AFRICAN CONFORMITY  
ASSESSMENT  
PROGRAMME  CACO  
ACAP 1 -3  
First Edition 2022 
  
                  
   
 Conformity assessment — Part 3: Requirements for approval of 
certification bodies  
                                        
 
  
  
  
Reference No.  
ACAP 1  
- 
3:2022  
( 
E 
) 
  
ICS  
03.200/97.220.10  
  
© ARSO 2022  
   
   
 ACAP 1 -3:2022   
  
Table of contents  
  
Foreword  ............................................................................................................................. ...................................................................................... iv 
           Introduction  ................. ............................................................................................................................. ......................................................... v 
1 Scope .................................................................. ........................................................................... 1  
2 Normative references ........................................................................................................ ............. 1  
3 Terms and definitions ............. ........................................................................................................ 1  
4 ACAP -CB license agreement ........................................................................................................ . 2  
5 Certification  body approval process ............................................................................................... 2  
5.1 Preliminary entry requirements ..............................................................................................  2  
5.2 ACAP provisional entry requirements .................................................................................... 2  
5.3 General requirements for ACAP CBs approval ..................................................................... 3  
5.4 CB verification and approval for ACAP Certification ............................................................. 5  
5.5 Termination of approval fo r a ACAP certification body .......................................................... 6  
6 Management system requirements for ARSO Mark implementation ............................................. 6  
7 Additional requirements for ACAP Mark implementation .... ........................................................... 6  
7.1 Additional procedures and instructions .................................................................................. 6  
7.2 Product sampling procedures ........................................ ........................................................ 7  
8 Assessment process for CB approval .......................................................................................... .. 7  
8.1 Document review and on -site verification preparation ............ .............................................. 7  
8.2 Certification body approval assessment ................................................................................ 7  
8.3 Final evaluation and classification of findings ........................................................................ 8  
8.4 Rules for  non-conformances closure ..................................................................................... 9  
8.5 First CB approval assessment ............................................................................................. 10   
8.6 Maintenance of  the status of recognized CB ....................................................................... 10  
8.7 ACAP sanctioning system ................................................................................................... 1 1  
8.8 Complaint and Appeals r elated to CB approval Process .................................................... 12  
Annex A (informative)  Special additional requirements for non -accredited certification bodies .......... 13  
Annex B (informative)  Sample of ARSO -CB License agreement ........................................................ 18  
    ii  © ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   
© ARSO 2022 —      ACAP 1 -3:2022   
Foreword  
  
The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) is an African Intergovernmental organization 
made of Member States of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the 
African Union (AU). One of the fundamental mandates of ARSO is the e stablishment of a conformity 
assessment system to promote the quality of African goods and services as a means of facilitating intra -
African trade as well as accessing global markets.   
  
The ARSO Conformity Assessment Programme (ACAP) is supported by a co herent set of documents 
which are developed under the auspices of the ARSO Conformity Assessment Committee (ARSO 
CACO) which comprises experts from Member States. Member States participate in the committee on 
a voluntary basis and the documents developed f ollow the principles and procedures for the 
development of African Standards outlined in the African Standards Harmonization Model (ASHAM) 
with the exception of the stages and voting thresholds. Being conformity assessment instruments, 
ACAP documents are s ubject to dynamic adaptations which must timeously respond to changes in the 
conformity assessment fields.  
  
ACAP documents will be revised on a flexible basis to fit in with changes in global conformity assessment 
systems.  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
© African Or ganisation for Standardisations 2022 — All rights reserved1  
  
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P. O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
  
Tel. +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org   
Web: www.arso -oran.org   
    
ACAP 1 -3:2022   
  
 
1 © 2022  ARSO — All rights of exploitation reserved worldwide for African Member States’ NSBs.  
 All rights reserved  iii  
 Copyright notice   
  
This ARSO document is copyright -protected by ARSO. While the reproduction of this document 
by participants in the ARSO standards development process is permitted without prior permission 
from ARSO, neither this document nor any extract from it may be repro duced, stored or 
transmitted in any form for any other purpose without prior written permission from ARSO.  
  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document for the purpose of selling it should be 
addressed as shown below or to ARSO’s member body in th e country of the requester:  
  
  
© African Organisation  for Standardisation 2022  — All rights reserved  
  
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P.O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
  
Tel: +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
  
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org   
Web: www.arso -oran.org   
  
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement. 
Violators may be prosecuted.  
  
  
  
   iv  © ARSO 2022  — All rights reserved   
© ARSO 2022 —      ACAP 1 -3:2022   
Introduction  
  
This document specifies requirements, the observance of which is intended to ensure that certification 
bodies operate certification schemes in a competent, consistent and impartial manner, thereby 
facilitating the recognition of such bodies and the accepta nce of certified products, processes and 
services on a national and international basis and so furthering international trade.   
  
This document describes the procedure for the approval of National and International third party Certification 
Bodies (CB fro m now on) willing to be recognized as certifiers for the ACAP.   
  
It summarizes the requirements which  shall be met by a CB, to be engaged in the verification and certification 
process for the ACAP and award of the ACAP Mark.  
  
The ARSO Secretariat will grant approval or disapproval for the CB to become recognized CB for ACAP, 
based on the result of the assessment.   
  
This document includes the rules to be complied with by National and International third party Certification 
Bodies seeking accreditation under ACAP.  
  
There are some basic principles that represent a “ shall” in the development of the ACAP, in order to 
make a product identified with the ACAP Mark more “Robust” and acknowledgeable by the interested 
parties:  
  
(a) The l evel of control exercised by ARSO on the ACAP Certification system in order to guarantee the 
effectiveness and integrity of the system  
  
(b) Independence of the CBs involved in the process and the transparency of the whole system.  
  
(c) Clear Rules in order to g uarantee and assess the competence of the CBs to carry out verification  
  
(d) Definition of auditing criteria and qualification of the auditors (training/background).   
  
(e) Technical support for capacity building within all the involved parties  
  
(f) The Supply ch ain coverage and Traceability requirements: the possibility to track the ACAP Mark 
along the supply chain and how to do that  
  
Interested parties can expect or require the CB to meet all the requirements of the ACAP, as well as those 
of the specific ACAP certification schemes.   
  
Parties that may have an interest in certification include, but are not limited to:   
  
 the clients  of the CBs;   
  
 the customers of the organizations whose products, processes or services are certified;   
  
 governmental authorities;   
  
 non-governmental organizations; and   
  
 Consumers and other members of the public.  
   All rights reserved  v  
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   
 
AFRICAN CONFORMITY  ACAP 1 -3:2022   
  
Conformity Assessment — Part 3: Requirements for approval of 
certification bodies  
  
  
1  Scope  
  
This document specifies requirements  to ensure that certification bodies (CBs) operate certification 
schemes in a competent, consistent and impartial manner, thereby facilitating the recognition of 
such bodies and the acceptance of certified products, processes and services on a national and 
international basis and so  promoting international trade.  
  
