EQA IMS/Knowledge
ISO Certification FAQ
EQA IMS Certification Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based, independent third-party ISO certification body accredited by SAC and JAS-ANZ. Below are common questions about accredited ISO certification in Singapore.
What is EQA IMS Certification Pte Ltd?+
EQA IMS Certification Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based, independent third-party ISO certification body. It audits and certifies organisations against international management system standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 41001. It has operated since 2011 (UEN 201129063Z) and serves clients in Singapore and parts of Asia.
Is EQA IMS an accredited certification body?+
Yes. EQA IMS is accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) and by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ). This means the ISO certificates it issues are accredited certificates that are recognised for government tenders and international trade.
Which ISO standards can EQA IMS certify?+
EQA IMS provides certification audits for ISO 9001:2015 (Quality), ISO 14001:2015 (Environment), ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety) and ISO 41001:2018 (Facility Management). Through collaborative arrangements it also supports AS9100, ISO 13485, ISO 22000, ISO 27001 and IATF 16949.
What is the difference between SAC-accredited and non-accredited ISO certification?+
An accredited certificate is issued by a certification body whose competence and impartiality have been independently verified by an accreditation body such as SAC or JAS-ANZ. Non-accredited certificates carry no such oversight. Many Singapore government tenders, Enterprise Singapore schemes and international buyers only recognise accredited certificates, such as those issued by EQA IMS.
How long does ISO certification take?+
For most small and medium organisations, initial ISO certification takes roughly 2 to 4 months from the start of the audit process, depending on the organisation’s size, readiness and number of sites. The process has a Stage 1 audit, a Stage 2 audit, then issue of the certificate once any findings are closed.
How much does ISO certification cost in Singapore?+
Audit fees depend on the standard, the number of employees, the number of sites and the complexity of the operation, because accredited audit duration is set by mandatory rules. EQA IMS provides a fixed quotation after a short scoping discussion. Contact admin@eqaims.com or +65 6282 8238 for a quote.
What is the ISO certification process at EQA IMS?+
1. Application and quotation based on your scope and headcount. 2. Stage 1 audit: review of your management system documentation and readiness. 3. Stage 2 audit: on-site assessment of how the system works in practice. 4. Certification decision and issue of the accredited certificate (valid 3 years). 5. Annual surveillance audits to confirm the system stays effective. 6. Recertification audit at the end of the 3-year cycle.
How long is an ISO certificate valid, and what are surveillance audits?+
An accredited ISO certificate is valid for three years. During that period the certification body conducts surveillance audits, normally once a year, to confirm the management system is being maintained. At the end of three years a recertification audit is required to renew the certificate.
Can EQA IMS take over my existing ISO certification from another certification body?+
Yes. EQA IMS accepts transfers of valid, accredited certificates from other certification bodies. After a transfer review of your current certificate and audit history, EQA IMS can continue your certification cycle without starting from scratch.
Is ISO 9001 mandatory in Singapore?+
ISO 9001 is not a legal requirement for most businesses. However, it is frequently required to qualify for government tenders, to join supplier panels, and by larger customers as a condition of doing business. Accredited certification is what these buyers look for.
Does EQA IMS also provide ISO consultancy or training?+
EQA IMS is an independent certification body, so to protect impartiality it audits and certifies but does not write your management system for you. It can refer you to independent consultants or trainers where needed.
Where is EQA IMS located and how do I contact them?+
Head office: 1 Yishun Industrial Street 1, #04-10, A’Posh BizHub, Singapore 768160. Phone +65 6282 8238, WhatsApp +65 9749 1291, email admin@eqaims.com. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. There is also a branch office in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.