Terms & Conditions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following words and phrases have the meanings set out below:

LONDON CERT LIMITED is a company incorporated in England and Wales on 26 November 2020 under Companies House Number 13044707. We are an independent, IAF-accredited and UKAS-recognised third-party ISO management system certification body.

London Cert is not a consultancy. We are an independent certification body — we conduct audits and issue certificates ourselves, without commercial interest in the outcome of any audit. This independence is required by our Accreditation and is fundamental to the international validity of certificates we issue.

By accessing the Website, submitting an enquiry, signing a Service Proposal, making payment, or otherwise engaging London Cert for Services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in full.

If you are entering into this Agreement on behalf of a company or other legal entity, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that entity to these Terms. If you do not have such authority, or if you do not agree with any provision of these Terms, you must not use the Website or engage London Cert's Services.

These Terms apply to all Services provided by London Cert, including ISO certification, cybersecurity assessments, consultancy, and training. Specific additional terms may apply to particular Services and will be set out in the relevant Service Proposal.

London Cert provides the following categories of professional services:

4.1 ISO Management System Certification

Third-party independent certification audits against ISO management system standards, including but not limited to: ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 27001 (Information Security), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), ISO 22000 (Food Safety), ISO 13485 (Medical Devices), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity), ISO 50001 (Energy Management), ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management), and ISO 20000 (IT Service Management).

4.2 Cybersecurity Services

Cybersecurity assessment and compliance services including VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing), PCI-DSS compliance assessments, SOC 1/2/3 audit services, GDPR advisory, HIPAA compliance advisory, CMMI appraisals, and server hardening assessments.

4.3 Consultancy and Training

ISO implementation consultancy, internal auditor training, gap analysis, and management system advisory services.

4.4 Scope Limitations

London Cert's Services are provided as described in the relevant Service Proposal. We do not guarantee that any Client will pass a certification audit. The outcome of any audit is determined solely by the Client's compliance with the applicable ISO standard requirements at the time of the audit.

5.1 Stage 1 Audit (Documentation Review)

The Stage 1 Audit involves a review of the Client's management system documentation against the requirements of the applicable ISO standard. London Cert will issue a Stage 1 Audit Report identifying areas requiring attention before Stage 2. Stage 1 findings do not constitute failure — they are preparatory guidance for Stage 2.

5.2 Stage 2 Audit (Certification Audit)

The Stage 2 Audit involves an on-site or remote assessment of whether the Client's management system is effectively implemented. London Cert's Lead Auditor will determine whether the Client meets the requirements for certification. This determination is made solely on the basis of the evidence gathered during the audit and is independent of any commercial considerations.

5.3 Nonconformities

Where Nonconformities are identified during any Audit:

• Major Nonconformities — the Client must demonstrate effective corrective action within 90 days. Failure to do so may result in refusal of certification or withdrawal of an existing certificate.
• Minor Nonconformities — the Client must implement corrective action and provide evidence at the next surveillance audit.
• Observations — opportunities for improvement. No formal corrective action required.

5.4 Audit Independence

All certification decisions are made by London Cert's Lead Auditors and certification review personnel independently of any commercial relationship with the Client. London Cert maintains documented impartiality procedures in accordance with our IAF Accreditation requirements. No employee involved in consultancy for a Client may be the auditor for that Client's certification audit.

5.5 Surveillance Audits

Certificates are valid for three (3) years subject to satisfactory annual surveillance audits. Surveillance Audit 1 is due approximately twelve (12) months after initial certification. Surveillance Audit 2 is due approximately twenty-four (24) months after initial certification. Failure to undertake surveillance audits within the required timeframe will result in certificate suspension.

5.6 Recertification

A full recertification audit is required in the third year of the certification cycle. Clients must request recertification at least sixty (60) days before certificate expiry to ensure continuity.

The Client agrees to the following obligations throughout the period of engagement with London Cert:

6.1 Accuracy of Information

The Client shall provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information about their organisation, operations, processes, and management systems. The Client shall not misrepresent the scope, nature, or activities of their organisation. London Cert relies on the accuracy of Client-provided information. Certification granted on the basis of materially inaccurate information may be withdrawn.