2  Normative references  
  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For 
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undate d references, the latest edition of the 
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
  
ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements     
  
ISO/IEC 17021 -1, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and 
certification of management systems — Part 1: Requirements   
   
ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, 
processes and services    
  
  
3  Terms and definitions  
  
For the purpose of this document the terms and defin itions in ISO 9000, ISO/IEC 17000 and ISO/IEC 
17021 standards apply.  
  
  
4  ACAP -CB licen se agreement  
  
The ACAP -CB license agreement (refer to ANNEX B)  is the Certification and Mark Management 
Agreement that establishes the rights and obligations of ACA P’s responsible owner and the CB as 
the third -party organization approved for verification and certification of the ACAP Standards and 
licensing the use of the ACAP Mark on the certified products.  
  
The ACAP CB license agreement, including its updates, sh all be accepted and signed by the CB as 
part of the application procedure to become and to remain an ACAP approved CB and to be listed 
as such on the ARSO website.  
  
The CB License Agreement and the present ACAP 1 -1 General Requirements  document represent 
a complementary set of rules to be continuously complied with by the recognized CBs.  
  
 
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   5  CB approval process  
  
In order to become a recognized CB for the ACAP, a series of requirements shall  be fulfilled for 
approval and confirmed in time for approval of maintenance.   
  
5.1  Preliminary entry requirements  
  
In order to be allowed to start an application to becom e a CB recognized for ACAP, the following  
basic   requirements  are necessary  
  
(a) The CB shall be a Legal Entity registered with the scope certification.  
  
(b) The CB shall be already operating in the field of System or Products certification for at least 
one St andard  
  
(c) The CB should be already accredited according to  ISO/IEC 17065  or ISO IEC 17021 -1   
  
(d) In case the CB is not accredited (ref to # 5.1c), it shall be operating according to ISO/IEC 
17065 or ISO/IEC 17021 -1 principles, in compliance to the specific requirements listed in 
Annex A.  
  
(e) In case of CB accredited according to ISO/IEC 17065  or ISO IEC 17021 -1 , the accreditation 
body to which the CB applies shall be a signatory of the IAF Multilateral Recognition 
Arrangement (MLA) program for Product Certification (IAF Product MLA)  and System 
Certification (IAF System MLA) respectively. .  
 
5.2  ACAP provisional entry requirements  
  
5.2.1  Application  
  
The CB shall complete the steps listed below before entering the phase of final approval.   
  
(a) The applicant CB shall register in the ACAP database as an applicant CB in order to receive 
all the information and documentation required for the application.  
  
(b) The application shall be very clear about the ACAP Certification Scheme selected for the 
approval (e g: Scheme A1 Crops).  
  
Once the preliminary application is completed with all required information and documentation, it 
shall be sent to ACAP Administrat or for evaluation and approval.  
 
5.2.2  Pre-assessment  
 
During the pre -assessment of CB’s provisional entry requirements, the scope of the assessment 
will cover the following areas, and the assessment will be carried out against the criteria indicated 
as follows:  
  
(a) An assessmemt  of the Organization and Structu re of the CB. This requires the CB 
 to have:  
  
 i    An organization chart, with clearly defined lines of responsibility and reporting.  
 
  ii A Governing Board, with a permanent staff under a full -time Chief Executive; documentation 
      identifying its legal status;  
  
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved    
 
 5.3  General requirements for ACAP CBs approval  
In case of positive evaluation of the preliminary application and after paying the fees for the                
first evaluation, the applicant CB will receive a request to complete the fol lowing steps:  
 5.3.1  Accreditation  
  
(a) If ISO/IEC 17065 or 17021 -1 accredited , provide copy of a valid certificate (see 
 5.1(c))  
  
(b) If NOT ISO/IEC 17065 or 17021 -1 accredited , the CB shall document and 
 implement procedures and instructions specific for unaccredited CBs 
 specified in Annex A.  
  
(c) All CBs shall, document and implement procedures and instructions specific for 
 implementation and management of the required ACAP Certification Scheme.  
  
5.3.2    CB License agreement  
  
The CB shall have a legally enforceable agreement with each client for the provision of certification 
activities in conformance with the specific ACAP Certification Scheme requirements . The License 
agreements shall consider the r esponsibilities of the CB and its clients and will be enforced when 
all the evaluation activities are completed and final approval is granted to the CB.  
 
  
5.3.3  ACAP Management Personnel  
  
The CB shall demonstrate to have enough qualified competent per sonnel resources to comply with 
the ACAP requirements and to effectively manage the implementation of the ACAP Certification 
Process. It is possible for the same person to cover more than one task, if the basic requirements 
for qualification are covered.  
  
Every CB recognized for ACAP certification, shall nominate the following key staff, required for the 
implementation and maintenance of the certification process and ACAP Mark management:  
  
5.3.3.1 ACAP Certification and ACAP Mark administration Manager  
  
Every CB recognized for the ACAP shall nominate one contact person, called the ACAP certification 
and ACAP Mark administration Manager, who will be the representative of the CB before the ARSO 
Secretariat for all issues regarding the administration of the certification process as well as the 
release of final authorization for the use of the ACAP Mark. This person:   
  
(a) Shall be fluent in any African Union official language   
  
(b) Shall be available in -house; i.e. not hired occasionally by the CB, and be part of the 
operational and/or management decision -making process of the CB.   
  
(c) Shall attend the annual Admin Manager (Update) meeting carried out directly by ARSO  
  
(d) Shall be responsible for receiving and implement ing actions according to specific requests 
comin g from ARSO and to update interested parties about changes or amendments related 
to the ACAP. This also includes registered clients , when required.  
  
(e) Receive and communicate information on  sanction s to be applied for certified clients  (eg: 
Suspension or w ithdrawal of use of ACAP Mark, related to administration issues)  Formatted:  Not Highlight 
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved     
5.3.3.2    ACAP Technical Manager  
  
All recognized CBs shall have an ACAP Scheme Technical Manager (s), specifically qualified for the 
required Certification Scheme. This person:  
  
(a) Shall be available in -house; i.e. not hired occasionally by the CB.   
  
(b) The ACAP Technical Manager shall hold, as a minimum the higher level of qualification 
considered for a V erifier in the certification scheme object of the application.   
  
(c) The ACAP Technical Manager, to qualify, needs to attend the specific Technical Manager 
training, organized by ARSO, and pass the final exam for the relevant required Scope  or 
have an equiva lent qualification in accordance with ISO 17021 or ISO/IEC 17065 shall also 
be recognised.   
  
(d) After qualification, a continuous professional competency development training shall be 
attended every two years or more often if required by ARSO or in case of a significant review 
of the Standard.  
  
The Technical Manager shall be responsible to:  
  
(a) Provide accurate and updated technical interpretation of the requirement of the relevant 
Standard and Scheme requirements  
  
(b) Support other CBs functions involved in ACAP certification for any issue related to technical 
interpretation of the relevant Standar d and Scheme requirements  (including ARSO ACAP 
Admin Manager)  
  
(c) Assure that all the CB’s  staff registered as ACAP Verifiers comply with the requirements 
set in the specific section of rules for the Standard to be audited.   
  
