cases, Global Standard has a policy in place and may be downloaded here: policy for change or migration of CB.
- Migration May Be Necessary: It should also be understood that if the CB does not satisfy their AB’s and Global Standard’s requirements and if processes are not appropriately reset, their approval status shall be in jeopardy. In such cases, a migration shall be necessary.
Increased Scrutiny: SCOs should prepare for increased scrutiny and compliance checks during this period of suspension.
This suspension underscores the importance of maintaining high standards and accurate implementation of certification requirements to uphold the integrity of the GOTS programme. Global Standard will continue to be available for any support that you may need.
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