6.2 Cooperation with Auditors

The Client shall provide London Cert auditors with reasonable access to all premises, processes, documents, records, and personnel required for the conduct of the Audit. The Client shall not obstruct, mislead, or attempt to influence the outcome of any Audit.

6.3 Ongoing Compliance

Following certification, the Client commits to maintaining the management system that was certified. The Client must notify London Cert of any significant changes to their organisation, scope, processes, or management system that may affect conformance with the certified standard.

6.4 Correct Use of Certificates and Marks

The Client shall use the London Cert certificate and any certification marks only in accordance with the terms set out in Section 8 of these Terms. Misuse of certification materials is a material breach of this Agreement.

6.5 Regulatory Compliance

The Client is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and statutory requirements in their jurisdiction. ISO certification does not constitute or imply regulatory approval or legal compliance.

7.1 Fees

Fees for Services are set out in the Service Proposal issued to each Client. All fees are fixed-price and all-inclusive for the scope described in the Service Proposal. London Cert does not charge hourly rates for certification services unless specifically agreed in writing.

7.2 Payment Terms

Unless otherwise specified in the Service Proposal, payment terms are as follows: a deposit (as specified in the Service Proposal, typically 50% of the total fee) is due upon acceptance of the Service Proposal and before any work commences; the remaining balance is due upon issuance of the certificate or completion of the relevant Service milestone.

7.3 Payment Methods

London Cert accepts bank transfer (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS for India clients), SWIFT transfer (for international clients), and other payment methods as specified in the Service Proposal. Payment details will be provided upon acceptance of the Service Proposal.

7.4 Late Payment

If any payment is not received within fourteen (14) days of the due date, London Cert reserves the right to: suspend work on the relevant Services; withhold issuance of any Certificate; and charge interest on overdue amounts at a rate of 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate, calculated from the due date to the date of payment.

7.5 Annual Maintenance Fees

Where surveillance audits are included in the initial Service Proposal, annual maintenance fees are due as specified. Where surveillance audits are not included, separate fees will apply. Clients will receive written notice of surveillance audit fees at least 30 days before they fall due.

7.6 Taxes

All fees quoted are exclusive of applicable taxes. For Indian clients, GST will be applied as required by applicable Indian tax law. For international clients, local taxes or withholding obligations in the Client's jurisdiction are the Client's responsibility.

8.1 Certificate Issuance

Upon successful completion of the certification audit and receipt of all outstanding fees, London Cert will issue an IAF-accredited certificate confirming the Client's conformance with the applicable ISO standard. Each certificate carries a unique certificate number verifiable at verify.londoncert.co.uk.

8.2 Certificate Validity

ISO management system certificates issued by London Cert are valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of issue, subject to satisfactory completion of annual surveillance audits. Certificate validity is contingent on continued compliance with the applicable standard and these Terms.

8.3 Permitted Use of Certificates

The Client is permitted to:

• Display the certificate on their premises and in their marketing materials;
• Reference the certificate in tender submissions, vendor applications, and client proposals;
• Include a copy of the certificate in digital and printed communications;
• Display the London Cert certification mark in accordance with any brand guidelines provided;
• State that they are "ISO [Standard] certified by London Cert Ltd, an IAF-accredited certification body."

8.4 Prohibited Use of Certificates

The Client must not:

• Claim certification to a scope, standard, or standard version not covered by the issued certificate;
• Alter, modify, or reproduce the certificate other than exact reproduction;
• Continue to display or use a certificate after it has expired, been suspended, or been withdrawn;
• Use the certificate in a manner that implies endorsement of products or services beyond the certified scope;
• Transfer the certificate to any third party, related company, or subsidiary not covered by the original certification scope;
• Make misleading statements about the nature or scope of their certification.

