The Stage 1 Audit must be conducted at the facilities to confirm that key management system requirements are in place and supported by suitable documentation. It involves: Reviewing any issues arising from UGG’s assessment of the document/audit notes for reviewing any system assessment undertaken by the client which identify significant system aspects and associated impacts as well as regulatory requirements. Confirming that the required standard and policies are based on determination of significant aspects, continual improvement in performance, prevention of pollution, documented objectives and measurable targets and resource improvement programs. Reviewing management system documentation to assess whether key system requirements have been adequately addressed. Assessment of progress in implementing the system through discussions and sampling of procedures, records, etc. Checking adequacy and reliability of internal auditing, procedures and programs reviewing audits, corrective action, and follow-up activities, and planning resources and confirming the scope for the certification audit. A detailed stage 1 Audit report will provide feedback and information on the management system status, which will help prepare for further assessment. It will highlight any major system deficiencies, which will need to be addressed before the Certification Audit/stage 2, as well as potential opportunities for system improvement. .
The draft final Stage 2 Audit Report will be submitted to independent peer reviewers appointed by UGG. Peer reviewers shall review the report within 7 days. Audit Team Leader shall respond to the comments made by the peer reviewers. All issues shall be resolved before the finalization of the audit report.
After the findings of the Stage 1 Audit have been resolved and issues from stakeholders have been identified, the Applicant is required to inform the Audit Team Leader on the readiness to proceed to Stage 2 Audit. It is recommended that all proposed actions to address the issues of concerned identified during Stage 1 audit are submitted to the Audit Team Leader at least two weeks before the conduct of Stage 2 Audit. During Stage 2 Audit, the audit team will evaluate the implementation including the effectiveness of the applicant’s MSPO system and practices against the requirements of the MS2530 standard and/or related parts. It is a detailed audit of the system to assess conformance of the management system to all specified requirements of the relevant Standard. Full implementation of the management system will be verified. Verification of practices to ensure conformance with the documented system will be undertaken. Audit findings of Stage 2 MSPO Certification audit are classified as either major or minor nonconformities. For major non-conformities, client is required to take corrective action and submit to the Audit Team Leader within 3 months after the last day of stage 2 audit. Failure to do so, the audit team shall conduct another Stage 2 audit prior to recommending certification. For minor non-conformities, client is required to submit the corrective action plan within 30 days after the last day of stage 2 audit. The minor nonconformity can be closed in the next audit.
After the findings of the Stage 1 Audit have been resolved and issues from stakeholders have been identified, the Applicant is required to inform the Audit Team Leader on the readiness to proceed to Stage 2 Audit. It is recommended that all proposed actions to address the issues of concerned identified during Stage 1 audit are submitted to the Audit Team Leader at least two weeks before the conduct of Stage 2 Audit. During Stage 2 Audit, the audit team will evaluate the implementation including the effectiveness of the applicant’s MSPO system and practices against the requirements of the MS2530 standard and/or related parts. It is a detailed audit of the system to assess conformance of the management system to all specified requirements of the relevant Standard. Full implementation of the management system will be verified. Verification of practices to ensure conformance with the documented system will be undertaken. Audit findings of Stage 2 MSPO Certification audit are classified as either major or minor nonconformities. For major non-conformities, client is required to take corrective action and submit to the Audit Team Leader within 3 months after the last day of stage 2 audit. Failure to do so, the audit team shall conduct another Stage 2 audit prior to recommending certification. For minor non-conformities, client is required to submit the corrective action plan within 30 days after the last day of stage 2 audit. The minor nonconformity can be closed in the next audit.
Certification Panel/Personnel will make decision on the recommendation for MSPO certification be granted.
An MSPO Certificate shall be issued upon completion of all due payment as per Certification Agreement. The Certificate is valid for 5 years from the date the certification is approved.
To maintain certification, the system will need to conduct annual Surveillance Audits to ensure the system is functioning effectively. Surveillance Audits will typically assess the following management system areas at least once per calendar year. During the surveillance visit, the management system review will include the effectiveness in meeting objectives derived from the system policy, functioning of procedures for evaluation of legal compliance, progress of planned activities aimed at improving environmental performance, internal audits and follow-up activities, corrective and preventive control processes, external communication processes, effectiveness of management review, and changes to the management system and/or its scope
At the end of each 3-year period for ISO Program and 5-year period for MSPO Program, a complete re-assessment of the client's Management System is required. This re-assessment has a duration equal to two-thirds of the initial assessment and closely follows the requirements of the initial assessment Stage 2. A key component of this re-assessment is a site assessment, which is conducted to verify the ongoing effectiveness of the client's Management System in its entirety