(d) Organize and deliver trainin g to all the respective ACAP Verifiers (based on ACAP 
documentation, guidelines and training material)   
  
(e) Supervise and support the activity of the ACAP Sampling and Testing Responsible  
  
(f) Evaluate and decide on  request s of sanction s  to be applied to cer tified clients  (eg: 
Suspension or withdrawal of use of ACAP Mark, related to technical issues)  
  
5.3.3.3 ACAP Sampling and Testing Program Manager  
  
Sampling capability: The CB shall have the necessary resources to carry out all activities associated 
with its sampling services. The sampling staff shall be technically qualified and have the ability to 
apply the necessary statistical techniques in sampling work.  
  
All ACAP recognized CBs  have a person responsible for implementation of the sampling and tes ting 
activity, as a part of the certification activity carried out by the CB. The ACAP Sampling and Testing 
Program Manager responsible to:  
  
(a) Plan and coordinate the sampling of products according to specific requirements from the 
different certification Schemes and Standards  
  
(b) Supervise the correct implementation of the sampling procedures, including conservation 
and transportation of the products and traceability of the samples.  
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   (c) Identify ACAP qualified laboratories and agree on services to be provided for ACAP 
certification.    
  
(d) Collect test reports and manage the results in agreement with procedures established for 
the certification Scheme and the Standard  
  
It is required, for the sampling program manager, to hold, as a minimum the qualification considered 
for Verifier in any o f the ACAP Certification Schemes.  
  
5.3.3.4 ACAP Verification team  
  
Verification capability: The CB shall have the necessary resources to carry out all activities 
associated with its verification services.  
  
(a) In order to carry out ACAP Standard inspecti ons and audits, the CB shall employ/contract 
only inspectors and auditors that fulfil the requirements set for the specific Certification 
Scheme and described in ACAP 1 -2:2017.   
  
(b) Every Verifier shall comply with the Certification Scheme specific requirem ents.  
  
(c) The CB shall have documented procedures to assess the verification team competence.  
  
(d) Where the verification work is sub -contracted to an outside body, the CB shall be 
responsible for the verification of the competency of the sub -contractor, and shall make all 
documented evidence of this verification available on ARSO request.  
  
(e) Verifiers shall commit, to signed code of conduct as part of a written contract.  
  
A review of the CB’s listed Verifiers, including an examination of their assessment an d technical 
knowledge, covering the products where they may be called upon to assess for ACAP Certification 
is part of the approval process.  
  
To be approved, the CB shall provide detailed evidence for qualification of at least 1 verifier for 
each ACAP certification scheme (in case s where  more th an one Certification Scheme is selected, 
the same Auditor can be qualified for more than one Scheme).  
  
5.3.3.5 ACAP Certification Committee  
  
The CB shall assign at least one person to make the certificat ion decision based on all information 
related to the evaluation, its review, and any other relevant information. The certification decision 
shall be carried out by a person or group of persons (e.g. a committee) that has not been involved 
in the process fo r evaluation. At least one member of the certification committee shall have a 
qualification as verifier for the certification scheme in scope for the review.  
  
5.4  CB verification and approval for ACAP Certification  
  
The final approval of a CB for deli vering of ACAP Mark certification depends on the successful 
finalization of the following steps:  
  
(a) Document review : the ARSO ACAP committee verifies and approve the conformance of 
the documentation provided by the CB. All nonconformities  raised during the document 
review shall be satisfactorily addressed and closed by the client before proceeding with the 
approval process.  
  
(b) On-site witness verification : the ACAP Inspector verifies and approves the CB by 
observing a verification activity,  done by one of the CB’s qualified verifiers, on one of the  
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   ACAP Standard, included in the Certification Scheme that is the scope of the application. 
All Non Conformities raised during the on -site verification shall be satisfactorily  addressed  
before pro ceeding with the approval process.  
  
(c) In case of successful completion of the previous steps or after closure of all Nonconformities  
raised , the ARSO ACAP administrator communicates to the CB the formal approval 
decision as ACAP qualified CB for the requi red Certification Scheme.  
  
(d) After approval, the CB signs the ACAP - CB  License agreement.  
  
 
5.5    CB  Suspending, withdrawing or reducing the scope of certification  
The ACAP shall have a policy and documented procedure(s) for suspension, withdrawal or 
reduction of the scope of certification, and shall specify the subsequent actions by the CB.  
5.5.1  Termination done by the CB  
  
In case an ACAP recognized CB requests the /termination of ACAP CB License agreement, the 
following actions shal l be taken:    
  
(a) The CB shall send a formal termination request to ACAP Administrator with specification of 
the timeframe. The minimum given timeframe is of 90 days f rom the formal communication 
to ARSO.   
  
(b) The CB shall inform all clients of the terminati on of the ACAP License and that the 
recertification shall be carried out by another CB.The minimum timeframe to be given for 
communication to the clients is 90 days. This timeframe shall be within the time of validity 
of the ACAP License Agreement.   
  
(c) From a specific date, onwards, the CB shall be blocked in the ACAP system and cannot 
register new clients or re -issue and extend their valid certificates.   
  
(d) The certificates released by the CB during the period of validity of the ACAP License, remain 
valid until till the expiring timeframe for the Surveillance verification or the expiring date of 
the certificate or the expiring timeframe for the re -certificati on verification, whatever is the 
earliest date.   
  
6  Management system requirements for ARSO Mark implementation  
  
The CB shall establish and maintain a management system that can achieve the consistent 
fulfilment of the requirements of the ACAP Standard in accordance with requirements in ISO 17065 , 
ISO 900 1, or the following requirements highlighted below as a minimum .  
  
The management system of the CB shall include the scope ACAP and all the Certification Schemes 
approved for the CB. The follow ing shall be addressed:   
  
6.1 General management system documentation (e.g. manual, policies, objectives and 
 definition of responsibilities) at all levels.  
  
6.2  Control of documents  
The CB shall establish procedures to control both internal and exter nal documents that 
relate to the fulfilment ACAP requirement and also ensure prevention of  unintended use 
of obsolete documents by applying suitable identification to them if they are retained for 
any purpose.    
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   6.3 Control of records   
The CB shall establish procedures to define the controls needed for the identification, 
storage, protection, retrieval, retention time and disposition of its records for a period 
consistent with its contractual and legal obligations. Access to these records shall be 
consistent with the confidentiality arrangements.  
 
6.4 Management review   
In order to ensure continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness, of the policies and 
objectives related to the fulfilment of the ACAP requirement. The CB's top management 
shall establish procedures to review its management system at planned intervals.  
 
