Certification extension option for CoC from 2025
A major standards revision that is set to begin in March 2025 will consider fundamental changes to the Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard. During this transitional period, an optional extension of existing CoC certifications has been approved by the ASI Board.
6 December 2024
This measure aims to:
- Protect Members from additional recertification costs, especially as CoC requirements may significantly change as a result of the revision process.
- Reduce the risk of CoC certification lapses while the revision process is underway.
This extension is a voluntary option available only for eligible CoC certified Entities (see below). For optimal assurance, ASI continues to encourage Entities to undergo CoC audits by accredited auditors.
Key Details for CoC Certified Members
Entities with existing CoC certifications may request an extension to their current certification validity during the ASI standards revision process.
Eligibility for CoC Certificate Extensions:
- Active CoC Certification with a date of expiry no later than 28/02/2027
- Demonstrated full compliance with all CoC requirements under current CoC Certificate (no Major Non-Conformances at previous Audit). If Minor Non-Conformances were raised at the previous audit, this will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Certificate extension must be requested at least 30 days before the expiration date of the current CoC Certificate.
Extension Terms:
- If the extension request is approved, the CoC Certificate will be extended until 1 March 2027. It is anticipated that the Standard revision will complete by January 2027; Entities will be kept informed of progress and potential CoC changes throughout this process.
Once a CoC Certificate extension is granted, Entities are required to:
- Submit CoC Annual Report to the ASI Secretariat, in line with criterion 1.7, ASI CoC Standard.
- Submit requests for claims approval, including the use of the ASI Responsible Aluminium Sourcing logo and any volume or sourcing claims, if applicable.
- Demonstrate continued internal compliance with all CoC requirements.
Note: In case any compliance concerns are raised (for example through the ASI Complaints Mechanism or through analysis of reported ASI Material quantities under criterion 1.7), ASI has the ability to request an exceptional Surveillance Audit in order to maintain Certification. If the Surveillance Audit does not take place within 60 days ASI has the right to revoke the certificate extension.
How to request a CoC Certificate Extension:
- Complete the CoC Certificate Request Form (Extension application will be available from 1 January 2025).
- Ensure the form is completed at least 30 days before your current CoC Certificate end date.
- ASI will provide confirmation when the request is received and will confirm in writing whether the request has been approved within 10 working days.
- If the extension is approved, your CoC Certificate end date will be updated to reflect the extension until 1 March 2027.
New CoC Certifications: New CoC Certifications will require Certification Audits as per normal process.
Key Details for Auditors
- Auditors will be notified directly by the ASI Assurance team about any certificate extensions requested by Members.
- Auditors must continue to follow the existing CoC auditing protocols for Members who do not fall under certificate extension or for new certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can Members with expired CoC certifications apply for extensions?
No. Only ASI Members with active CoC Certifications with date of expiry coming up, can apply for an extension.
- My CoC Certification is due to expire in 2025. I would like to expand my CoC Certification Scope, am I eligible for the CoC extension?
No. CoC Extension is only applicable to Entities and Facilities which already hold a CoC Certification. Expansion of the CoC Certification Scope would require an Audit.
More information
If you have questions or wish to discuss any of the above issues, please reach out to Cameron Jones (ASI Assurance Director) and we will happily set up a call.
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