1. Definitions and Interpretation
In these Terms:
- "UCP Group" means Universal Certification Platform LLC, the Certification Body.
- "Client" means the organization applying for or holding certification issued by UCP Group.
- "Certification Agreement" means the contract formed between UCP Group and the Client upon acceptance of a quotation and signing of the application form.
- "Certificate" means the document of conformity issued by UCP Group confirming compliance with the applicable Standard(s).
- "Standard(s)" means the ISO or other international standard(s) against which the Client seeks certification.
- "Audit" means any Stage 1, Stage 2, surveillance, recertification, or special audit conducted by UCP Group.
- "Services" means the certification, auditing, surveillance, and related professional services provided by UCP Group. UCP Group provides professional services only and does not supply, trade, or distribute any physical goods or products.
2. Scope of Services
UCP Group is an independent third-party certification body providing management system certification services against internationally recognized standards, including but not limited to: ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 17100, ISO 19650, ISO 21500, ISO 22000, ISO 22716, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 37001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, GMP, GDP, CE marking compliance consulting, and FDA compliance consulting.
UCP Group provides professional certification and auditing services only. The company does not manufacture, supply, distribute, or trade in physical goods, commodities, or products of any kind. All revenue is derived exclusively from fees for certification services rendered.
Services are available to organizations worldwide. UCP Group reserves the right to decline engagements involving jurisdictions subject to U.S., EU, or UN sanctions.
3. Application and Contract Formation
A Certification Agreement is formed when: (a) the Client submits a completed application form; (b) UCP Group issues a formal quotation; and (c) the Client accepts the quotation and pays the applicable fees. Until all three conditions are met, no binding obligations arise.
The Client warrants that all information provided in the application is accurate, complete, and not misleading.
4. Obligations of the Client
The Client shall:
- Maintain a documented management system that conforms to the applicable Standard(s) throughout the certification cycle.
- Provide UCP Group auditors with unrestricted access to premises, personnel, records, and processes relevant to the scope of certification.
- Promptly inform UCP Group of any material changes to its management system, legal status, ownership, organizational structure, or scope of operations.
- Use the UCP Group certification mark and Certificate strictly in accordance with the rules communicated by UCP Group and only within the granted scope.
- Not make any misleading or unauthorized statements regarding its certification status.
- Pay all fees in accordance with Section 6 below.
5. Obligations of UCP Group
UCP Group shall:
- Conduct all audits and certification activities with competence, impartiality, and in accordance with applicable accreditation requirements.
- Assign auditors with relevant technical expertise and sector knowledge.
- Provide the Client with audit reports, findings, and certification decisions in a timely manner.
- Maintain the confidentiality of all Client information in accordance with the Privacy Policy.
- Notify the Client promptly of any changes to certification requirements or procedures.
6. Fees and Payment
All fees are set out in the quotation provided to the Client. Fees are payable in advance of each audit phase unless otherwise agreed in writing. Invoices are due within 30 calendar days of issue. Late payments may incur interest at 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance.
Fee quotations are based on information provided by the Client. If actual audit effort exceeds the estimate due to inaccurate or incomplete information, UCP Group reserves the right to adjust fees with prior written notice.
7. Certification Cycle and Validity
Certificates are valid for three (3) years from the date of the initial certification decision, subject to satisfactory completion of annual surveillance audits (typically at 12 and 24 months). Recertification audits must be completed before certificate expiry to maintain uninterrupted certification.
8. Suspension and Withdrawal
UCP Group may suspend certification if the Client: fails to undergo scheduled surveillance or recertification audits; persistently or seriously fails to meet standard requirements; or misuses the certification mark. Suspension periods shall not exceed six (6) months.
UCP Group may withdraw certification if: the Client fails to resolve the grounds for suspension within the specified period; the Client commits fraud or serious breach of the Certification Agreement; or the Client ceases operations within the certified scope.
Upon suspension or withdrawal, the Client must immediately cease all use of the Certificate, certification mark, and any reference to certified status.
9. Confidentiality
UCP Group treats all Client information obtained during the certification process as confidential. Information is disclosed only: (a) as required by law or regulation; (b) to accreditation bodies exercising oversight; or (c) with the Client's prior written consent. Further details are set out in the UCP Group Privacy Policy.
10. Limitation of Liability
UCP Group's total aggregate liability arising under or in connection with the Certification Agreement shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Client in the 12-month period preceding the claim.
UCP Group shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, or special losses, including loss of profit, revenue, contracts, or goodwill.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law.
11. Force Majeure
Neither party shall be liable for delay or failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to pandemic, government action, natural disaster, war, or civil unrest.
12. Complaints, Appeals, and Disputes
Complaints and appeals are handled in accordance with the UCP Group Complaints and Appeals Policy, available separately. Any disputes not resolved through the complaints procedure shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of Wyoming, United States.
13. Refund Policy
If UCP Group is unable to deliver the contracted services due to its own fault or inability, the Client is entitled to a full refund of fees paid for undelivered services. Where an audit has been partially completed, refunds are calculated on a pro-rata basis reflecting work completed.
No refund is payable where the Client cancels or withdraws from the certification process, except where written cancellation is received at least 30 calendar days before the scheduled audit date, in which case a refund less a 20% administrative charge may be issued.
14. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wyoming, United States.
15. Amendments
UCP Group reserves the right to amend these Terms. Material changes will be notified to Clients in writing at least 30 days before taking effect. Continued use of UCP Group services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of amended Terms.
16. Contact
Email: [email protected]
Address: 30 N Gould St, Ste R, Sheridan, WY 82801, United States
Responsible Officer: Juma Hashim, Managing Member