6.5 Internal audit   
The CB shall establish procedures for assessment to verify that it fulfils the ACAP 
requirements and that the management system is effectively implemented and maintained 
internal audits are conducted by personnel knowledgeable in certification, auditing and the 
requirements of this Standard  
 
6.6   Corrections and corrective actions  
The CB shall establish procedures for identification and management of nonconfor mities 
and observations in its operations and, where necessary, take appropriate actions to 
eliminate the causes of nonconformities to prevent recurrence.   
 
  
7  Additional requirements for ACAP Mark implementation  
  
7.1  Additional procedures and instructions  
  
Additional procedures and instructions shall be implemented, as applicable, to correctly address the 
ACAP certification such as :  
  
(i) Documented instructi ons relating to the duties and responsibilities of the staff;  
  
(ii) Documented procedure for Planning of certification operation,  
  
(iii) Documented Procedures for Auditing activity,   
 
(iv) Documented procedures for evaluation and criteria  
 
(v) Documented procedures for Certification approval and authorization for the use of the 
CAP Mark.  
  
(vi) Records to show how each of the certification procedures has been applied, including 
the sampling testing and reporting.  
 
 
7.2  Product sampling procedures  
  
The CB shall have documented procedures covering all aspects of sampling, including:  
  
(i) selectio n and preparation of samples;  
  
(ii) traceability of samples  
  
(iii) Storage and transportation of samples and preservation of samples from damage 
or contamination.  
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   Where the sampling work is sub -contracted to an outside body, the CB shall be responsible for the  
verification of the competency of the sub -contractor, and shall make all documented evidence of 
this verification available to ARSO, for examination.  
  
8  Assessment process for CB approval  
  
8.1  Document review and on -site verification preparation  
Prior to carrying out the assessment of CB for first approval of the ACAP accreditation, the ARSO 
Secretariat:  
  
(a) Will assign to an ARSO Team Leader and the Panel of Assessors for the evaluation of any 
observations resulting from the review of the Application Form and the supporting 
documentation submitted by the CB.   
  
(b) Will brief the ARSO Team Leader on any logistics of the operation.  
  
(c) The ARSO Team Leader, and other nominated members of the Panel of  Assessors, will 
review the documentation prior to carrying out the assessment, and will update the audit 
documentation according to the information received.  
  
(d) The ARSO Team Leader will produce a Program for the on -site verification, and this will be 
submitted by the ARSO Secretariat to the applicant CB, at least two weeks before the 
scheduled date of the commencement of the assessment.  
  
8.2  CB approval  assessment  
  
Following the review of the CB;s ’s documented system (the System Assessment), the nex t 
important phase of the assessment is to observe the implementation of the CB procedures (the 
Compliance Assessment). This will be carried out in two basic areas  
  
8.2.1  Assessment at the Headquarters of the CB  
  
During the HQ assessment, the assessors need to form a general impression of the CB;s capability, 
of the effectiveness of its system, of the competence of its administrative staff, and in particular its 
ability to meet the Rules of the ACAP Certification S ystem. The assessment therefore proceeds by 
the assessors examining the operation of the general system for ensuring compliance, and then 
selecting particular areas of work for more detailed study.  
  
At the end of the HQ assessment, the A CAP Team Leader will hold an Interim Closing Meeting to 
discuss the findings of the assessment.   
  
8.2.2  Closure of headquarter non -conformities  
  
(a) After the HQ assessment and within a time-frame  that cannot exceed 3 months, the CB will 
provide an action pl an with proposal of possible corrective actions to be implemented for 
the findings raised during the HQ audit.  
  
(b) The A CAP Team Leader will evaluate the action plan and, according to evaluation may 
approve the proposed corrective actions or require further  improvements.  
  
(c) Within 3 months from the closure of the HQ assessment, a follow up is carried out to verify 
the implementation of the corrective actions. According to the number and kind of findings 
and corrective actions to be evaluated, , the A CAP Team  Leader will decide if a follow up 
in the CB’s HQ is required or it will be possible to verify documental evidences with a desk 
review.   
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   (d) In case a follow up at HQ is required, only after all non -conformities have been correctly 
addressed it is possible to proceed with the witness assessment at the applicant/licensee 
production site.  
  
8.2.3   Witnessing of the CB assessors during on -site inspection and sampling  
  
Assessing the competence of the CB verifiers  demands a different technique to system asses sment. 
The ARSO assessor will accompany the CB verifier  during the whole of the assessment. An on -site 
witness assessment is carried out by the ACAP  team to verify the practical implementation on the 
verification and sampling practices.  
  
Non-conforming Reports will be raised by the A CAP Team Leader, as appropriate.  
  
8.3  Final evaluation and classification of findings  
  
A final Report, including a list of all the findings with specific references to the requirements that 
have been contr avened , is prepared by A CAP Team Leader to record failures to comply with the 
Rules of ACAP.   
  
Non-conformities are classified into two types identified as major and minor.    
.  
  
8.3.1  Major non -conformity  
  
A Major non -conformity is allocated for a significant failure to comply with the ACAP Rules, or 
conformity with the CB’s own Quality Manual.  
  
Examples would be:  
(i) Lack of separation of authority between the assessment/inspection and certification 
staff;  
  
(ii) Non-availability of standards and/or specific rules for an applicable certification 
scheme operated by the CB  
  
(iii) Failure to adequately qualify subcontractors performing testing on behalf of the CB  
  
(iv) Failure to demonstrate competence of the auditors  
  
This kind of deviation results with the stop of the approval process at any step it is identified (HQ or 
witness audit) and required for the CB to prepare a corrective action plan to be approved by ARSO 
committee.   
  
After the approval of the action plan, an on -site follow -up audit is carried out. That may be at the CB 
Head quarter but may also require a new witness audit, if the failure is related to the t insufficient 
performance of the witnessed audit or.  
  
During the approval process, it is not possible to progress to the next step with an open Major NC. 
(example: if one Major NC is raised during CB’s HQ assessment, it is not possible to proceed to 
witness audit without previously closing the Major NC )  
  
8.3.2  Minor non -conformity  
  
(a) A Minor non -conformity is raised for an individual failure to comply with the ACAP Rules, or 
conforming with the CB’s own Quality Manual, or if a series of minor but related 
discrepancies are observed, which together are judged to be an unacceptable quality risk, 
without constituting an overall system failure in the area concerned.   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved     
(b) This kind of deviation results with the stop of the final approval process and requires for the 
CB to prepare a corrective action plan to be  approved by ARSO committee.   
  
(c) After the approval of the action plan, it is possible to proceed to the next step for approval.  
Minor non conformities do not require the repetition of the witness audit.  
  
(d) During the approval process, it is possible to progress to the next step with an open Minor 
NC. The closure of all Minor NCs will be necessary before receiving final approval (example: 
if one Minor NC is raised during CB’s HQ assessment, it is not possible to proceed to 
witness audit withou t previously clos ing the Minor NC).  
  
8.3.3  Observation  
  
(a) Observations may include but not limited to one or more of the following :  
  
i. Areas where the organization is not violating the audit criteria but has room to  
  improve ; 
 
ii. Areas where the organiza tion is violating requirements which are not part of the  
  audit criteria  
  
(b) Observations can be highlighted for continual improvement but without having an 
immediate impact on the final evaluation of the CB  
   
8.4  Rules for non -conformities closure  
  
The rules for management and closure of findings, including the time-frame  to be applied are 
reassumed in table 1.  
   