9.1 Grounds for Suspension

London Cert may suspend a Client's certificate in the following circumstances:

• Failure to undergo a required surveillance audit within the specified timeframe;
• Identification of a Major Nonconformity that has not been resolved within the agreed corrective action timeframe;
• Failure to pay fees as agreed;
• Notification by the Client of significant changes to their management system scope that require re-evaluation;
• Complaint or information received indicating potential non-conformance requiring investigation.

9.2 Suspension Process

Before suspending a certificate, London Cert will provide written notice to the Client specifying the reason for suspension and the corrective action required to lift the suspension. The Client will be given a reasonable opportunity (typically 30–90 days depending on the circumstances) to address the issue before suspension takes effect, unless the circumstances require immediate suspension.

9.3 Grounds for Withdrawal

London Cert may withdraw a Client's certificate where:

• The Client has not resolved the grounds for suspension within the notice period;
• The Client has materially misrepresented information during the certification process;
• The Client has prohibited the conduct of an audit;
• The Client requests withdrawal in writing;
• The Client has committed a material breach of these Terms that is not remedied;
• London Cert's Accreditation no longer covers the relevant certification scope.

9.4 Effect of Suspension or Withdrawal

Upon suspension or withdrawal, the Client must immediately cease using the certificate and any associated certification marks. The Client must notify any third parties relying on the certificate (clients, procurement portals, etc.) of the change in certification status. London Cert will update its online certificate verification portal to reflect the change in status.

10.1 Impartiality

London Cert is committed to impartiality in all certification activities. Our certification decisions are based solely on objective evidence gathered during audits and are not influenced by commercial, financial, or other pressures. London Cert maintains documented impartiality procedures that meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1 and our IAF Accreditation.

No London Cert employee or contractor who has provided consultancy, training, or implementation assistance to a Client within the preceding two (2) years may conduct a certification audit for that Client.

10.2 Confidentiality — Client Information

London Cert treats all Client information as confidential. We will not disclose Client information to third parties except:

• Where required by our IAF or UKAS Accreditation for oversight and peer review purposes;
• Where required by applicable law or court order;
• Where the Client has given prior written consent;
• Information that is already in the public domain through no fault of London Cert;
• Summary statistical information that does not identify individual Clients.

10.3 Public Information

In accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements, London Cert maintains a publicly accessible register of certified organisations on our website. This register includes the Client's organisation name, certification scope, certificate number, issue date, and validity date. The Client consents to inclusion in this public register as a condition of certification.

10.4 Client's Confidentiality Obligations

The Client agrees to keep confidential any London Cert proprietary information, audit methodologies, pricing information, and internal processes they become aware of during the engagement.

11.1 All intellectual property rights in the Website, including its content, design, trademarks, logos, and materials, are owned by or licensed to London Cert Ltd. Nothing in these Terms grants you any rights in the Website content other than as necessary to use the Services.

11.2 The London Cert name, logo, and certification marks are registered trademarks or proprietary marks of London Cert Ltd. They may only be used by Clients holding a valid certificate and in accordance with Section 8 of these Terms.

11.3 Documentation prepared by London Cert as part of the Services (quality manuals, policies, procedures, etc.) is provided to the Client for their use in implementing and maintaining their management system. The Client may use, adapt, and maintain such documentation for their own internal purposes but may not commercially distribute, sell, or license it to third parties without London Cert's written consent.

11.4 The Client retains all intellectual property rights in their own processes, know-how, and proprietary information. London Cert will not use any Client proprietary information for any purpose other than the provision of the Services.

12.1 Scope of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, London Cert's total aggregate liability to the Client in respect of all claims arising out of or in connection with the Agreement (whether in contract, tort including negligence, breach of statutory duty, or otherwise) shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Client to London Cert in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

12.2 Excluded Losses

London Cert shall not be liable for:

• Any loss of profit, revenue, business, contracts, or anticipated savings;
• Any loss of goodwill or reputation;
• Any indirect, consequential, or special losses;
• Any claim arising from the Client's failure to comply with their obligations under these Terms;
• Any rejection of the Client's tender or vendor application based on the Client's certification status;
• Any loss arising from the Client's reliance on information provided on the Website;
• Third-party acceptance, rejection, or recognition of certificates issued by London Cert.

