While the ISO certification market remains strong, each year, a significant number of organisations choose to transfer their ISO certification from one certification body to another.
We analysed the the ISO certification transfer requests received by our Certification Management Team between October 2024 and October 2025, providing a snapshot of current trends and drivers in the UK and globally.
The Main Reasons for ISO Certification Transfers
Our review of the past 12 months reveals five primary reasons why organisations have transferred their ISO certification:
1. Pricing (55.6%)
Pricing remains the most prevalent reason for transfer, cited in 55.6% of cases. This finding is consistent with previous years and reflects ongoing cost pressures across industries, from technology and software development to logistics, construction, and manufacturing.
Organisations are increasingly scrutinising the value they receive from their certification bodies, seeking not only competitive fees but also transparency in pricing structures. In some cases, hidden costs or unexpected fee increases have prompted businesses to explore alternative providers.
Recommendation:
Compliance managers should regularly benchmark certification costs and ensure that their provider offers clear, upfront pricing. Consider the total cost of ownership, including surveillance audits, recertification, and any additional services.
2. Non-Accredited Certification Bodies (16.7%)
16.7% were considering transferring because their current certification body was not accredited. Accreditation by a recognised body signed to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) memorandum of understanding and mutual recognition, is increasingly seen as non-negotiable, especially for organisations operating in regulated sectors or global supply chains. Non-accredited certificates may not be recognised by customers, partners, or regulators, exposing businesses to reputational and contractual risks.
Recommendation:
Always verify the accreditation status of your certification body meets your needs and expectation. Read more about Accreditation Bodies Around the World.
3. Rotation (11.1%)
11.1% cited rotation as their reason for transfer. Some businesses have internal policies requiring periodic rotation of certification bodies to maintain objectivity and benefit from fresh perspectives. This approach can also help identify new opportunities for improvement and ensure that audits do not become routine or complacent.
Recommendation:
If your organisation does not already have a rotation policy, consider whether periodic change could add value. However, balance this with the potential disruption and ensure knowledge transfer between providers.
4. Poor Service (11.1%)
Service quality was also cited in 11.1%. Issues included slow response times, lack of support, and insufficient guidance during the audit process. In today’s environment, where compliance requirements are complex and evolving, businesses expect their certification partners to be proactive, responsive, and knowledgeable.
However this is significantly down from 23% last year (2023-2024), where there were significant disruption at some larger cert bodies.
Recommendation:
Regularly review your certification body’s service levels. Seek feedback from your team and escalate concerns early. A strong partnership with your provider can make the difference between a “tick-box” exercise and a value-adding audit.
5. Accreditation Issues (5.6%)
A very small minority (5.6%) was attributed to broader accreditation issues, such as the current certification body not being able to provide certification to additional standards. This highlights the dynamic nature of the certification landscape and the need for ongoing vigilance.
Recommendation:
Stay informed about your provider’s accreditation status and any industry developments that could affect your certification’s validity.
Trends and Insights
The dominance of pricing as a transfer motivator is unchanged from last year’s analysis, but the continued presence of customer service and accreditation concerns suggests that compliance managers are looking for more than just cost savings. They value accredited, reliable partners who can support their business objectives and compliance obligations.
Interestingly, the proportion of transfers due to non-accredited bodies has remained notable, reinforcing the message that accreditation is important for many organisations, especially those operating in regulated or high-risk sectors such as technology, logistics, and manufacturing.
Practical Implications for Compliance Managers
- Benchmark Regularly: Compare your certification body’s pricing, service, and accreditation status with others in the market.
- Prioritise Accreditation: Ensure your provider is accredited by a recognised authority and monitor their status.
- Demand Service Excellence: Expect proactive support and clear communication from your certification partner.
- Consider Rotation: Evaluate whether periodic rotation could enhance objectivity and improvement.
- Stay Informed: Monitor industry developments and be prepared to act if your provider’s status changes.
Conclusion
ISO certification transfers in the last 12-months are driven by a combination of cost, accreditation, service quality, and organisational policy. For compliance managers, the message is clear: regularly review your certification arrangements to ensure they continue to meet your business’s needs and deliver real value. Our Certification Management Team is committed to supporting organisations at every stage of their ISO journey, ensuring that transfers are smooth, strategic, and beneficial.
Sample size: 18 transfers
Data source: Certification Management Team, transfer enquiry records, Oct 2024–Oct 2025
Provider: Associate Enterprises Limited t/a Certification Management Services.