 
Table 1 — Rules for closing non -conform ities  
  
Activity   Classification of non-conformities  
First CB Approval  Major NC  Minor  
Document Review  Follow up 90 days   Follow up 90 days  
HQ Assessment  Follow up 90 days   Action plan  90 days  
On-site assessment  Follow up 90 days   Follow up  90 days  
Subsequent 
Surveillances  Major NC  Minor NC  
HQ Assessment  Follow up 30 days   Follow up  90 days  
On-site assessment  Follow up 30 days   Follow up  90 days  
  
8.5  First CB approval assessment  
  
The final report, including the team's overall conclusions and recommendations, is prepared by the 
ACAP Team Leader, and is submitted to ACAP  The report does not identify any companies or 
organizations visited whilst observing the CB’s assessors in action.  
  
If requested, the A CAP Team Leader will att end a meeting with the ARSO Secretariat, to answer 
any points of clarification concerning the report.   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved    8.5.1  Factors affecting first approval  
  
In deciding on recommendation, the A CAP Team Leader will first consider the adequacy of the CB’s 
management s ystem and how it is implemented, with regard to the ACAP.  
  
ACAP  Team Leader will report on the range of knowledge and experience on the part of the CB;s  
HQ staff and their assessors, in the light of their scope of operations.  The ACAP  Team Leader will 
also take into account the number and seriousness of the individual non -conformities found during 
the assessment.  
  
Where competence is established, and n o non -conformities are found, or where they are few and 
have been closed out before the Final Closing Meeting, the ACAP  Team Leader will recommend 
the approval of the CB for ACAP for the requested certification scheme.  
  
Where this is not the case, and so me non -conformities are still outstanding at the Final Closing 
Meeting, a date for their close -out will be agreed. The period allowed is specified in Table 1.  
  
If the ARSO Secretariat has some concern over the report findings, an extraordinary extension of 
the assessment can be carried out, which is then taken into account with the initial report, or the 
Secretariat can increase the normal frequency of periodic assessments/surveillances until they are 
satisfied that the CB’s  performance is totally accept able.  
  
Where competence is not established, or where the number and seriousness of the non - 
compliances found is such that the whole of the CB’s certification system and facilities are 
demonstrably inadequate, the ARSO Secretariat will not include the CB  among the ACAP 
recognized CBs.  
  
8.6  Maintenance of the status of recognized CB  
  
8.6.1  CB annual surveillance  
  
The status of recognized CB needs to be re -confirmed annually through the following activities :  
  
(a) The recognized CB re -confirms the val idity of the ISO/IEC 17065 or 17021 -1 accreditation 
also for the subsequent year.  
  
(b) The recognized CB sends a bi -annual  update report of the activities carried out for the 
ACAP Mark certification, including a summary of the Producers verified, approved a nd 
products certified and related quantities.  
  
(c) The CB will have to comply with the requirements to maintain qualification of auditor or any 
other requirement specified in the general rules of the ACAP certification schemes that are 
in the scope of the ARSO approval and are not clearly specified in the present document.  
  
(d) For the CBs that are not  accredited for ISO/IEC 17065: or 17021:, ARSO will carry out a 
surveillance audit at the headquarters and on -site witness assessment every two years.  
  
8.7  ACAP sanctioning system  
  
The ACAP Secretariat, together with the ACAP Committee has established  the types and levels of 
sanctions described here. The most severe ones include the withdrawal of the ACAP CB  License 
agreement and the impediment for the CB to carry out ACAP Certification.   
  
The sanctioned CB can appeal against a sanction applied by A CAP Committee within 10 days after 
the receipt of the sanction notification. The ACAP committee evaluates the appeals.   
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   The second appeal against a re -confirmed sanction by the ARSO follows the arbitration procedure 
as described in the License and Certi fication Agreement and in the Equivalent Certification System 
Owner Agreement (ECSO).   
  
The termination of the ACAP - CB  License agreement, is the consequence of the application of a 
sanction to an ACAP approved CB.  
  
Two types of non -conformities can lead to sanctioning of CBs: contractual non -compliances  and 
standard or general rules non -conformities.  
  
8.7.1  Contractual non -compliances  
  
Contractual non -compliances are at hand in the case that CBs are not in compliance with contracts 
signed with A RSO. These may include, but are not limited to:  
  
(a) Misleading or false communication on ACAP Certification and logo use.  
  
(b) Refusal to sign the License Agreement   
  
(c) Neglecting to pay any of the ACAP fees (e.g. CB license fee, training fee, certification 
license fee, producer registration fee).  
  
(d) Confirmed fraud.  
  
(e) Loss of accreditation (based on AB decision).  
  
8.7.2 Standard or general rules non -conformities/non -compliances  
  
General Rules or Standard non -conformances are at hand in the case that the CBs do not comply 
with the rules set out in the General Rules or do not give a correct interpretation of the Standard’s 
requirements. Example:  
  
(a) Not participating i n annual compulsory CB trainings.  
  
(b) Not complying with the staff qualification  
  
(c) Incomplete or late uploading of certification data.  
  
(d) Unreliable registration and audit data.  
  
(e) Conflict of interest (e.g. consultancy and certification).  
  
(f) Delay or non -application of producer sanctions.  
  
(g) Inadequate internal training.  
  
(h) Not carrying out the external inspections.  
  
(i) Not obeying CB operational requirements and deadlines, such as n ot providing timely bi -
annual reports.  
  
The ACAP Secretariat, shall be responsible for verification of close out of these types of non -
conformities  
  
8.8  Complaint and Appeals related to CB approval Process  
 In case of appeals related to CB approval p rocess, Annex A of ACAP 1 -1:2017 is considered 
applicable.   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   Annex A  
(informative)  
  
Special additional requirements for non -accredited certification bodies  
(Modified from ISO 17065:)  
  
  
A.1  Management of impartiality  
  
(a) Certification activities shall be undertaken impartially.  
  
(b) The CB shall be responsible for the impartiality of its certification activities and shall not 
allow commercial, financial or other pressures to compromise impartiality.  
  
(c) The CB shall identify risks to its impartiality on an ongoing basis. This shall include those 
risks that arise from its activities, from its relationships, or from the relationships of its 
personnel.   
  
NOTE A relationship presenting a risk to impartiality of the CB can be based on ownership, governance, 
management, personnel, shared resources, finances, contracts, marketing (including branding), and payment of 
a sales commission or other inducement for t he referral of new clients, etc.  
  
(d) If a risk to impartiality is identified, the CB shall be able to demonstrate how it eliminates or 
minimizes such risk. This information shall be made available on ARSO request.  
  
(e) The CB shall have top management commitm ent to impartiality.  
  
