SDAB Policy for Transition

SDAB Strategy for Progress of Licensed Confirmation Exercises for The executives Framework Accreditation Bodies (MSCB) Guaranteeing Frameworks
As per ISO 9001:Latest, ISO 14001:Latest, ISO 50001:Latest, ISO 50003:Latest and ISO 13485:Latest

This approach applies to all SDAB-authorize The executives Framework Accreditation Bodies and is expected to frame proposals for the progress cycle to the most up to date adaptations of the beneath recorded norms as per the IAF-AB Goals.

Note: For data on CBs progress to ISO/IEC 17021-1:Latest, if it’s not too much trouble, see the SDAB site for the Arrangement on Change to ISO/IEC 17021-1:Latest.

ISO 9001:Latest – Quality administration frameworks – Necessities

ISO 14001:Latest – Ecological administration frameworks – Necessities with direction for use

ISO 50001:Latest – Energy the board frameworks – Necessities with direction for use
ISO 50003:Latest – Energy the board frameworks – Necessities for bodies giving review and accreditation of energy the executives frameworks

Required Date of Progress for ISO 50003:Latest

ISO 13485:Latest – Medical Devices – Quality administration frameworks – Prerequisites for administrative purposes

Required Date of Change for ISO 13485:Latest

CB Examiner Capability

Examiners and staff will get preparing to dive more deeply into the new norms. The CB is liable for check of this instructional class’ adequacy.

Note: Preparing and confirmation of reviewers and staff should be finished preceding playing out a review to the new standard forms.

Correspondence

Correspondence during these progress periods will be the way in to the CB’s fruitful exchange of their clients and execution of the new principles for review rehearses. CBs are prescribed to convey any worries and additionally inquiries to the public standard improvement associations as well as Authorization Bodies in their economies. Additionally, CBs are urged to keep up with correspondence with other CBs concerning sharing progress techniques. At long last, CBs ought to prescribe to their affirmed clients potential techniques to utilize while working with this progress and ought to be empowering new and existing clients to execute the most current standard forms as quickly as time permits.

Accreditation Documentation

CBs are prescribed to start refreshing their review confirmation documentation to mirror the most up to date standard variants quickly. This incorporates: agendas, reports and some other specialized documentation utilized during a review.

Recertification

For those clients previously guaranteed by the CB, the CB ought to furnish them with the proposed courses of action for overhauling their confirmations to the freshest
standard renditions.

These game plans include: the means by which proceeded with confirmation will be thought of (i.e., single visit, multi stage approach, and so on), a
time span for when recertification reviews should be planned, and any new necessities occupant upon the client to furnish the CB as per the new standard variants. Kindly
remember the connection between the change time of the new norms and the recertification cycle utilized by your association. It could be useful to design the following recertification review to correspond with the change time frame dates for existing clients.

Records of Temporary Exercises

The CB will track any temporary exercises, instruments and declarations made to their clients. This data will be explored at the following nearby appraisal of the CB to
guarantee that the CB is finding a way sufficient ways to illuminate their clients regarding the momentary necessities.

Progress Disappointment

As expected by the IAF-AB Goals settled upon by the IAF-AB MLA signatory certification bodies, CBs will have methodology set up to guarantee that in case of a client being not able to finish the change cycle inside the distributed time span remedial activity is started and really executed. The ramifications for these clients are surrendered to the CB’s circumspection, be that as it may, no certify confirmations will be given to clients in conformance with the past variant of the standard once the
temporary time frame has finished.

To refresh a confirmation to the new norm, the CB’s ensured client should be on favorable terms as for restorative activities recognized at any past reviews before progress can be thought of. The CB will track conclusion of discoveries recently distinguished to guarantee the trustworthiness of the change
interaction.

Accessibility of License Reports

All SDAB-certify MSCBs who offer confirmation to the previously mentioned norms are expected to get a duplicate of the new worldwide guidelines which might be bought from important standard bodies, including the International Code ISO store.

