A certificate on a supplier’s website or in a tender pack is a claim, not proof. Checking it takes a few minutes.
1. Identify who issued it
Every certificate should name the certification body that issued it. ISO itself does not issue certificates.
2. Check the certificate online
Use the certification body’s own verification tool on its official website. For certificates issued by US Global Standards Registrars, use our Certificate Verification page. Check the company name, certificate number, standard, scope, sites and dates.
3. Check the status
| Status | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Valid | In good standing as of the check date |
| Suspended | Temporarily not valid; don’t rely on it |
| Withdrawn | Permanently cancelled; must not be used |
| Expired | Ask the supplier for their current certificate |
4. Read the scope carefully
A valid certificate is only useful if its scope covers what you are buying.
5. Check the accreditation status
Some buyers require certificates issued under specific accreditation. Our certificates state whether each is accredited, non-accredited or a compliance certificate. See our Accreditation page.
6. Look for warning signs
- No certification body named, or one you cannot find online.
- Dates that don’t match the online record.
- A vague scope that doesn’t match the supplier’s business.
- The certificate cannot be found in the issuing body’s verification system.
7. What to do if it doesn’t check out
Ask the supplier, contact the certification body directly, and if you suspect misuse of a USGSR certificate, report it through our Complaints & Appeals procedure.
Check a USGSR certificate now. Verify a Certificate