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Extensions

Filing an extension 

SQF has in place a means to defer certification due to extenuating circumstances, allowing for a one-time six-month extension, aligning with GFSI. We’ve updated our procedure for approving date change requests, referencing the IAF Informative Document for Management of Extraordinary Events or Circumstances Affecting ABs, CABs, and Certified Organizations.  Certifying bodies (CBs) are required to conduct a risk assessment to determine if a certificate extension is needed.

The SQF policy also requires the CB to assess the risk for continuing certification during an extraordinary event and request information from sites, as applicable. If you are seeking a delay in your site’s certification audit, you should contact your CB to understand your options.

Requesting Audit Extensions

Sites should reach out to their CBs to request an extension. We have been informing our CBs that they are responsible for communicating with the sites when certificate extensions are approved.  Please contact your site’s CB to determine how they are providing confirmation of the certificate extension request. They should also provide you with how they are communicating the approvals, which could include an e-mail, letter, or updated certificate.

 

This form is to be used by the Certification Bodies to request date changes for their sites or to notify us of suspensions and withdrawals. All requests must come from a certification body. The reason for the change box must be detailed to allow for a decision on any date-change requests. You will receive a response back in the form of an e-mail announcing the decision for all date-change requests. ALL PARTS OF THE FORM ARE REQUIRED TO BE FILLED IN.


SQFI is here to help, if you have any additional questions please contact us at info@sqfi.com or 202-220-0635.

Last Updated 02/06/2023