Authorization Standards

The ongoing SDAB Authorization Rules for The board Framework Certificate Bodies (SDAB 10002) has been reconsidered to incorporate reference to the recently
refreshed guidelines. SDAB 10002 has gone through publication changes as for the new guidelines also. Kindly look into the record, accessible on the SDAB site at: www.sanatanboards.com

Partner and Client Commitment

All on-going correspondence and updates basic to the fruitful finish of the change will be posted on the SDAB website.

Cbs are urged to start this change interaction with their clients at the earliest opportunity. Assuming there are any inquiries, kindly direct them to SDAB Collaborator
Authorization Official,
DELHI-NCR Regd. Office
Sanatan Dharma Accreditation Board (SDAB)
SDAB House
Asaoti, Dist Palwal
Faridabad Delhi NCR, Haryana
Tel .: +91-7979801035
Fax: +91-250 2341170
Website: www.sanatanboards.com

A Comprehensive Strategy for the Progress of Licensed Confirmation Exercises for Management System Accreditation Bodies (MSCB)

Document Code: SDAB-PT-01
Version: 2.0
Applicability: All SDAB-Accredited Management System Certification Bodies (MSCBs)

1.0 Executive Summary and Purpose

This document establishes the Sanatan Development Accreditation Board’s (SDAB) official policy and strategic framework for the structured transition of accredited Management System Certification Bodies (MSCBs) to the latest editions of key international standards. The policy is formulated in strict alignment with the resolutions and mandates issued by the International Body and its Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) signatory bodies.

The primary purpose is to ensure a harmonized, consistent, and rigorous global approach to the migration from previous standard versions to the newly published editions. This transition is critical for maintaining the integrity, relevance, and international acceptance of management system certifications. A successful transition safeguards the value of the accredited certificate for organizations worldwide, reinforces confidence in the conformity assessment process, and ensures that certified entities continue to benefit from the latest best practices in management system disciplines.

This policy applies specifically to transitions for the following standards, referenced herein as “ISO 9001:Latest,” “ISO 14001:Latest,” etc., with the understanding that “Latest” denotes the most current published edition at the time a transition period is officially announced by International Body/SDAB:

ISO 9001 – Quality management systems – Requirements
ISO 14001 – Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
ISO 50001 – Energy management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
ISO 50003 – Energy management systems – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of energy management systems
ISO 13485 – Medical devices – Quality management systems – Requirements for regulatory purposes

*Note: For transitions related to conformity assessment standards such as ISO/IEC 17021-1, please refer to the dedicated SDAB policy available on the official website.*

2.0 Definitions

SDAB: Sanatan Development Accreditation Board.
MSCB (Management System Certification Body): An organization accredited by SDAB to conduct audits and issue certificates against specified management system standards.
International Body
MLA: Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (of the International Body).
IAF-AB Resolutions: Formal decisions agreed upon by International Body Accreditation Body members.
Certified Client: An organization that holds a valid management system certificate issued by an SDAB-accredited MSCB.
Transition Period: The official timeframe defined by International Body, commencing from the publication date of a new standard and ending on a specified sunset date, during which certificates to both old and new versions are valid.
Sunset Date: The date after which certifications to the previous edition of a standard are no longer valid. All certified clients must complete the transition audit before this date.
Recertification Audit: A comprehensive audit conducted at the end of a certification cycle (typically every three years) to renew the certificate.
Surveillance Audit: A periodic audit (typically annual) conducted during the certification cycle to ensure the client’s management system continues to fulfill requirements.

3.0 Governing Principles

The transition process shall be governed by the following core principles:

Integrity: The transition must not compromise the rigor of the certification process. Compliance with the new standard must be thoroughly demonstrated.
Impartiality: Transition decisions must be based solely on objective evidence of conformity, free from commercial or other pressures.
Competence: MSCBs and their auditors must demonstrate verified competence regarding the new standard’s requirements prior to conducting transition audits.
Consistency: A uniform approach to transition shall be applied across all accredited MSCBs and their client portfolios.
Transparency: Clear, timely, and unambiguous communication regarding transition requirements, timelines, and processes is mandatory for all stakeholders.
Client Support: MSCBs have a responsibility to guide and support their certified clients through the transition process effectively.
International Body Alignment: All activities and timelines must strictly conform to International Body Mandatory Documents, particularly International Body MD 9:2019 (Transition Requirements for Management System Standards) and relevant IAF-AB Resolutions.

