Non-conformities of economic operators under the scheme
Article 4
1. Voluntary schemes shall set up a comprehensive system to deal with non-conformities by economic operators. As a minimum standard, that system shall include a clear classification of non-conformities, based on their degree of severity in accordance with the requirements of Article 10. For each type of non-conformity, there shall be a transparent set of rules and procedures to ensure timely enforcement of corrective measures and sanctions, including suspensions, where appropriate. Such enforcement procedures shall be triggered without delay, depending on the severity of the non-conformity and the urgency of the corrective measures. 2. Economic operators whose certificates are suspended, shall not be able to make sustainability claims until the suspension has been lifted. Suspended operators may not join another voluntary scheme during that period. Where the participation of an economic operator, or its legal predecessors, in a voluntary scheme is suspended or terminated by the withdrawal of its certificate following an audit which confirmed critical non-conformity, other voluntary schemes may refuse the participation of that operator for at least two years following the suspension or termination of participation. 3. Where an economic operator that was previously found to be in critical or major non-conformity applies for re-certification, the auditor shall bring that fact to the attention of all voluntary schemes in which the economic operator is currently participating, or to which it has applied for recertification.