The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for global supply chains, audits, and certification activities. To ensure continuity of certification while safeguarding health and safety, GOTS introduced temporary flexibility measures focused on Scope Certificate extensions and virtual audits.
Why Special Measures Were Introduced
Ongoing travel restrictions, lockdowns, and operational disruptions made it difficult for certification bodies to conduct on-site audits in many regions. To prevent unnecessary certification lapses and supply chain disruptions, GOTS introduced time-bound relief measures.
These measures were designed to:
Maintain certification continuity.
Reduce compliance risk caused by external restrictions.
Support certified entities in arranging recertification.
Ensure audit integrity through alternative methods.
Scope Certificate Extensions: What Was Allowed
To support certified organisations affected by COVID-19 restrictions, temporary extensions of Scope Certificates were permitted under specific conditions.
Key Extension Rules
Scope Certificates expiring between December 2021 and March 2022 could be extended by up to three months
Extensions were granted only on a case-by-case basis
Extensions applied only to regions impacted by COVID-19 restrictions
Certification Bodies were required to inform GOTS in advance before granting an extension
This flexibility helped organisations continue operations while planning recertification audits.
Important Rule: Certificate Anniversary Dates Did Not Change
A critical point often misunderstood is how extensions affect certificate timelines.
The extension period did not shift the original anniversary date
When a new Scope Certificate was issued, it always:
Started from the original anniversary date.
Covered a new certification period, not the extension period.
In short, extensions provided temporary breathing space, not long-term changes to certification cycles.
Certification Fees Still Apply
Even during extension periods:
Standard certification fees remained payable
Fees applied to both:
Certified entities.
Certification Bodies.
Extensions did not eliminate or reduce annual fees.
This ensured fairness and continuity in certification program management.
Continued Use of Virtual Audits
Where travel or on-site access remained restricted, virtual audits continued to be encouraged.
When Virtual Audits Were Used
Regions with ongoing travel limitations.
Facilities under lockdown or restricted access.
Situations where on-site audits posed health risks.
Virtual audits allowed certification bodies to:
Review documentation remotely.
Conduct interviews via digital platforms.
Verify compliance using alternative evidence.
Maintain oversight while minimising disruption.
Case-by-Case Risk Assessment Remained Essential
Even with flexibility:
Extensions were not automatic.
Certification Bodies had to evaluate:
Regional COVID-19 impact.
Certification risk level.
Facility compliance history.
High-risk cases could still require stricter controls.
This ensured that certification credibility was not compromised.
What Certified Organisations Needed to Do
During this period, certified companies were expected to:
Maintain full compliance with GOTS requirements.
Cooperate with virtual audits where applicable.
Plan recertification activities as early as possible.
Communicate proactively with their Certification Body.
Keep documentation and records audit-ready.
Flexibility did not replace responsibility.
Common Misunderstandings to Avoid
❌ Assuming certificate extensions were automatic.
❌ Believing extension periods replaced annual certification cycles.
❌ Expecting fee waivers during extensions.
❌ Treating virtual audits as less rigorous.
❌ Delaying recertification planning unnecessarily.
Avoiding these misunderstandings helped prevent non-conformities later.
Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 Measures
Although introduced as temporary relief, these measures highlighted:
The growing role of remote auditing tools.
The importance of risk-based certification approaches.
The need for clear communication between certified entities and certification bodies.
Many of these learnings continue to influence certification practices today.