AQS is an auditing, testing and certification company working in the field of management systems and product certifications providing quality assurance certifications.

Contact

+91 8700656111, 7011912736

F-132, Krishna Apra, D Mall, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad

info@aqssolution.com

Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in Instagram Pinterest Quora

ISO Surveillance

Overview of ISO Surveillance Audit

An ISO Surveillance Audit is a periodic audit conducted by a certification body to ensure that an organization continues to comply with ISO standards after receiving certification. Unlike the initial certification audit, surveillance audits focus on ongoing compliance, process improvements, and corrective actions.

These audits are typically conducted annually within the 3-year certification cycle to verify that the management system remains effective and aligned with ISO requirements.

Website Content for ISO Surveillance Audit

📌 What is an ISO Surveillance Audit?

An ISO Surveillance Audit is a mandatory follow-up audit performed by an accredited certification body to confirm that your organization is maintaining compliance with its ISO-certified management system. It helps businesses:

  • Ensure continuous adherence to ISO standards
  • Identify improvement areas and reduce risks
  • Maintain customer confidence and regulatory compliance
  • Retain their ISO certification status

📌 Why is ISO Surveillance Important?

  • Ensures ongoing compliance with ISO standards
  • Helps identify non-conformities and areas for improvement
  • Strengthens business credibility and customer trust
  • Prevents the risk of losing ISO certification
  • Ensures continuous process enhancement and risk management

ISO Surveillance Audit Process

1️⃣ Audit Planning & Notification
  • The certification body schedules the surveillance audit annually.
  • The organization is informed about the audit scope and schedule.
2️⃣ Review of Management System & Documentation
  • Examination of ISO policies, processes, and documented procedures.
  • Assessment of corrective actions taken for previous non-conformities.
3️⃣ On-Site or Remote Audit Execution
  • Auditors review business operations, employee interviews, and risk controls.
  • Verification of continuous compliance with ISO requirements.
4️⃣ Audit Findings & Reporting
  • The auditor provides a report on compliance status and areas needing improvement.
  • If minor non-conformities are found, corrective action plans are recommended.
5️⃣ Corrective Actions & Follow-Up
  • The organization implements corrective measures to address any issues.
  • Auditors may conduct a follow-up audit if necessary.
6️⃣ Maintaining ISO Certification
  • If compliance is maintained, the ISO certification remains valid.
  • Failure to meet requirements may lead to suspension or revocation of certification.

What Happens If You Fail the ISO Surveillance Audit?

  • If minor non-conformities are found → You will need to correct them within a set timeframe.
  • If major non-conformities are found → A follow-up audit may be required.
  • Repeated non-compliance → May lead to ISO certification suspension or withdrawal.

How We Help with ISO Surveillance Audits

  • Pre-Surveillance Audit Preparation – Internal audits to assess compliance
  • Corrective Action Support – Guidance on resolving non-conformities
  • Audit Management & Documentation – Ensuring a smooth audit process
  • Ongoing Compliance Monitoring – Continuous support for ISO maintenance

Purpose of ISO Surveillance Audit

An ISO Surveillance Audit ensures that an organization continues to comply with ISO standards after obtaining certification. Conducted annually by a certification body, the audit verifies that the organization is maintaining, improving, and effectively implementing its ISO-certified management system.

Ensure Continuous Compliance with ISO Standards
  • Confirms that the organization still meets ISO certification requirements
  • Ensures policies, procedures, and processes are consistently followed
  • Prevents the risk of certification suspension or withdrawal
Monitor and Improve Business Processes
  • Identifies gaps, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement
  • Encourages continuous process enhancement and innovation
  • Helps businesses align with new ISO updates and best practices
Identify and Address Non-Conformities
  • Detects minor or major non-conformities before they become serious issues
  • Helps organizations take corrective and preventive actions
  • Reduces operational risks and compliance failures
Maintain Customer Trust and Market Reputation
  • Demonstrates commitment to quality, security, and compliance
  • Enhances business credibility and stakeholder confidence
  • Strengthens eligibility for contracts, partnerships, and tenders
Support Risk Management & Legal Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and industry requirements
  • Reduces the risk of data breaches, environmental violations, or safety hazards
  • Helps organizations adapt to changing regulatory landscapes

What Happens If You Fail an ISO Surveillance Audit?

  • Minor non-conformities → Require corrective actions within a set timeframe
  • Major non-conformities → May require a follow-up audit
  • Repeated failures → Can lead to ISO certification suspension or withdrawal
Why ISO Surveillance Audits Are Essential
  • Maintains ISO certification validity
  • Ensures continuous business improvement
  • Prevents compliance risks & legal penalties
  • Boosts operational efficiency & customer satisfaction

Have any questions or need more information? Feel free to reach out us

Inquiry