1. Introduction
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern the provision of certification, audit, assessment, training, and related services by GCAI (“GCAI”, “we”, “our”, “us”) to its clients (“Client”, “you”).
By submitting an application, signing a contract, or engaging GCAI services, the Client agrees to these Terms.
2. Scope of Services
GCAI provides:
• Accredited management system certification services
• Non-accredited audits, assessments, and conformity evaluations
• Initial certification, surveillance, recertification, special and transfer audits
• Training programs and examinations (where applicable)
All services are delivered in accordance with applicable standards, accreditation rules, and contractual agreements.
3. Accreditation & Recognition
• GCAI operates in compliance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 and applicable IAS / IAF Mandatory Documents.
• Accreditation applies only to schemes, standards, and scopes explicitly stated on the issued certificate.
• Non-accredited services shall be clearly identified and shall not be represented as accredited certification.
4. Application & Contract
• Submission of an application does not guarantee certification.
• Certification activities commence only after:
o Application review and acceptance
o Contract execution
o Payment of applicable fees
• GCAI reserves the right to accept or reject any application.
5. Client Responsibilities
The Client shall:
• Provide accurate, complete, and truthful information
• Grant access to personnel, facilities, systems, and records required for audits
• Inform GCAI of significant changes affecting certification scope
• Ensure availability of relevant personnel during audits
• Maintain compliance with certification requirements at all times
Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in suspension, withdrawal, or refusal of certification.
6. Audit Process & Certification Decision
• Audits are conducted objectively by competent auditors.
• Certification decisions are made independently based on audit evidence.
• GCAI does not guarantee certification outcomes.
• Certification may be:
o Granted
o Deferred
o Refused
o Suspended
o Withdrawn
Decisions are final unless appealed through the formal appeals process.
7. Fees & Payments
• Fees shall be as per the approved quotation or contract.
• Invoices must be paid within the agreed payment terms.
• GCAI reserves the right to withhold certification, certificates, or reports in case of non-payment.
• Refunds and cancellations are governed by the Refund & Cancellation Policy.
8. Use of Certification Mark & Certificates
• Clients may use GCAI certification marks only as permitted.
• Certification marks shall:
o Not be misleading
o Not imply certification of products or services unless applicable
o Be discontinued immediately upon suspension or withdrawal
• Misuse of certification marks may result in suspension or legal action.
9. Confidentiality
• GCAI shall maintain confidentiality of all client information, except where disclosure is required by:
o Accreditation bodies
o Law or regulatory authorities
o Court orders
• Confidentiality obligations survive termination of services.
10. Impartiality & Independence
• GCAI operates with impartiality, independence, and integrity.
• GCAI does not provide consultancy for management systems it certifies.
• Any potential conflict of interest is identified, reviewed, and mitigated.
11. Complaints & Appeals
• Clients may submit complaints or appeals related to certification decisions.
• All complaints and appeals are handled through documented procedures.
• Filing a complaint or appeal does not suspend contractual or financial obligations.
12. Suspension, Withdrawal & Termination
GCAI may suspend or withdraw certification in cases including but not limited to:
• Non-conformities not closed within timelines
• Misuse of certification marks
• Failure to allow audits
• Non-payment of fees
• Misrepresentation or breach of Terms
Termination does not entitle the Client to refunds unless explicitly stated.
13. Limitation of Liability
• GCAI’s liability is limited to the fees paid for the relevant service.
• GCAI shall not be liable for:
o Business losses
o Loss of reputation
o Regulatory penalties
o Indirect or consequential damages
• Certification does not guarantee compliance with laws or prevent incidents.
14. Force Majeure
GCAI shall not be liable for failure or delay in performance due to events beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, or technical failures.
15. Intellectual Property
• All audit reports, certificates, and materials remain the intellectual property of GCAI.
• Clients may use reports only for internal and regulatory purposes unless otherwise agreed.
16. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India.
Courts located in Bangalore, India shall have exclusive jurisdiction.
17. Amendments
GCAI reserves the right to update these Terms at any time.
The latest version published on the GCAI website shall prevail.
18. Acceptance
Engaging GCAI services constitutes acceptance of these Terms of Service.