A determination made by the Global Institute for Biomedical Quality (GIBQ) can be contested, and a complaint can be raised against a certified vendor or against GIBQ itself. This page states how, and what happens after a submission is received.
Every route described below is a written route to info@gibq.org. Each submission is acknowledged in writing.
Requesting reconsideration
An applicant that receives an adverse determination may request reconsideration within 30 days of the date of that determination. Requests are made in writing to info@gibq.org and must include:
- the application reference given in the determination notice;
- the specific findings disputed, identified individually; and
- any documentation to be considered, including corrected or reissued Certificates of Analysis.
A request that disputes a determination in general terms, without identifying the findings at issue, cannot be acted on and is returned for specifics.
How reconsideration is conducted
Reconsideration is a fresh documentary review, conducted by GIBQ. The submission is re-examined against the same published criteria of the GIBQ 7-Point Standard, together with any documentation supplied with the request. The original determination is not presumed correct.
The outcome is one of the following:
- the original determination is upheld;
- the original determination is set aside and certification is issued; or
- further documentation is required, identified specifically.
The outcome is communicated in writing, stating the criterion relied on for each finding. Reconsideration does not extend the twelve-month validity period of any certificate, and does not suspend an existing certification.
An applicant may also re-apply at any time with updated documentation. Where a determination turned on an out-of-date Certificate of Analysis or a lot identifier that did not match, a fresh application is usually the faster route.
About a certified vendor
Anyone may report that a certified vendor's product or labeling does not conform to the GIBQ 7-Point Standard, or that the GIBQ Verified mark is being displayed outside the terms of the GIBQ Verified Seal Usage Policy. A complaint should state the certificate number where known, the product concerned, and the basis for the concern.
Where a complaint identifies a specific ground for concern, GIBQ re-audits the certification. Where a re-audit shows that the basis for certification is no longer valid, the certification is revoked and the revocation is published in the registry with its reason.
A certification is not revoked on an unsubstantiated allegation. The finding rests on the documentary record, as it does in an original audit.
About GIBQ
Complaints about the conduct of an audit, the handling of an application, the independence of a determination, or the operation of the public registry may be sent to the same address: info@gibq.org.
State what occurred, the application or certificate reference where one exists, and the outcome sought. Complaints are reviewed by GIBQ and answered in writing.
Where a complaint shows that a determination was reached other than on the published criteria, the determination is reopened and the record corrected.
- This process does not provide compensation, damages, or refunds of certification fees.
- It does not resolve disputes between a vendor and its customers, or between a vendor and its testing laboratory.
- It does not substitute for a regulatory complaint. A matter within the jurisdiction of a regulatory authority should be raised with that authority.
Related: Audit Methodology · Independence & Conflict of Interest · GIBQ 7-Point Standard
To check the current status of an application, use the reference link issued in the confirmation of submission.