4.0 Mandatory Transition Timeline and Key Dates

SDAB will issue formal transition announcements for each standard, specifying:

Publication Date of New Standard: The date the new edition is officially published by ISO.
Start of Transition Period: Typically coinciding with the publication date.
International Body Mandated Sunset Date: The date set by International Body by which all certifications to the old standard must be transitioned or become invalid.
SDAB Completion Deadline: A date set by SDAB, typically 3-6 months prior to the International Body Sunset Date, by which all MSCB-level processes (including witness audits, office assessments) related to the transition must be completed to ensure administrative processing time.

Example Schedule (Illustrative):

Activity	Responsible Party	Timeline (Relative to International Body Sunset Date)
International Body publishes transition plan & sunset date.	International Body	-36 to -24 months
SDAB issues formal transition policy & timeline.	SDAB	Within 3 months of International Body announcement
MSCBs update their own procedures & documentation.	MSCB	-24 to -18 months
MSCB auditor training & competency verification completed.	MSCB	-18 to -12 months
MSCBs begin conducting client transition audits.	MSCB	From policy issuance
SDAB Completion Deadline	MSCB	-6 months
International Body Sunset Date	All	0 (Final Deadline)

Specific Required Dates for ISO 50003:Latest and ISO 13485:Latest will be promulgated by separate SDAB circulars upon International Body announcement.

5.0 MSCB Transition Requirements

5.1 Auditor and Staff Competence

The competence of personnel is the cornerstone of a credible transition. MSCBs must:

Develop a Competence Plan: Establish and implement a detailed plan for achieving and verifying auditor competence for each new standard.
Provide Formal Training: Ensure all relevant auditors and technical staff complete formal training on the new standard’s requirements, intent, and application. This training must cover the changes from the previous edition.
Verify Effectiveness: Implement a robust method to verify the effectiveness of the training (e.g., examinations, practical assessments, witnessed audits).
Maintain Records: Document all training activities and competence verification results for each individual.
Prerequisite for Auditing: No auditor shall perform a transition audit against a new standard until their competence for that standard has been formally verified and recorded by the MSCB.

5.2 Update of Accreditation Documentation

MSCBs must systematically review and update all documentation that references or is based upon the superseded standards. This includes, but is not limited to:

Audit checklists and working documents.
Audit report templates.
Certification decision-making procedures.
Client information packs and application forms.
Marketing and contractual documents.
Internal procedures and quality manuals.
These updates must reflect the precise requirements and terminology of the new standards. SDAB will review these updated documents during assessments.

5.3 Communication Strategy

Proactive communication is vital. MSCBs must develop and execute a communication plan that includes:

Internal Communication: Informing all staff and subcontractors of the transition requirements and their roles.
Client Communication: Proactively notifying all certified clients of:
- The publication of the new standard.
- The International Body/SDAB transition timeline and sunset date.
- The implications for their current certificate.
- The MSCB’s proposed process for transition (options, scheduling, potential costs).
- Recommendations for client preparation (e.g., gap analysis, training, internal updates).
Stakeholder Liaison: Engaging with national standards bodies, industry associations, and other CBs to share insights and align on interpretation issues.

5.4 Transition Audit Planning and Execution

MSCBs must define clear procedures for integrating the transition assessment into their audit programs. Options include:

Combined Audit: Conducting the transition assessment alongside a scheduled surveillance or recertification audit. This is the most efficient method and is strongly encouraged.
Special/Stand-alone Transition Audit: Conducting a separate audit visit solely for the purpose of transition.
The transition audit must be of sufficient duration and scope to objectively verify the client’s management system conformity with all new requirements of the latest standard. It is not merely a “gap-check” but a full conformity assessment.

5.5 Recertification Synergy

MSCBs should strategically align the transition with the client’s recertification cycle. Planning the next recertification audit to occur within the transition period can optimize resources for both the MSCB and the client. The MSCB must clearly communicate the arrangements for how continued certification will be managed, including any necessary changes to the audit program.

