Certification provisions for verifying the social responsibility of organisations

Version: 2022-11-01

1. Introduction

This document constitutes SBSC’s provisions for verification of the social responsibility of organisations. In addition to these provisions, SBSC’s general terms and conditions are applicable.

2.  The customer’s obligations

2.1. General

The customer shall at all times comply with SBSC’s general terms and conditions and certification provisions, and shall implement relevant changes when communicated by SBSC. The customer must be a legal person.

2.2. The application

The customer shall apply for verification via the Client Portal on SBSC’s website or in another manner instructed by SBSC.

In addition to the application, the applicant shall provide complete and correct information required by SBSC to carry out the verification. Delays and additional costs may arise in the event the applicant or a third party designated by the applicant is in delay in providing information and materials or fails to take measures necessary for carrying out the verification. SBSC shall not be liable for such delays and additional costs. When the verification is being carried out, SBSC shall proceed on the assumption that the information and materials are correct and complete. SBSC shall not be responsible for conclusions or recommendations based on erroneous or deficient information provided by the applicant.

Information and materials must be provided in Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English.

2.3. Verification

The applicant shall be obliged to take the measures necessary in order for SBSC to be able to carry out verification.

2.4. Conformity

The applicant shall be obliged to:

• ensure continued compliance with the requirements covered by the verification;
• inform SBSC without delay regarding changes which may alter the conditions for the verification;
• document complaints relating to the applicant’s operations which are the subject of the verification and the measures taken in response to such complaints;
• assist in ensuring that SBSC can monitor compliance by providing correct and necessary information and materials and access to the premises, facilities, areas and personnel necessary for such monitoring.
• In the event circumstances come to light which demonstrate that social responsibility of the organisation has declined due to the fact that conformity of the answers to the questions with reality is deficient, SBSC may revoke the statement prior to the conclusion of the period of validity.

2.5 Public reporting of the results of the verification

The verified organisation shall publicly report the statement from the management of the organisation and the replies to the questions in SIS/TS 2:2021 together with SBSC’s statement. In the event the response to any of the questions is “unanswered”, “not relevant” or similar, this position must be explained. The answers may not be edited or revised following verification which, in such case, may cause the verification to be revoked.

3.  SBSC’s obligations

3.1. General
SBSC shall comply with the undertakings set forth in this section in the certification provisions applicable from time to time. However, where there is special cause, SBSC may deviate from the provisions.

3.2. The application
SBSC shall provide a confirmation to the applicant regarding the applications SBSC undertakes to process.

3.3. Information
SBSC shall inform the applicant regarding the documents with which the applicant is to supplement the application.

In the event SBSC determines that necessary documents have not been received within 12 months following receipt of the application by SBSC, SBSC may decide to discontinue processing the application.

3.4. Evaluation, affirmation and monitoring of compliance.
In accordance with SBSC’s General Terms and Conditions