Textile Exchange\u2019s quality assurance program supports the credible and consistent certification of preferred fibers and materials according to the criteria in our suite of standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our assurance system auditing and certification processes support a network of certification bodies<\/a>. These certification bodies are required to conform with our policies and procedures to conduct audits and issue certificates to assess conformity with our standards. Certification bodies must maintain accreditation by conforming with these policies and procedures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All certification bodies undergo assessment by an authorized accreditation body<\/a> for our standards before beginning any auditing and certification work. Accreditation bodies are independent organizations that, in accordance with ISO\/IEC 17011, assess certification bodies’ competency to perform certification activities with a given standard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At least once per year certification bodies are assessed by their accreditation body to confirm their qualification and conformity with our requirements. This yearly assessment involves review at the certification body\u2019s headquarters with key staff as well as shadow audits of client sites where the assessor observes the auditor\u2019s performance. When non-conformities are identified, the certification body has a defined amount of time to correct them to maintain their accreditation status. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The process of suspension includes a due diligence process whereby the certification body may file an appeal to the accreditation body regarding the suspension decision, giving further credibility in case there are procedural issues with the accreditation body\u2019s processes. Each accreditation body sets its own appeal timeline, which may result in several months passing before the final suspension and its consequences occur. If the certification body does not correct its non-conformities related to the suspension, a similar withdrawal procedure and timeline occur as defined by the accreditation body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of the annual certification body assessment process in 2022, GSCI Services Pvt. Ltd.<\/a> (GSCI) was found to have non-conformities with Textile Exchange\u2019s assurance requirements. These were not corrected within the required timeframes and as a result, their ability to provide certification services for Textile Exchange standards is affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n GSCI\u2019s accreditation body, IOAS, has suspended their accreditation to all Textile Exchange standards<\/a> effective August 11, 2023. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Transaction certificates previously issued by GSCI are still considered valid \u2013 unless otherwise notified by GSCI or Textile Exchange<\/strong>. To authenticate a transaction certificate issued by GSCI, please see the Textile Exchange transaction certificate portal<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Please note that IOAS has specified that GSCI is not permitted to issue transaction certificates while the suspension is active, effective as of August 11, 2023<\/strong>. We recognize the burden that this creates for the clients of this certification body. If and when the suspension is lifted, GSCI will be able to issue transaction certificates subject to Textile Exchange\u2019s standard timelines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Withdrawal of Certification Body Licensing<\/a> procedure (ASR-112-v2.0), section D details the requirements for certification bodies to communicate to their certification clients directly regarding how this suspension will impact their certification services.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are a certified client of GSCI, you should soon receive their notification. Below are some additional potential next steps and resources to assist you with the process: <\/p>\n\n\n\n While Textile Exchange is disappointed by this situation and the conditions that will impact site certifications, these circumstances reflect the integrity and consistency of our assurance system. In turn, this helps to ensure greater credibility of our standards and of the entities that offer auditing and certification services. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Textile Exchange\u2019s quality assurance program supports the credible and consistent certification of preferred fibers and materials according to the criteria in our suite of standards. Our assurance system auditing and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"template":"","tags":[],"news_category":[],"class_list":["post-43741","news","type-news","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"eight29_custom":[],"featured_image":false,"the_categories":[],"the_author":"Candace Benson","formatted_date":"August 16, 2023","yoast_head":"\n\n
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