What are the advantages and disadvantages of third-party certification?
If an organization’s EMS is certified or registered to ISO 14001 by a certification body, they are ensuring that the organization meets all requirements of the standard. The certification body or third party actually conducts the assessment of the organization’s EMS. In the United States (U.S.), this certification body is often referred to as a “registrar” or certification company. There are many benefits resulting from third-party certification. However, the Army’s policy is that third-party registration to the standard is not required, but installation commanders may pursue registration when it provides clear and documented mission benefits (Army Environmental Management System – Action Memorandum, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Environment, Safety and Occupational Health (DASA (ESOH)), 13 July 2001). Certification by a registrar provides a greater degree of credibility for the EMS in the public eye. The registration process and subsequent surveillance audits help to maintain
