Transparency
Methodology
The factual, transparent and reproducible framework behind every RefurbCertified certification decision.
RefurbCertified publishes its full methodology. Every certification is based on documented criteria, independent audit, weighted scoring and a decision made by a committee separate from commercial teams. Paying fees never guarantees certification.
Payment is not certification
Paying application or audit fees grants access to the evaluation process. Only a formal certification committee decision, based on audit evidence, can result in certificate issuance.
Public verifiable registry
Every active, suspended or expired certificate remains searchable at /verify. Buyers, partners and regulators can independently check status at any time.
Evaluation framework
Our methodology follows ISO 17021-aligned principles and refurbishment sector best practice.
The RefurbCertified standard covers ten mandatory criteria across six domains: quality, data security, commercial transparency, operations, environment and governance.
Each criterion has a published weight. The overall score is calculated automatically from audit responses and documentary evidence submitted by the applicant.
How the audit works
Document review
Analysis of quality policies, erasure procedures, warranties, traceability and legal compliance.
Evidence collection
The applicant uploads required documents. The auditor may request additional evidence at any time.
Operational audit
On-site or remote evaluation of actual processes: testing, grading, logistics, after-sales and data protection.
Weighted scoring
Each criterion is scored out of 100. The weighted overall score determines eligibility and certification level.
Decision & issuance
After committee approval, the certificate is issued with QR code, public URL and embeddable widget access.
Who validates certification
The decision chain is strictly separated to ensure impartiality:
- The accredited auditor evaluates evidence and issues a recommendation (approve, reject, request more info) — without power to certify directly.
- The independent certification committee reviews the report, score and non-conformities before any decision.
- The administrative team issues the certificate only after formal committee approval.
- No sales, payment or support staff can influence a certification decision.
Validity and renewal
A RefurbCertified certificate is valid for two years from the issue date. This duration is shown publicly on the certificate and in the /verify registry.
An annual maintenance review (self-declaration and documentary checks) is required in the interim year. Full renewal requires a new audit before expiry — failure to renew results in automatic certificate expiration.
Reasons for suspension or withdrawal
- Major non-conformity found during surveillance or verified report
- Fraudulent or misleading use of the RefurbCertified label
- Refusal to cooperate with surveillance or renewal audit
- False declarations or evidence forgery
- Certificate expired without timely renewal
- Certification committee decision following a dispute procedure