Can ISO 9001 certification be withdrawn?
A Yes, although very rarely (I have never come across this situation). Certification bodies are very reluctant to withdraw certification as it means losing a customer (and therefore income). However, if you were to have a major non-conformance identified during an assessment e.g. a total breakdown of a critical process, then you will be required to take corrective action within a reasonable (agreed) timescale. The certification body would then make a ‘special visit’ (at additional cost to you) to verify the effectiveness of the action. A successful outcome would result in continued certification; a less than successful outcome should result in your certificate being withdrawn.