(f) The CB and any part of the same legal entity and entities under its organizational control 
shall not:  
  
(i) be the designer, manufacturer, installer, distributer or maintainer of the certified 
product;  
  
(ii) be the designer, implementer, operator or maintainer of the certified process;  
  
(iii) be the designer, implementer, provider or maintainer of the certified service ;  
  
(iv) offer or provide consultancy to its clients;  
  
(v) offer or provide management system consultancy or internal auditing to its clients 
where the certification scheme requires the evaluation of the client’s management 
system.  
  
(vi) This does not preclude the possibility of exchange of information (e.g. explanations 
of findings or clarifying requirements) between the CB and its clients  
  
(g) The CB shall ensure that activities of separate legal entities, with which the CB or the legal 
entity of which it forms a part has relationships, do not compromise the impartiality of its 
certification activities.  
  
(h) When the separate legal entity in  (g) offers or produces the certified product (including 
products to be certified) or offers or provides consultancy, the CB's management personnel 
and personnel in the review and certification decision -making process shall not be involved 
in the activities of the separate legal entity. The personnel of the separate legal entity shall 
not be involved in the management of the CB, the review, or the certification decision.  
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   (i) The CB activities shall not be marketed or offered as linked with the activities of an 
organization that provides consultancy.   
  
(j) A CB shall not state or imply that certification would be simpler, easier, faster or less 
expensive if a specified consultancy organization were used.  
  
(k) Within a period of 2 years, personnel shall not be used to r eview or make a certification 
decision for a product for which they have provided consultancy.  
  
(l) All CB personnel (either internal or external) or committees who could influence the 
certification activities shall act impartially.  
  
A.2  Liability and fin ancing  
  
(a) The CB shall have adequate arrangements (e.g. insurance or reserves) to cover liabilities 
arising from its operations.  
  
(b) The CB shall have the financial stability and resources required for its operations.  
  
A.3  Non-discriminatory conditions  
  
(a) The policies and procedures under which the CB operates, and the administration of them, 
shall be non -discriminatory. Procedures shall not be used to impede or inhibit access by 
applicants, other than as provided for in this International Standard.  
  
(b) The CB shall make its services accessible to all applicants whose activities fall within the 
scope of its operations.  
  
(c) Access to the certification process shall not be conditional upon the size of the client or 
membership of any association or group, nor  shall certification be conditional upon the 
number of certifications already issued. There shall not be undue financial or other 
conditions.  
  
NOTE A CB can decline to accept an application or maintain a contract for certification from a client when 
fundamental or demonstrated reasons exist, such as the client participating in illegal activities, having a history of 
repeated non -compliances with certification/product requirements, or similar client -related issues.  
  
(d) The CB shall confine its requirements,  evaluation, review, decision and surveillance (if any) 
to those matters specifically related to the scope of certification.  
  
A.4  Confidentiality  
  
(a) The CB shall be responsible, through legally enforceable commitments, for the 
management of all information obtained or created during the performance of certification 
activities. Except for information that the client makes publicly available, or when agr eed 
between the CB and the client (e.g. for the purpose of responding to complaints), all other 
information is considered proprietary information and shall be regarded as confidential. The 
CB shall inform the client, in advance, of the information it inten ds to place in the public 
domain.  
  
(b) When the CB is required by law or authorized by contractual arrangements to release 
confidential information, the client or person concerned shall, unless prohibited by law, be 
notified of the information provided.  
  
(c) Information about the client obtained from sources other than the client (e.g. from the 
complainant or from regulators) shall be treated as confidential.  
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   A.5  Publicly available information  
  
The CB shall maintain (through publications, electronic media or other means), and make available 
upon request, the following:  
  
(a) information about (or reference to) the certification scheme(s), including evaluation 
procedures, rules and procedures for gra nting, for maintaining, for extending or reducing 
the scope of, for suspending, for withdrawing or for refusing certification;  
  
(b) a description of the means by which the CB obtains financial support and general 
information on the fees charged to applicants  and to clients  
  
(c) a description of the rights and duties of applicants and clients, including requirements, 
restrictions or limitations on the use of the CB's name and certification mark and on the 
ways of referring to the certification granted  
  
(d) informa tion about procedures for handling complaints and appeals.  
  
A.6  Structural requirements  
  
A.6.1  Organizational structure and top management  
  
Certification activities shall be structured and managed so as to safeguard impartiality.  
  
(a) The CB shall do cument its organizational structure, showing duties, responsibilities and 
authorities of management and other certification personnel and any committees. When the 
CB is a defined part of a legal entity, the structure shall include the line of authority and  the 
relationship to other parts within the same legal entity.  
  
(b) The management of the CB shall identify the board, group of persons, or person having 
overall authority and responsibility on the policy and activities of the CB with regard to ACAP 
certific ation  
  
A.7  Mechanism for safeguarding impartiality  
  
The CB shall have a mechanism for safeguarding its impartiality. The mechanism shall provide input 
on the following:  
  
(a) the policies and principles relating to the impartiality of its certification activities;  
  
(b) any tendency on the part of a CB to allow c ommercial or other considerations to prevent 
the consistent impartial provision of certification activities;  
  
(c) Matters affecting impartiality and confidence in certification, including openness.  
  
(d) The mechanism shall be formally documented to ensure the following:  
  
(i) a balanced representation of significantly interested parties, such that no single 
interest predominates (internal or external personnel of the CB are considered to 
be a single interest, and shall not predominate)  
  
(ii) access to all the informa tion necessary to enable it to fulfil all its functions.  
  
(e) If the top management of the CB does not follow the input of this mechanism, the 
mechanism shall have the right to take independent action (e.g. informing authorities, 
accreditation bodies, stakeholders). In taking appropriate action, the confidentiality 
requirements of 4.5 relating to the client and CB shall be respected.   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved     
(f) Input that is in conflict with the operating procedures of the CB or other mandatory 
requirements should not be followed. Management should document the reasoning behind 
the decision t o not follow the input and maintain the document for review by appropriate 
personnel.  
  
(g) Although every interest cannot be represented in the mechanism, a CB shall identify and 
invite significantly interested parties.  
  
NOTE 1 Such interested parties can include clients of the CB, customers of clients, manufacturers, suppliers, 
users, and con formity assessment experts, representatives of industry trade associations, representatives of 
governmental regulatory bodies or other governmental services, and representatives of non -governmental 
organizations, including consumer organizations. It can be  sufficient to have one representative of each interested 
party in the mechanism.  
  
A.8  Application  
  
(a) For application, the CB shall obtain all the necessary information to complete registration 
with ACAP and implement the certification process in accord ance with the relevant ACAP 
certification scheme.   
  
(b) Where needed, general information concerning the client, relevant to the field of certification 
for which the application is made, such as the client's activities, its human and technical 
resources, inc luding laboratories and/or inspection facilities, and its functions and 
relationship in a larger corporation, if any;  
  
(c) information concerning all outsourced processes used by the client that will affect 
conformity to requirements;   
  
(d) existence of previo us certificates within the ACAP Program.  
  