12.3 No Guarantee of Outcomes

London Cert does not guarantee that ISO certification will result in winning tenders, securing contracts, passing client audits, achieving regulatory approval, or any other specific business outcome. The certificate confirms conformance with the applicable ISO standard at the time of audit — it does not guarantee any commercial, financial, or regulatory outcome.

12.4 Statutory Rights

Nothing in these Terms shall limit or exclude London Cert's liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited by applicable law.

13.1 The Website is provided for informational purposes and to facilitate engagement with London Cert's Services. You may use the Website only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms.

13.2 You must not use the Website to transmit any unsolicited commercial communications, malicious code, or content that is unlawful, harmful, or offensive.

13.3 London Cert uses cookies on the Website. Our use of cookies is governed by our Cookie Policy, available on the Website. By continuing to use the Website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in the Cookie Policy.

13.4 While London Cert takes reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of Website content, we do not warrant that the Website will be error-free, uninterrupted, or free of viruses. The Website is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.

13.5 The Website may contain links to third-party websites. London Cert does not endorse, control, or accept responsibility for the content of any linked third-party website. Use of linked websites is at your own risk.

13.6 London Cert reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the Website or any part of it at any time without notice.

14.1 Right of Appeal

Any Client who disagrees with a certification decision made by London Cert (including refusal of certification, granting of certification with reduced scope, suspension, or withdrawal of certification) has the right to appeal that decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing to info@londoncert.co.uk within thirty (30) days of the decision being notified to the Client.

14.2 Appeals Process

All appeals will be reviewed by a senior London Cert manager who was not involved in the original certification decision. The appeals process will be completed within sixty (60) days of receipt of the written appeal. The Client will receive a written response setting out London Cert's decision on the appeal and the reasons for it.

14.3 Complaints

Complaints about London Cert's Services, conduct of auditors, or any other aspect of the engagement should be submitted in writing to info@londoncert.co.uk. London Cert will acknowledge receipt of any complaint within five (5) Working Days and will provide a substantive response within twenty (20) Working Days.

14.4 Escalation

If a Client is not satisfied with London Cert's response to a complaint or appeal, they may escalate to our Accreditation body. Details of the Accreditation body's complaints process will be provided upon request.

15.1 Either party may terminate the Agreement by giving thirty (30) days' written notice to the other party.

15.2 London Cert may terminate the Agreement immediately upon written notice in the event of: a material breach of these Terms by the Client that is not remedied within fourteen (14) days of written notice; the Client's insolvency, liquidation, or administration; or the Client providing false or fraudulent information during the certification process.

15.3 Upon termination of the Agreement, any outstanding certification fees become immediately due and payable. The Client's right to use any issued certificate continues until the certificate's expiry date, unless the certificate is suspended or withdrawn under Section 9.

15.4 Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (including Sections 8, 10.4, 11, 12, and 16) will continue in effect after termination.

16.1 These Terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales.

16.2 The parties agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms or their subject matter or formation.

16.3 Before commencing formal legal proceedings, the parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute through good faith negotiation. Either party may initiate this process by giving written notice to the other party specifying the nature of the dispute and the resolution sought. The parties will make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days of such notice.

16.4 Nothing in this Section prevents either party from seeking urgent injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction where necessary to protect their rights.

17.1 London Cert reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. The current version of these Terms is always available on the Website at londoncert.co.uk/terms-conditions/.

17.2 For existing Clients under a live Agreement, material changes to these Terms will be notified by email to the registered contact address at least thirty (30) days before the changes take effect. Continued engagement with London Cert's Services after the effective date of the changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

17.3 Minor amendments (such as correction of typographical errors, clarification of existing provisions, or updates to contact details) may be made without notice and take effect immediately upon publication.

17.4 These Terms, together with the Service Proposal and any other documents expressly incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to their subject matter and supersede all prior agreements, representations, warranties, and understandings.

For any questions about these Terms and Conditions, or to exercise any rights under them, please contact London Cert Ltd using the details below: