New UKAS tool allows free certification checks

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) have launched UKAS CertCheck, a new tool which can verify UKAS accredited management system certifications.

UKAS CertCheck is an online database containing information about the status of certification issued by UKAS accredited Certification Bodies.

The use of the database is free and allows anyone to check whether an organisation holds accredited certification for a range of international certification schemes and standards including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Health and Safety Management).

Vince Desmond, CQI CEO, commented: “This is a game changer. Quality professionals and their organisations often have to deal with unaccredited and even counterfeit certification. Making this tool available to relevant people in their businesses will help hugely. We look forward to the worldwide accredited certification community working together to provide a similar global solution.” 

UKAS says the database enables users to easily identify fraudulent or misleading claims of accredited certification, which will streamline supply chain management and procurement processes, as well as improve speed and clarity in the supplier vetting process.

Jeff Ruddle, Strategic Development Director at UKAS commented: “The new CertCheck database is an important initiative, which demonstrates UKAS’s commitment to supporting the accredited certification community and advancing the digitisation of conformity assessment. UKAS CertCheck enhances procurement and supply chain management processes and reduces the opportunity for fraud, allowing companies to work together with greater confidence.”