A.8.1  Application review  
  
(a) The CB shall conduct a review of the information obtained to ensure that all the information 
needed for registration in the ACAP database and to conduct the certification process are 
available.  
  
(b) The information about the client and the product is sufficient for the conduct of the 
certification process.  
  
(c) The CB shall ensure it has the competence and capability for all the certification activities it 
is required to undertake, and it shall maintain a record of the justification for the decision to 
undertake certification.  
  
(d) The CB shall decline to undertake  a specific certification for any ACAP certification scheme 
where approval form ARSO was not formally granted and listed in the ACAP database.  
  
A.9  Evaluation  
  
(a) The CB shall have a plan for the evaluation activities to allow for the necessary 
arrangeme nts to be managed.  
  
(b) The CB shall assign personnel to perform each evaluation task that it undertakes with its 
internal resources.  
  
NOTE Outsourced tasks are completed by personnel usually assigned by the organization to which the task is 
outsourced. Su ch personnel are not normally assigned by the CB.  
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   (c) The CB shall ensure all necessary information and/or documentation is made available for 
performing the evaluation tasks.  
  
NOTE The evaluation tasks can include activities such as design and documentat ion review, sampling, testing, 
inspection and audit.  
  
(d) The CB shall carry out the evaluation activities that it undertakes with its internal resources 
and shall manage outsourced resources in accordance with the evaluation plan   
  
(e) The CB shall inform the client of all nonconformities.  
  
A.10  Review  
  
(a) The CB shall assign at least one person to review all information and results related to the 
evaluation. The review shall be carried out by person(s) who have not been involved in the 
evaluation process and has the qualification required by ACAP general ru les  
  
(b) Recommendations for a certification decision based on the review shall be documented, 
unless the review and the certification decision are completed concurrently by the same 
person.  
  
A.11  Certification decision  
  
(a) The CB shall be responsible for,  and shall retain authority for, its decisions relating to 
certification.  
  
(b) The CB shall assign at least one person to make the certification decision based on all 
information related to the evaluation, its review, and any other relevant information. The 
certification decision shall be carried out by a person or group of persons that has not been 
involved in the process for evaluation.  
  
(c) The person(s) assigned by the CB to make a certification decision shall be employed by, or 
shall be under contract with  the CB.  
  
(d) The CB shall notify the client of a decision not to grant certification, and shall identify the 
reasons for the decision.       
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   Annex B  
(informative)  
  
Sample of ARSO -CB License agreement  
  
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN ARSO AND CERTIFICATION 
BODIES  
FOR CERTIFICATION UNDER THE ARSO CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (ACAP)  
  
This agreement is made as of ……    (Date) between  the African  for   
(ARSO), having its principal office at Nairobi, Kenya, and ………….   (Name of the Certification 
body)  hereinafter  referred to as the CB whose expression shall include its successors and 
assignees, and having its principal office at                  (address).       
         
1.  INTRODUCTION   
  
1.1  The African Organization for Standardization (ARSO)  is an intergovernmental organization 
established by the former Organization of African Union (OAU), currently African Union (AU)) 
and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in 1977 whose   mandate 
includes ; establish/harmonize African regional standards for all products of interest to intra -
African trade and operate a regional certification marking scheme with a view to certifying the 
quality of and promoting African products and services .   
  
1.2  A  CB is an independent and impartial organization possessing the necessary competence to 
carry out the certification of products, processes and services to the relevant harmonized 
sustainability standards and under relevant scheme of ACAP. For the purpose  of the ACAP, 
the CB can either be accredited to ISO/IEC 17065 or ISO/IEC 17021 -1 or demonstrate to be 
in the process of accreditation.   
  
1.3  This Agreement sets out the relationship between ARSO and the Certification Bodies (CBs) 
and the conditions to be met by the CBs in the operation of ACAP certification.  
  
1.4  Both ARSO and CBs are expected to abide by letter, spirit and intent of this Agreement.  
  
1.5 Certification bodies applying for approval and/ or expressing interest to certify organisations  to 
the ARSO -ACAP scheme shall be certification bodies complying with these requirements for 
certification.   
  
2.  REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION BODIES   
  
2.1 Accredited Certification Bodies offering ACAP system certification shall either be accredited to 
the International Standards ISO/IEC 17065 or ISO/IEC 17021 -1.   
  
2.2 Non accredited certification bodies will need to demonstrate to ARSO that they are in the process 
of obtaining accreditation to ISO/IEC 17065or ISO/IEC 17021 -1.   
  
2.3 The CB will ne ed to demonstrate their capability for fulfilment of the requirements for certification 
to the applicable ACAP General Rules.  The process of evaluation and approval is described 
in ACAP Rules part III: “Requirements for approval of Certification Bodies”.  
  
3.0 LICENCING  
  
3.1 A License for certification of ACAP specified Scheme and Scope is granted for a defined period 
on condition that the CB:  
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   (a) Is accredited to ISO/IEC 17065 or ISO/IEC 17021 -1;  
  
(b) complies with the terms of this Agreement and to Rules of the ACAP scheme 
requirements;  
  
(c) Demonstrates continued conformity with the applicable standards and ACAP rules;  
  
(d) demonstrates continued competence within the scope of its certification;  
  
(e) Pays a pplicable royalty and/or license fees to ARSO as prescribed and approved by 
the Council from time to time.  
  
3.2 A provisional license will be given to Certification Bodies who demonstrate that they 
are in the process of getting accreditation. This license wi ll be given for non -
renewable periods of three years to enable the CB obtain accreditation.  
  
3.3 ARSO will indicate how continued conformity with the relevant standard(s) and ACAP 
rules will be monitored in order that the CB may maintain the approved status.    
  
3.4 Additionally, ARSO reserves the right to withdraw approval if a CB:   
  
(a) Loses accreditation or fails to achieve accredited status within the provisional 
license period;  
  
(b) Being a company, enters into liquidation, whether compulsory or voluntary (but not 
necessarily including liquidation for the purposes of reconstruction), or has a 
receiver for its business appointed;  
  
(c) Fails in any respects to comply with the laws of the land;  
  
(d) Fails to comply with the conditions specified in the approval procedure as from 
ACAP Rules III.  
  
3.5 An annual licensing fee (which includes registration and certification) will be charged 
upon application and maintenance of licensure. Additionally royalties for use of the 
ARSO ACAP scheme and marks will be paid proportionately on the volume of 
business.  
  
3.6 Certification Bodies who are affiliated to ARSO members will only pay royalties 
proportionately on the volume of business.  
  
3.7 ARSO non -members CBs will pay annual licensing fee (which includes registration 
and certification) stated in the fee table appr oved by the ARSO Council.   
  
3.8 All information gained by ARSO and its staff directly dealing with   certification bodies 
other than information already in the public domain will be treated as confidential and 
will not, subject to the law of the land, be div ulged without prior written consent of the 
CB.   
  
