Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: April 25, 2025

Welcome to GSTC, a leading provider of certification, consultation, and auditing services for 22 ISO standards, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), ISO 22000 (Food Safety), ISO 27001 (Information Security), and others as listed on our website. By accessing our website, engaging our services, or participating in our certification processes, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully, as they form a legally binding agreement between you ("Client") and GSTC.

1. Definitions

• Client: Any individual, organization, or entity engaging GSTC’s services or accessing the website.
• Services: Certification, consultation, auditing, and training related to ISO standards, including but not limited to ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, and ISO 37001.
• Certification: The process of assessing and verifying compliance with ISO standards, resulting in the issuance of a certificate.
• Website: The GSTC website, including all subdomains and related digital platforms.

2. Scope of Services

GSTC offers services to assist Clients in achieving and maintaining compliance with 22 ISO standards, such as ISO 50001 (Energy Management), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity), and ISO 10002 (Customer Satisfaction). These services include:

• Pre-certification assessments and gap analyses.
• Consulting for implementing ISO-compliant systems (e.g., ISO 41001 Facility Management).
• Auditing for certification and surveillance (e.g., ISO 27018 Information Security).
• Training programs for standards like SA 8000 (Social Accountability) and FSSC 22000 (Food Safety).

Services are provided in accordance with international accreditation requirements and ISO guidelines. GSTC does not guarantee certification, as outcomes depend on Client compliance.

3. Client Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for:

• Providing accurate, complete, and timely information, including documentation for standards like ISO 21001 (Educational Organizations) or ISO 10668 (Brand Valuation).
• Ensuring access to facilities, personnel, and records during audits.
• Maintaining compliance with ISO standards post-certification, including addressing non-conformities identified during surveillance audits.
• Notifying GSTC of significant changes affecting certification status (e.g., organizational structure changes impacting ISO 45001).

Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in delays, additional costs, or certification suspension/revocation.

4. Certification Process

The certification process typically includes:

• Application: Submission of an application detailing the scope of certification (e.g., ISO 39001 Road Traffic Safety).
• Stage 1 Audit: Document review to assess readiness.
• Stage 2 Audit: On-site evaluation of compliance.
• Certification Decision: Issuance of a certificate upon successful audit completion.
• Surveillance Audits: Periodic audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Recertification: Renewal audits every three years.

Clients must adhere to GSTC’s audit schedules and address non-conformities within specified timelines.

5. Payment Terms

Payment terms are outlined in the service contract and may include:

• Initial deposits for services like ISO 20000 (IT Service Management) audits.
• Full payment prior to certification issuance.
• Additional fees for follow-up audits or non-conformity resolutions.

Late payments incur a 5% monthly interest fee. GSTC may suspend services or withhold certification until payment is received. All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated in the contract.

6. Intellectual Property

All content on the GSTC website, including certification guidelines, templates, logos, and training materials, is owned by GSTC or its licensors. Clients are granted a limited, non-exclusive license to use provided materials solely for certification purposes. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of GSTC’s intellectual property is strictly prohibited.

7. Confidentiality

GSTC will maintain the confidentiality of Client information, including sensitive data submitted for standards like ISO 27001 (Information Security) or ISO 21898 (Packaging). Exceptions include:

• Information required by accreditation bodies or regulatory authorities.
• Information disclosed with Client consent.
• Information required by law or court order.

Clients must not disclose GSTC’s proprietary processes, audit methodologies, or training content to third parties.

8. Limitation of Liability

GSTC is not liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (e.g., loss of profits) arising from the use of our services or website.
• Client failure to achieve or maintain certification due to non-compliance.
• Third-party actions or events beyond GSTC’s control (e.g., regulatory changes affecting ISO 55001 Asset Management).

GSTC’s total liability is limited to the fees paid by the Client for the specific service in question.

9. Indemnification

Clients agree to indemnify and hold GSTC harmless from any claims, damages, or losses arising from:

• Inaccurate or fraudulent information provided by the Client.
• Client non-compliance with ISO standards or these terms.
• Misuse of GSTC’s certification marks or logos.

10. Termination

GSTC may terminate services if the Client:

• Breaches these terms or the service contract.
• Fails to make timely payments.
• Engages in fraudulent or unethical conduct (e.g., falsifying records for ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery).

Clients may terminate services by providing written notice, subject to the terms of the service contract. Upon termination, Clients must cease using GSTC’s certification marks and pay any outstanding fees.

11. Force Majeure

GSTC is not liable for delays or failure to perform services due to events beyond its control, including natural disasters, government regulations, or pandemics. Affected services will be rescheduled as soon as practicable.

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which GSTC is headquartered. Disputes will be resolved through:

• Negotiation: Parties will attempt to resolve disputes amicably within 30 days.
• Arbitration: Unresolved disputes will be submitted to binding arbitration in the governing jurisdiction.
• Courts: If arbitration is not applicable, disputes will be resolved in the courts of the governing jurisdiction.

13. Changes to Terms

GSTC may update these Terms and Conditions at its discretion. Clients will be notified of significant changes via email or a prominent notice on the website at least 30 days before the changes take effect. Continued use of GSTC’s services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

14. Miscellaneous

• Severability: If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions remain enforceable.
• Entire Agreement: These terms, along with the service contract, constitute the entire agreement between GSTC and the Client.
• Waiver: Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.