Declaration of Impartiality

The certification body of PwC Certification Services GmbH offers interested organizations in the auditing, assessment, and certification of management systems and services. Certified organizations can thus provide proof of compliance with the documented requirements of specified standards, regulations, and other specifications through a neutral certification body.

The certification body does not conduct consulting or internal audits for these organizations and their activities.

When conducting audits, assessments, and certifications, strict attention is paid to ensuring that neither the employees involved nor any external auditors involved have previously conducted consulting activities with clients, nor that any other conflicts of interest exist.

Within the scope of its certifications, the certification body is available to all service providers equally and under the same financial conditions. All interested organizations are treated according to the same established guidelines and procedures. The dual control principle is observed.

All employees perform their duties objectively and impartially. They are bound to confidentiality by their employment contract. Client-specific information gained in the course of their work may not be disclosed to third parties, even after termination of the employment relationship.

The management of the certification body of PwC Certification Services GmbH is committed to impartiality in all decisions and assessments relating to certification. All potential conflicts of interest are identified, analyzed, and documented, particularly potential conflicts resulting from intimidation, self-assessment, self-interest, or familiarity that could lead to bias. Should a threat to impartiality nevertheless become apparent, the management of the certification body will immediately take appropriate measures to ensure objective certification.

To ensure the impartiality and objectivity of all assessments and decisions, the certification body’s staff is independent of third-party commercial influences in all auditing and certification activities and decisions.

The certification body has a committee to ensure impartiality.