5.6 Handling of Transition Failure

MSCBs must have documented procedures to address situations where a client cannot or does not complete the transition within the mandated period. The procedure shall include:

Escalation Process: Defined steps for notifying the client of the impending certificate invalidation.
Corrective Action: Requiring the client to formally address the root cause of the delay.
Certificate Status: Clear rules stating that no accredited certificate to the old standard shall remain valid after the International Body Sunset Date. If transition is not successfully completed by this date, the certificate must be suspended and subsequently withdrawn.
Pre-transition Clean Slate: The client must have addressed and closed all major nonconformities and be in good standing regarding any past corrective actions before a transition audit can yield a positive certification decision.
Records: Meticulous tracking of all clients’ transition status and any failure-related actions.

5.7 Records of Interim Activities

MSCBs must maintain comprehensive records of all transition-related activities. This log will be a key point of review during SDAB assessments and must include:

List of clients notified and dates of communication.
Planned vs. actual transition audit dates for each client.
Records of temporary or transitional certificates issued.
Details of any non-conforming transition situations and their resolution.
This demonstrates the MSCB’s systematic control over the entire transition process.

6.0 SDAB’s Role and Oversight Activities

SDAB will actively monitor and assess the transition implementation by MSCBs through:

Document Review: Assessing updated MSCB procedures and transition plans.
Office Assessments: Reviewing competence records, communication logs, and transition tracking systems.
Witness Audits: Specifically observing transition audits conducted by MSCB auditors to evaluate both auditor competence and the MSCB’s process effectiveness.
Data Monitoring: Requiring periodic status reports from MSCBs on their transition progress (e.g., percentage of client portfolio transitioned).
Enforcement: Taking appropriate accreditation actions against MSCBs that fail to comply with this policy or International Body mandates, which could include scope reduction, suspension, or withdrawal of accreditation.

7.0 Availability of Standards

It is the fundamental responsibility of each MSCB to possess and use the official, latest editions of the standards for which it is accredited. All SDAB-accredited MSCBs must obtain legal copies of the new standards from authorized sources, such as:

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) via the ISO Store.
Their respective national standards bodies (e.g., ANSI, BSI, DIN, SCC).
The use of unauthorized or pirated copies of standards is strictly prohibited and constitutes a breach of accreditation requirements.

8.0 Accreditation Criteria

The overarching SDAB Accreditation Criteria for Management System Certification Bodies, SDAB 10002, has been revised to incorporate explicit requirements for managing transitions to new standard versions. MSCBs are required to comply with the latest edition of SDAB 10002, which is available for download from the official SDAB website: www.sanatanboards.com. The criteria integrate the principles of this policy and reference relevant International Body documents.

9.0 Policy Review and Amendments

This policy is a living document. SDAB will review it periodically and amend it as necessary to align with new International Body resolutions, the introduction of new standards, or lessons learned from previous transitions. All accredited MSCBs will be formally notified of any changes.

Conclusion

The successful transition to the latest management system standards is a shared responsibility between SDAB, accredited MSCBs, and certified organizations. This policy provides the framework for a controlled, competent, and credible transition process. By adhering to these requirements, MSCBs contribute to the global reliability of management system certification and ensure that the SDAB accreditation symbol continues to represent the highest standards of conformity assessment.

Branches

SDAB Accreditation

SDAB Head Office

SDAB Sanatan Dharma Accreditation Board
SDAB House
C/O Mr.Garry 54, Glengarnock Avenue,
E-14 3BP Isle Of Dogs, London UK
Tel .: +44-8369083940
email: info@sanatanboards.com
Website: www.sanatanboards.com

MUMBAI Head Office

Sanatan Dharma Accreditation Board (SDAB)
SDAB House
B-401, New Om Kaveri Chs. Ltd., Nagindas pada,
Next To Shiv Sena Office, Nallasopara (E)
Tel .: +91-7499991895
email: info@sanatanboards.com
Website: www.sanatanboards.com

DELHI-NCR Regd. Office

Sanatan Dharma Accreditation Board (SDAB)
SDAB House
Asaoti, Dist Palwal
Faridabad Delhi NCR, Haryana
Tel .: +91-7979801035
Fax: +91-250 2341170
Website: www.sanatanboards.com

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