CSQ CERTIFICATION
The CSQ Certification Program and applicable standards were built around ISO/IEC 17067
CUSTOMER APPEALS
File an Appeal of a Kiwa ASI Certification Decision
Kiwa ASI clients have the right to appeal any certification decision, including the classification of audit findings, denial, suspension, withdrawal, or scope changes of certification. Appeals are reviewed independently and impartially in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065, and apply to every Kiwa ASI program including cGMP, SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS, PrimusGFS, CSQ, ISO 22716, and GLOBALG.A.P.
No Fee
To file or process
Independent Review
By uninvolved personnel
Confidential
Handled in Confidence
All Programs
cGMP through CSQ
cGMP
cGMP Kiwa ASI Customer Appeals Form
Use this form to appeal a cGMP certification decision issued by Kiwa ASI. Complete every section, attach supporting documentation, and email it to US.Info@kiwa-asi.com within 30 calendar days of the certification decision.
Download cGMP Appeals Form
PDF · 2 page · Fillable
OVERVIEW
What Is a Customer Appeal?
A customer appeal is a formal request to reconsider a certification decision made by Kiwa ASI. Appeals may challenge the granting, denial, suspension, withdrawal, expansion, or reduction of certification, as well as the classification or closure of audit findings (non-conformities). Every appeal is reviewed by qualified personnel who were not involved in the original decision. Filing an appeal carries no fee and does not result in any discriminatory action against the appellant.
The appeals process applies to every Kiwa ASI certification program. It is a foundational protection of client rights — one clear path for any client to ask that a decision affecting a certificate, scope, or finding be examined by an independent reviewer.
WHEN TO FILE
When Should You File an Appeal?
An appeal is appropriate any time you disagree with a specific certification decision. Use the situations below as a guide and contact us if you're unsure whether a formal appeal is the right path.
AUDIT FINDINGS
Non-Conformity Classification
You believe a Minor, Major, or Critical non-conformity was incorrectly classified, or that a finding is not supported by objective evidence in the audit report.
CERTIFICATION DECISION
Denial of Certification
Your facility was denied certification following an audit, and you believe the decision did not reflect the corrective evidence submitted within the response window.
STATUS CHANGE
Suspension or Withdrawal
Your certificate was suspended or withdrawn, for example, after surveillance findings, recertification delays, or alleged misuse of the certification mark.
SCOPE
Scope Reduction or Refusal
The scope on your certificate was reduced, or a requested scope extension was refused, in a way you believe is not consistent with the audit evidence.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Closure of a Non-Conformity
You believe a corrective action and root-cause submission demonstrated effectiveness, but a finding remained open beyond the scheme's allowed timeline.
OTHER
Any Documented Decision
Any other written certification decision issued by Kiwa ASI, including transfer denials, mark approvals, or directory listings, may be appealed using this form.
Not a decision but a service concern? If your concern is about the conduct of personnel, the process itself, or the performance of another certified client, you should file a complaint rather than an appeal. Both are reviewed impartially, but they follow different procedures.
THE PROCESS
How the Appeals Process Works
Filing an appeal is straightforward. Every appeal follows the same process, designed for transparency, impartiality, and a clear written outcome.
STEP 01
Download & Complete the Form
Download the Customer Appeals Form, complete every field, and attach supporting documentation: audit report, photos, records, prior correspondence, and the specific finding or decision being appealed.
STEP 02
Submit Your Appeal
Email the completed form and attachments to US.Info@kiwa-asi.com. You may also submit by phone, letter, or fax — we'll help complete the form on your behalf if needed.
STEP 03
Confirmation & Independent Review
Kiwa ASI confirms receipt of your appeal and assigns it to qualified personnel who had no involvement in the original decision. A scheme-competent technical expert is included where the appeal involves technical interpretation.
STEP 04
Written Outcome
You receive a written decision describing the findings of the review, the rationale, any corrective actions taken by Kiwa ASI, and your options for further consideration if you remain dissatisfied.
IMPARTIALITY & CONFIDENTIALITY
How Kiwa ASI Protects the Integrity of an Appeal
The appeals process is governed by our accreditation under ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065. These standards require certification bodies to handle appeals impartially, confidentially, and without retaliation. The four principles below describe how Kiwa ASI operationalizes that requirement.
Independence
Appeals are reviewed by personnel who were not involved in the original audit, certification decision, or finding. Conflict-of-interest screening is documented before review begins.
Technical Competence
When an appeal involves technical interpretation, a scheme-competent reviewer (for example, a qualified cGMP technical expert) is included on the review team.
Confidentiality
All appeal information is treated as confidential and shared only with personnel needed to investigate. Disclosure to third parties requires the client's written consent, except where required by law or accreditation oversight.
