Approval
Become a REDcert certification body
Independent certification bodies approved by REDcert conduct audits to verify compliance with REDcert requirements, based on scheme principles and checklists. To ensure objective and transparent certification, clearly defined criteria apply to both certification bodies and auditors.
REDcert reviews the necessary qualifications during the registration process. Once all requirements for neutral auditing within the REDcert scheme are met, the certification body is officially approved and listed on the REDcert website.
Interested in joining the REDcert system? We look forward to receiving your inquiry at cab@redcert.de.
Approval as certification body
REDcert
Approval as a REDcert certification body
Certification bodies approved by REDcert verify sustainability criteria based on the REDcert scheme principles.
In order to create a transparent and trustworthy control system, REDcert has established specific requirement criteria for the registration of certification bodies operating for REDcert schemes. The necessary qualifications for fulfilling the requirements criteria are checked by REDcert during the registration process. If all requirements are met, the certification body or auditor is approved for the respective REDcert scheme.
The requirements that must be met in order to be approved as a certification body in one of the REDcert schemes are described below. The basis for this is the scheme document ‘Neutral Control’ (in its current version) in conjunction with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/996 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/196 (for the REDcert-EU scheme).
Recognition and Accreditation
- Recognition by a competent authority
Please ensure that appropriate evidence of recognition by a competent authority is provided.
- Alternative to recognition: global accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17065*
- GHG calculation: accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17029 in combination with ISO 14065
This accreditation can be submitted without the specific scope of the REDcert-EU system.
* By January 1, 2027: ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation with specific REDcert-EU scope required (neutral inspection)
Quality Management System (QMS)
Documented QMS including:
- management manual
- document control
- procedures for handling non-conformities
- internal audits and management reviews
Independence and Impartiality
- Proof of independence from the operations to be certified.
- Commitment of all employees to confidentiality and impartiality.
- No conflict of interest (e.g., no consulting services for the same client).
Technical and Personnel Resources
Proof of:
- suitable infrastructure
- qualified personnel
- at least two employees to ensure the four-eyes principle
Auditor Requirements
- Independent and qualified
- Expertise in relevant areas (e.g. GHG accounting, land use, waste management)
- At least 5 audits in the last 2 years
- Evidence of auditor training according to ISO 19011 (minimum 24 hours)
- Participate regularly in further training
- At least two applications for auditor approval must be submitted together with the application for approval as a certification body.
Audit Procedures
- Audits must be planned, conducted, and documented in accordance with ISO 19011.
- Types of audits: initial audit, recertification audit, surveillance audit, follow-up audit, special audit (e.g., spot, shadow, witness audit)
Certificate Issuance and Revocation
- Certificate issued only if the company is fully compliant
- In the event of critical deviations: suspension or revocation of the certificate
- Maintenance & updating in the REDcert database
Registration with REDcert
- Submission of an application for registration and approval of at least one auditor to REDcert via cab@redcert.de.
- Conclusion of a framework agreement with REDcert.
- Participation of the person responsible in a mandatory train-the-trainer course conducted by REDcert.
Approval process
Contact us by email at cab@redcert.de |
Preliminary assessment and personal feedback by REDcert |
Provision of official application documents by REDcert |
Submission of application documents and start of the examination process |
From this point onwards: Mandatory participation in qualifying training for certification bodies by REDcert possible |
Following a successful assessment, a contract is concluded between the certification body and REDcert. |
Registration in the REDcert database and publication on the REDcert website |
Commencement of certification activities |
Approval as auditor
REDcert
Approval as a REDcert auditor
To ensure the quality and integrity of certifications in the REDcert schemes, clear requirements and procedures apply to the approval of auditors. These are aimed at certification bodies and their responsible persons.
Auditors must have appropriate training, specialist knowledge and professional experience. The qualification of auditors must be proven in the approval process. For this purpose, clear and meaningful evidence must be enclosed with the application for approval of an auditor. The name of the document must be clearly stated in the application for approval.
The application for approval and the accompanying evidence must be in German or English. If an application does not meet the requirements listed below or if the qualifications do not meet these requirements, REDcert is entitled to reject the application.
Requirements for auditors
- Knowledge of land use criteria in accordance with RED II
- Experience in GHG calculation
- Expertise in the inspection of: producers, interfaces, warehouses, suppliers, group certification and waste producers
- Initial training before starting work and regular further training to keep knowledge up to date
Approval process
Contact us by email at cab@redcert.de |
Preliminary assessment and personal feedback by REDcert |
Provision of official application documents by REDcert |
Submission of application documents and start of the examination process (several examination steps possible) |
Provisional approval (if conditions apply) |
Final approval (provided that all conditions have been met or no conditions apply) |
Registration in the REDcert database |
Notification to the certification body and dispatch of the approval documentation |
Initial auditor training prior to assignment |
