TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR CERTIFYING BODIES
FRAMEWORK
World Organic Accreditation Board (WOAB) requires its registered Certifying Bodies to comply with the WOAB contract, applicable accreditation requirements, operating procedures, and their own documented management systems. Certifying Bodies shall provide reasonable evidence of compliance whenever requested by WOAB. Failure to provide satisfactory evidence may result in additional accreditation activities, including assessments and visits, which may be charged at the prevailing rate. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the prevailing rate is USD 3.80 per minute, and a standard day consists of 520 minutes. A Certifying Body is any organization or individual providing audit, assessment, evaluation, and certification services.
CERTIFICATES AND LOGOS
A Certifying Body and its clients may use the WOAB logo and certificates only in relation to the scopes that have been assessed and registered. Any activities not covered by registration shall be clearly identified. Use of the WOAB logo is permitted only after payment of applicable fees and during the valid registration period. Registered Certifying Bodies are responsible for registration fees relating to certificates issued under the authority of WOAB or bearing the WOAB logo. Use of any other logo in a manner suggesting affiliation with WOAB is not authorized. Copyright and all intellectual property rights arising from accreditation activities remain the property of WOAB unless otherwise agreed in writing.
NOTIFICATION
Any notice under these Terms and Conditions, the WOAB management system requirements, or agreements between WOAB and a Certifying Body shall be made in writing and signed by the issuing party. Notices may be delivered personally or sent by prepaid registered post. Notices sent by post shall be deemed served 76 hours after posting within India or 15 days after posting internationally.
TERMINATION OF CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION
WOAB may withdraw certification and the right to use the WOAB logo from any Certifying Body that fails to comply with these Terms and Conditions. Upon notice of termination, the Certifying Body shall immediately cease use of the WOAB logo and remove references to WOAB from promotional materials, documents, and other communications as directed by WOAB.
CERTIFICATION
WOAB provides accreditation services based on its professional assessment. Such services involve evaluating evidence of a Certifying Body’s ability to meet WOAB requirements. Registration or listing by WOAB indicates only that, in WOAB’s opinion, the Certifying Body has demonstrated conformity within the approved scope. It does not guarantee complete compliance with every requirement at all times, nor does it imply endorsement by any government authority.
FURTHER GUIDANCE, AUTHORITY AND ACCREDITATION
Certifying Bodies and their clients are advised to obtain professional advice when engaging accreditation services. WOAB exercises only the authority granted through its accreditation programs and makes no claim of governmental, statutory, or regulatory authority unless expressly stated. Certifying Bodies shall not imply that WOAB accreditation represents approval, endorsement, or authorization by any government or regulatory agency.
REGULATION
These Terms and Conditions and the activities of WOAB shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations specified by WOAB. WOAB shall not be liable for consequences arising from future legislative or regulatory changes affecting accreditation activities.
PAYMENTS
Registered Certifying Bodies shall pay all applicable fees in advance or by another approved payment method. Fees are non-refundable and relate solely to administrative and accreditation services provided by WOAB. Receipts will be issued upon request.
