In the heavily regulated food industry, ISO 22000:2018 is the benchmark for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). For food manufacturers, processors, and exporters, it is not just a prestige to obtain this certification; it is a business necessity to gain access to international markets and adhere to the stringent norms of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The value of ISO 22000 lies in its continuity. While the certification is valid for three years, it is not a continuous process, rather, it is a cycle of responsibility. It is not just the non-fulfillment of the certification requirements that would affect the business; even the failure to understand the nuances of surveillance audits would result in the lapse of the certification.
In this article, we will present a professional overview of the ISO 22000 cycle in the food industry. We will examine the critical timelines of iso certificate validity, strategic steps for renewal, and operational implications of the lapse of the certification.
Understanding ISO 22000 Validity
The iso certificate validity issued in India is fixed at three years, which is the accepted standard worldwide. However, the certificate does not operate for three years without being checked. It operates within a framework of a structured audit cycle that consists of three main stages:
Key point: Skipping or delaying a surveillance audit does not extend your iso certification validity, but risks suspension or withdrawal of the certificate.
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ISO 22000 Validity Period – What all it covers
Your ISO certification validity will be for three years. During this period, your organisation’s Food Safety Management System (FSMS), as defined in the scope of certification, shall be covered by your ISO 22000 certificate. Here are some details of what is included in the scope of certification:
- Specific foods or categories of foods to be certified
- Specific processes, facilities, and locations audited
- Specific regulatory and customer requirements
- Hazard analysis and HACCP plan validated by the certification body
Any changes in your product range, process, or facility location during the iso certificate validity period must be informed to your certification body. Otherwise, your certificate shall be deemed invalid.
Step by Step process for ISO Renewal
The process of recertification, which is often referred to as iso renewal, needs to be initiated well before your certificate’s expiry date. In India, most certification bodies suggest that you start this process at least 3 to 6 months prior to the certificate’s expiry date. Here is the complete process:
Fees for ISO 22000 Certificate Renewal Process in India
Fees for iso renewal also vary depending on the certification body, the size of the organisation, and the number of sites. The following is a general estimate of the fees for businesses in India:
Note: These figures are indicative. Always confirm fees directly with NABCB-accredited or IAF-member certification bodies operating in India.
>Helpful Guide:- ISO 22000 Certification for Small Food Businesses Made Simple
What Happens When ISO 22000 Validity Expires
Lapsing of a certificate is not a minor issue, it has business implications as well as legal implications. This is what will happen if your ISO certification validity expires without renewal:
>Helpful Guide:- ISO 22000 Certification for Food Manufacturers in India – Requirements, Process, Cost & Timeline
Key Benefits of Maintaining Uninterrupted ISO 22000 Validity
Letting your iso 22000 validity lapse is a risk your business cannot afford. Here are four professional advantages of maintaining continuous certification:
ISO 22000 Validity – Common Mistakes Organisations Make
Even experienced food businesses are prone to committing unnecessary blunders during the certification process. Here are the top ones that are frequently encountered by certification bodies:
- Taking certification as a one-time process: ISO 22000 certification requires continuous maintenance. Failure to address surveillance audits will result in suspension of the certification.
- Flaws in documentation control: Having outdated SOPs, failure to obtain signatures, or missing HACCP documentation are some of the top reasons why certification bodies issue major non-conformities.
- Delayed corrective actions: Non-conformities arising during Year 1 surveillance audits have to be cleared before the start of Year 2. Failure to do this will result in escalation of non-conformities.
- Updating scope without prior notification to the certification body: Adding new products or locations without prior notification to the certification body will result in invalidation of scope.
- Choosing certification bodies that are not accredited: Certificates issued by certification bodies that are not recognized by IAF or NABCB are not valid worldwide. Cheap certificates are of little use for export markets.
>Helpful Guide:- ISO 22000 Certification Cost In India – Expert Cost Breakdown
Key Takeaways
- Begin your recertification preparations 90 days before expiration, not 30. Believe me, there are real and legitimate scheduling delays in India. Develop your surveillance audit plan as part of your business plan on Day 1 of certification.
- Don’t allow a critical nonconformity to languish more than 30 days. The longer it takes, the more difficult it becomes to close it up before the next audit window.
- Develop at least two in-house internal auditors. The single largest cause of surveillance audit failures, in my opinion, is when a firm relies on a single auditor who leaves the firm.
- Ask your certification body for the audit plan 30 days in advance. Use the extra time to perform a mock internal audit against the same plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the iso 22000 certification validity period and renewal india?
ISO 22000 certificate validity is 3 years in India. To renew the certificate, a recertification audit has to be done prior to the expiry of the certificate.
What is the iso certificate renewal process and fees india?
To renew the certificate, an internal audit, renewal application, document review, and a two-stage audit process need to be done. The cost of renewal will vary between ₹25,000 to ₹3,00,000+.
how long iso 22000 certificate valid?
ISO 22000 certificate validity is 3 years from the date of issue of the certificate.
why iso audit fail?
The most common reasons are incomplete documentation, unresolved non-conformities, inadequate internal audit programs, and poor records of HACCP monitoring and corrective actions.
What are some common iso certification mistakes?
The most critical mistakes are, not updating documentation as processes change, not attending management review meetings, and working with non-accredited bodies that have not been internationally recognized.
Give me some iso audit tips?
To pass ISO 22000 audits successfully, have all your FSMS documents under control, complete all corrective actions, conduct internal audits, and brief all departmental heads on their audit responsibility.
Can I continue operating if my ISO 22000 certificate is under suspension?
Yes, you may continue to operate, but you cannot use the ISO 22000 mark or be said to be certified. Suspension will be for up to 6 months. If non-conformities are not resolved within this time limit, then the certificate will be withdrawn.