Non-Retaliation
Filing an appeal does not affect the client's standing, certification status, or relationship with Kiwa ASI. Discrimination based on a filed appeal is expressly prohibited by our quality management system.
RELATED FORMS
Not an Appeal? Use the Right Form
Kiwa ASI maintains separate documented procedures for appeals, complaints, and general feedback. Choose the form that fits your situation — they're routed to different teams and follow different timelines.
Customer Complaint Form
Use this form to raise concerns about the conduct of Kiwa ASI personnel, the certification process, the performance of a certified client, or any other matter that is not a specific certification decision.
General Feedback & Inquiries
For service questions, scheduling, certificate copies, scope changes that don't involve an appeal, or any non-decision matter, contact our team directly — no form required.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions About Customer Appeals
Answers to the questions clients most commonly ask before filing an appeal with Kiwa ASI.
What is a customer appeal at Kiwa ASI? +
A customer appeal is a formal request to reconsider a certification decision made by Kiwa ASI. This includes decisions to grant, deny, suspend, withdraw, expand, or reduce the scope of certification, and the classification or closure of audit findings (non-conformities). Appeals are reviewed independently by personnel not involved in the original decision, in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 requirements for accredited certification bodies.
How do I file a customer appeal with Kiwa ASI? +
Download the Customer Appeals Form from this page, complete every section, and submit it to info@asifood.com within 30 calendar days of receiving the certification decision you are appealing. Include supporting documentation such as audit reports, photos, records, and any written communications relevant to your appeal. Kiwa ASI will acknowledge receipt within 5 business days and confirm the next steps.
What is the difference between an appeal and a complaint? +
An appeal challenges a specific certification decision — for example, the classification of a non-conformity, denial of certification, or suspension of a certificate. A complaint addresses dissatisfaction with the conduct of Kiwa ASI personnel, the certification process itself, or the performance of a certified client. Appeals and complaints follow separate documented procedures, but both are reviewed impartially and confidentially.
Is there a fee to file an appeal? +
Kiwa ASI does not charge clients a fee to file or process an appeal. Filing an appeal does not affect the client's relationship with Kiwa ASI or result in any discriminatory action. Appeals are handled as a standard part of our accredited certification activity, in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 clause 9.8 and ISO/IEC 17065 clause 7.13.
Which Kiwa ASI certification programs does this appeals form cover? +
The Customer Appeals Form applies to every certification program Kiwa ASI delivers, including cGMP, SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS, PrimusGFS, GLOBALG.A.P., CSQ (Cannabis Safety and Quality), ISO 22716 (cosmetics), and 21 CFR 111 (dietary supplements) audits. Identify the specific program and certificate or audit reference number on the form so the appeal can be routed to the correct technical reviewer.
How long does the appeals process take? +
Kiwa ASI acknowledges receipt of an appeal within 5 business days. The independent review and resolution typically take 30 to 60 calendar days from acknowledgment, depending on the complexity of the appeal and whether additional information or a site revisit is required. If the review will exceed 60 days, Kiwa ASI provides written notice with an updated timeline.
Who reviews my appeal? +
Appeals are reviewed by qualified Kiwa ASI personnel who were not involved in the original certification decision or audit being appealed. For technical appeals, the review includes a competent technical expert in the relevant scheme (for example, a cGMP-qualified reviewer for cGMP appeals). The final decision is approved by the Kiwa ASI Certification Manager or designated impartiality officer.
What if I disagree with the outcome of my appeal? +
If you disagree with the outcome of your Kiwa ASI appeal, you may escalate the matter to our accreditation body. For most North American certification programs, Kiwa ASI is accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). For scheme-specific concerns, you may also contact the scheme owner directly (for example, SQFI, BRCGS, FSSC Foundation, IFS Management). Contact information for each route is provided in the appeal outcome letter.
Is my appeal kept confidential? +
Yes. All information submitted as part of an appeal is treated as confidential and is shared only with Kiwa ASI personnel who require it to investigate and resolve the appeal. Confidentiality is required by ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065. Information may be disclosed externally only with the client's written consent, except where disclosure is required by law or by the accreditation body during oversight activity.
Can I appeal a finding from a recent audit before the certification decision is issued? +
Yes. Clients may appeal the classification or wording of a non-conformity at any stage — during the closing meeting, during corrective action submission, or after the certification decision is issued. Early appeals are encouraged because they can often be resolved before they affect certification status. Submit the Customer Appeals Form with the audit report and the specific finding you are appealing referenced clearly.
Ready to file an appeal?
Download the Customer Appeals Form, complete every section, attach your supporting documentation, and email it to US.Info@kiwa-asi.com. We'll confirm receipt within five business days.
Questions before you file? Email US.Info@kiwa-asi.com.