Certification Revocation & Suspension Policy

This policy defines GAFAIG’s procedural, non-punitive approach to certification status changes, including suspension and revocation. The goal is to preserve accuracy and public trust while maintaining fair and consistent processes for applicants.

1. Definitions

Suspension: a temporary status change while facts are verified, remediation occurs, or required information is provided.
Revocation: termination of certification for the certified scope, typically following unresolved nonconformity, material misrepresentation, or sustained failure to meet program requirements.
Scope modification: narrowing or clarifying what is covered by certification to maintain accuracy.

2. Grounds for suspension or revocation

Material misrepresentation or omission in application or renewal submissions
Failure to maintain required disclosures or evidence for certified scope
Unresolved high-severity incident(s) within scope without required updates or remediation
Repeated nonconformity with standards or program terms
Misuse of the GAFAIG compliance mark, including scope overreach
Failure to cooperate with reasonable review requests within stated timelines

3. Procedural steps

Notice: GAFAIG provides notice of concerns and the basis for review, subject to confidentiality and disclosure policies.
Opportunity to respond: the applicant may provide clarification, evidence, and/or remediation plans within a stated timeframe.
Decision: GAFAIG issues a written status decision (continue, scope modify, suspend, revoke) with brief rationale and effective date.
Registry update: public registry entries are updated consistent with GAFAIG disclosure thresholds and program terms.

4. Emergency suspension

GAFAIG may apply an emergency suspension where credible information indicates a significant risk of material harm, severe ongoing incident conditions, or substantial integrity concerns. Emergency suspension is time-limited and triggers expedited review steps where feasible.

5. Mark usage during status changes

During suspension, use of the GAFAIG compliance mark may be restricted or prohibited depending on the circumstances and program terms. Upon revocation, all mark usage must cease for the affected scope as specified by GAFAIG mark rules and agreement terms.

6. Appeals and reconsideration

Applicants may seek reconsideration or appeal of certain decisions under GAFAIG’s published appeals framework. This policy does not guarantee a particular outcome and does not replace the controlling terms of the certification agreement.