Suspension: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)
Suspension (French: suspension) is the temporary invalidation of an ISO 53001 certificate, decided by the certification body. During that period the organisation may no longer claim its certification. Suspension is lifted if the situation is restored within the set deadline; otherwise it can lead to withdrawal.
Updated: · edition covered: ISO/UNDP 53001:2026
In an ISO/UNDP 53001 audit
Grounds for suspension are laid down by ISO/IEC 17021-1 and the certification body's rules: a major nonconformity left untreated, persistent failure of the system, a surveillance or recertification audit not held on time, misuse of the certificate, or a request from the organisation itself.
To lift it, the auditor verifies that the causes have gone, often during a special audit. Suspended status is made visible to third parties who check the certificate. See suspension and withdrawal and the ISO/UNDP 53001 standard.
Suspension, withdrawal and scope reduction
These three measures differ in reach and permanence. Suspension is temporary and affects the whole certificate; scope reduction is lasting but partial; withdrawal is lasting and total. The choice depends on whether the problem can be resolved quickly and whether it concerns the whole system or a single site or activity. The organisation is informed in writing and may appeal.
See also
- Withdrawal: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)Withdrawal (French: *retrait*) is the permanent cancellation of an ISO 53001 certificate by the certification body.
- Major nonconformity: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)A major nonconformity (French: *non-conformité majeure*) is a lapse that undermines the ability of the SDG management system to achieve its intended results.
- Surveillance audit: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)A surveillance audit (French: *audit de surveillance*) is a periodic audit carried out by the certification body while an ISO 53001 certificate is valid.
- Certificate: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)A certificate (French: *certificat*) is the document issued by a certification body after a favourable decision.