4.  CONDITIONS TO BE MET BY CERTIFICATION BODIES   
  
4.1 The CB shall offer ARSO’s representatives, access to documents and data and co -operation as 
necessary to enable ARSO to verify conformity with this A greement and the relevant 
requirements of the standard(s) and ACAP Rules.   
  
4.2  The CB shall:  
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   (a) Comply with the terms of this Agreement at all times;  
  
(b) Only claim that it is licensed in respect of those activities which are included in the 
approved certification scope;  
  
(c) Use ARSO Marks only on those certificates (and other documents, where 
applicable) which fall within the scopes approved by ARSO. The ac credited CB 
shall only use the appropriate mark or make reference to ARSO approval in the 
manner prescribed by ACAP Rules part I;   
  
(d) Make it clear in all contracts with its clients and in guidance documents that 
approval issued by it in no way implies tha t any product, service is approved under 
ACAP;  
  
(e) Upon withdrawal of the license, the CB shall discontinue forthwith its use of any 
reference to the license, withdraw all advertising matter which contains any 
reference thereto.  
  
(f) Provide, on demand, or du ring assessments all records/information relating to 
complaints, appeals and disputes related to certification  
  
(g) Inform ARSO, at the time of application and subsequently whenever there are 
changes, about the countries into which ACAP certificates are issu ed directly by 
the CB or through sub -contractors   
  
(h) Inform ARSO, at the time of application and subsequently whenever there are 
changes, about the countries in which the CB operates from local offices and the 
legal relationship of such offices with the CB   
  
4.3 The CB shall inform ARSO of any changes within its organization which bear on the 
CB’s conformity with this Agreement and the relevant standard(s) or otherwise 
affecting, or potentially affecting, the CB’s capability or scope of certification, prior to 
implementing any such change.  
  
4.4 The CB shall inform ARSO of any changes in its:   
  
a) Legal, commercial or organizational status,  
  
b) Organization and management, for example key managerial staff  
  
c) Policies or procedures, where appropriate  
  
d) Location of its pr emises  
  
e) Personnel, equipment, facilities, working environment or other resources, where  
  significant.  
  
f) Capability of certification or scope of certification activities, or conformance with the 
  requirements of the approval  
  
4.5 The CB will be given due notice of any proposed changes relating to this Agreement. 
The CB shall be given such reasonable time as is  necessary to make any adjustments 
to its procedures under the proposed changes.  The CB shall notify ARSO regarding 
the completion of such changes within the time fixed for such adjustments.  
  
4.6 Financial arrangements between a CB and its client are not th e responsibility of and 
are not subject to the control of ARSO.     
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved     
5  APPEALS   
  
5.1 Appeals will be considered only against a decision made by ARSO and based on the ACAP 
appeals procedure.    
  
5.2 Only appeals in writing against a decision by ARSO will be processed in accordance with the 
ACAP Appeals Procedure.  
  
6.  COMPLAINTS   
  
6.1  Any complaint against ARSO shall be addressed to the Secretary General in writing.  
  
6.2  Complaints will be handled as per the ACAP Procedure for Complaints handling.    
  
7.  LIABILITY   
  
 No representation, promise or warranty, express or implied, is or will be made or given as to the 
accuracy or completeness of any information, review, audit, or advice supplied, made or given 
by ARSO (or any of its directors, employees or agents) in the course of providing services 
pursuant to this Agreement and no  employee or agent of ARSO is authorized (nor shall any 
such person be deemed to have been given any such authority) to make or give any such 
representation, promise or warranty, and any such representation, promise or warranty  
purported to be so made or given shall not be relied upon by the accredited / recognized CB.  
  
8.  FORCE MAJEURE   
  
 No failure or omission by either party to carry out or observe any of the stipulations, conditions or 
warranties to be performed shall give rise to any claim against such party or be deemed to be 
a breach of contract to the extent that such failure or omi ssion rises from causes reasonably 
beyond the control of such party.  
  
9  INDEMNITY   
  
 The CB undertakes to indemnify ARSO against any losses suffered by or claims made against 
ARSO as a result of misuse by the CB of any certification, license or mark gr anted by ARSO 
as a result of any breach by the CB of the terms of this Agreement  
  
10.  AUTHORITY TO OPERATE AS A CB FOR THE RELEVANT SCOPES   
  
By subscribing to this agreement, the CB confirms that:  
i) That it does not require permission from another Body or Authority to offer EMA 
certification and where this is necessary it will have sort that authority before entering 
into agreement with ARSO.  
  
ii) That it is licensed to offer certification of products and services applied for within that 
country  
11.  LAW   
  
 This Agreement shall in all respects be construed and operate as an Agreement made in Nairobi, 
Kenya and in conformity with appropriate AU regulations.  
  
12.  ARBITRATION   
  
 All disputes, differences or questions at any time arising between the parties in respect to this 
agreement or as to any matter or thing arising out of this Agreement or in any way connected  
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   therewith (which cannot be settled by mutual agreement) shall be referred to the ACAP 
dispute Mediation Committee.  
  
13.  TERMINATION   
  
This a greement shall continue in force unless and until terminated by either party by giving a written 
notice of 90 days (3 months).  
  
    
14.  THE PARTIES TO THE AGREEMENT  
  
For the CB  
(BLOCK CAPITALS)    
  For ARSO  
(BLOCK CAPITALS)    
Name: ....................................……….   Name: ..................................................   
Address: ...........................................  
  
   Address: ..............................................   
Signed: ...........................................  Signed: ..............................................   
Position: ..........................................  Position: ............................................   
Date: ………………………….  
  Date: ………………………………………..   
Witness for the CB (BLOCK CAPITALS) 
   Witness for ARSO  
(BLOCK CAPITALS)    
Name: ....................................……….   Name: ..............................................   
Address: ............................................  
  
   Address: ...........................................   
Signed: ................................... ..........   Signed: ............................................   
Position: ............................................   Position: ...........................................   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
© ARSO 2022 — All rights reserved   Bibliography  
 
1. ACAP 1 -1:, Regulations — Part 1: General requirements for the certification systems   
2. ACAP 1 -2: Regulations — Part 2: Special requirements for the certification systems   
3. ISO/IEC 17000 Conformity assessment — Vocabulary and general principles   
4. ISO/IEC 17011, Conformity assessment — General  requirements for accreditation bodies 
accrediting conformity assessment bodies   
5. ISO 9000, Quality management systems — Fundamentals and vocabulary   
6. ISO 10002, Quality management — Customer satisfaction — Guidelines for complaints 
handling in organizations  
7. ISO/IEC 17021 -2, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and 
certification of management systems — Part 2: Competence requirements for auditing and 
certification of environmental management systems   
8. ISO/IEC 17021 -3, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and 
certification of management systems — Part 3: Competence requirements for auditing and 
certification of quality management systems   
9. ISO/IEC 17030, Conformity assessment — General requirement s for third -party marks of 
conformity   
10.  ISO/IEC 17067, Conformity assessment — Fundamentals of product certification and 
guidelines for product certification schemes