Reminder | ASI China FSC® Rapid Response Audit Launched
Recently, the International Accreditation Service (ASI) officially launched the FSC® Rapid Response Compliance On-site Assessment in the Chinese mainland. This assessment completely breaks away from traditional models by adopting a surprise audit approach involving random blind sampling, zero prior notice, and direct on-site visits.
Please review the key information regarding this surprise audit in advance and prepare accordingly.
30-Minute Access Requirement:
Upon arrival and identification by the ASI audit team (one auditor + one Chinese translator), the company must grant them access to the site within 30 minutes to conduct the audit. Please ensure that security guards and front desk staff are informed in advance. Upon seeing the assessment personnel, they should immediately allow entry after verification of identity and promptly notify the relevant responsible person. Do not delay access under excuses such as "the manager is unavailable" or "an appointment is required." Failure to grant timely access may be considered a refusal of the assessment, directly affecting the certificate status.
Core Objective:
This assessment aims to evaluate the performance of the certification body, verifying whether its audit methods are appropriate, whether audit findings are sufficient, and whether audit conclusions and certification decisions are reasonable.
If non-compliance with FSC® standard requirements is found during the audit, ASI will not issue a formal nonconformity to the certified company directly. Instead, it will communicate the finding as an observation and provide feedback to the certification body regarding the effectiveness of its audit process.
Please note: The certification body still needs to make a decision regarding your certificate status and drive corrective actions based on this.
How companies can respond:
It is recommended to establish a rapid response mechanism in advance to ensure smooth access within 30 minutes after the audit team's arrival; COC personnel and key positions must remain contactable at all times and be able to respond promptly; ensure that relevant records are accurate, complete, and readily accessible.
Please review the key information regarding this surprise audit in advance and prepare accordingly.
30-Minute Access Requirement:
Upon arrival and identification by the ASI audit team (one auditor + one Chinese translator), the company must grant them access to the site within 30 minutes to conduct the audit. Please ensure that security guards and front desk staff are informed in advance. Upon seeing the assessment personnel, they should immediately allow entry after verification of identity and promptly notify the relevant responsible person. Do not delay access under excuses such as "the manager is unavailable" or "an appointment is required." Failure to grant timely access may be considered a refusal of the assessment, directly affecting the certificate status.
Core Objective:
This assessment aims to evaluate the performance of the certification body, verifying whether its audit methods are appropriate, whether audit findings are sufficient, and whether audit conclusions and certification decisions are reasonable.
If non-compliance with FSC® standard requirements is found during the audit, ASI will not issue a formal nonconformity to the certified company directly. Instead, it will communicate the finding as an observation and provide feedback to the certification body regarding the effectiveness of its audit process.
Please note: The certification body still needs to make a decision regarding your certificate status and drive corrective actions based on this.
How companies can respond:
It is recommended to establish a rapid response mechanism in advance to ensure smooth access within 30 minutes after the audit team's arrival; COC personnel and key positions must remain contactable at all times and be able to respond promptly; ensure that relevant records are accurate, complete, and readily accessible.
About Cotecna Kaixin Certification
Beijing Cotecna Kaixin Certification Co., Ltd. ("BCK") is a third-party certification body accredited by CNAS and ANAB. Focusing on providing certification services covering quality and safety, agri-food products, intellectual property, information security, energy, and sustainability, we have served over 20,000 clients, and remains committed to delivering premium and efficient service to clients, contributing to economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.