Verification Body Policies & Public Information
Public documentation and stakeholder engagement resources for AmSpec’s certification and verification activities.
Covering ISO/IEC 17029, ISO 14065, and ISO/IEC 17065
Introduction
AmSpec operates as an accredited Verification and Validation Body (VVB) and Certification Body under multiple international standards, including ISO/IEC 17029, ISO 14065, and ISO/IEC 17065.
To ensure transparency, impartiality, and compliance with accreditation requirements, AmSpec provides public access to key policies, procedures, and stakeholder engagement mechanisms related to its certification and verification activities.
This page is structured to clearly distinguish between different accreditation frameworks and provides access to relevant documentation, audit announcements, and channels for stakeholder input.
1. Impartiality Policy
AmSpec guarantees that all GHG inventory verification activities are conducted impartially, without influence from commercial, financial, or organizational pressures. Risks to impartiality are identified and managed, and all parties involved in verification activities commit to confidentiality and impartiality agreements.
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2. Complaints & Appeals Policy
This policy outlines the formal channels for submitting complaints or appeals related to AmSpec’s verification services. It also details the expected response time, internal handling procedures, confidentiality requirements, and the roles responsible for managing and resolving each issue.
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3. Quality Policy
The Quality Policy describes AmSpec’s commitment to good professional practice, reliability, impartiality, service agility, qualified personnel, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System.
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4. General Conditions for Verification Services
These General Conditions define the roles and responsibilities of both AmSpec (the contracted party) and the client (the contracting party). Topics include confidentiality, labor aspects, contractual obligations, inventory publication requirements, termination rules, and liability.
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5. Public Declarations & Audit Announcements
As part of AmSpec’s certification and verification activities under applicable schemes such as the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS) and ISO/IEC 17065, AmSpec publishes advance notifications of upcoming audits and provides stakeholders with the opportunity to submit comments.
These public declarations are intended to promote transparency and stakeholder engagement. Each announcement includes details on the organization to be audited, audit scope, location, timing, and relevant contact information.
Stakeholders are invited to submit comments related to:
- Legal compliance
- Social matters, including labor conditions, health and safety, and community relations
- Environmental impacts and protection measures
- Agricultural practices
- Any other issues relevant to the audit
- Activities of related production units not included in the audit scope
All audit announcements are published at least two weeks prior to the scheduled audit date and are made available in the primary language of the audit location and in English.
Note for Stakeholders
For questions about any of the documents above or for accreditation-related inquiries, please contact our Business Assurance & Sustainability team here.
Certification Scheme Documentation
The following documents define the operational framework, responsibilities, and requirements for AmSpec’s certification services under ISO/IEC 17065 and applicable certification schemes such as RTRS. These documents also define the rights and obligations of clients and applicants participating in AmSpec’s certification programs.
For questions regarding certification activities or accreditation requirements, please contact: Manuela.Azcuaga@amspecgroup.com
Financial Information & Fee Structure
AmSpec operates a self-financed certification system supported by fees for certification and audit services.
These fees are applied consistently across certification schemes to ensure equal access and avoid undue financial influence.
All certification activities are conducted independently of commercial or financial pressures. No external party influences certification decisions.
AmSpec maintains liability insurance and financial reserves to support its global operations and ensure risk coverage.
As part of a global organization, AmSpec has the infrastructure, personnel, and technical resources required to maintain certification competence.
Public Declarations & Audit Announcements (RTRS)
In accordance with RTRS requirements and ISO/IEC 17065, AmSpec publishes advance notice of certification audits and provides stakeholders with the opportunity to submit comments prior to evaluation.
Each announcement includes:
- Organization being audited
- Audit scope
- Location
- Audit dates
- Certification standard
Stakeholders are invited to provide input on:
- Legal compliance
- Social and labor conditions
- Environmental impact
- Agricultural practices
- Any relevant concerns related to the audit
Audit Announcements List
Audit announcements are published at least two weeks prior to the scheduled audit date and remain available for stakeholder review throughout the consultation period.
Sample Audit- [Company Name Placeholder]
- Location: [City, Country]
- Audit Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Scope: [Certification Scope]
- Standard: RTRS