General Terms

1. Purpose and scope

These General Terms govern the relationship between SARL SI CERT (SICERT), 25 Rue Sidi Yahia, Bir Mourad Raïs, Algiers, and any organisation (the "Client") using its services: management system certification, regulatory technical inspection, audits and training. They also apply to the use of the SICERT website.

Any order implies full acceptance of these terms, which take precedence over any other document from the Client unless otherwise agreed in writing. Where they conflict, the specific terms set out in the offer or contract prevail over these terms.

2. Quote requests and offers

Every service is covered by a technical and financial offer based on the information provided by the Client (activities, headcount, number of sites, scope, equipment). The Client guarantees that this information is accurate; any significant change may lead to a revision of the offer and of the audit duration.

Unless stated otherwise, an offer is valid for 60 days. The contract is formed when the signed offer or the Client's purchase order is received.

3. SICERT's commitments

• Deliver its services competently, in line with the reference standards (ISO/IEC 17021-1 for certification, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection) and the applicable regulations.
• Assign qualified auditors and inspectors with no conflict of interest with the Client.
• Guarantee the impartiality of its decisions: SICERT provides no consulting on the systems it certifies.
• Keep all information obtained during its assignments confidential.

4. Client's obligations

• Give access to the sites, installations, equipment, documents and staff needed for the assignment.
• Appoint a contact person and ensure the safety of SICERT staff on site.
• Inform SICERT of any major change (organisation, activities, sites, legal status) that may affect the certification.
• Address the nonconformities raised within the agreed time and send evidence of the corrective actions taken.
• Pay invoices by their due dates.

5. Certification process

Certification includes a two-stage initial audit, a certification decision, annual surveillance audits and a recertification audit at the end of the three-year cycle. The decision to grant, maintain, suspend or withdraw a certificate rests solely with SICERT, after an independent review of the file. The results of an audit do not prejudge this decision.

6. Use of the certificate and the mark

A certified Client may refer to its certification only for the scope and sites covered, and only while it is valid. The Client undertakes not to use the certificate or the SICERT mark in a misleading way, in particular by suggesting that a product is certified when only the management system is. If the certification is suspended or withdrawn, the Client immediately stops any reference to it.

7. Prices and payment terms

Prices are stated in Algerian dinars, excluding taxes, with VAT added at the applicable rate. Travel and accommodation costs for SICERT staff may be invoiced in addition, as set out in the offer. Unless stated otherwise, invoices are payable within 30 days. Late payment may lead to the suspension of ongoing services and to certificates or reports being withheld.

8. Postponement and cancellation

Any request to postpone or cancel an assignment must be sent in writing at least 10 working days before the scheduled date. Otherwise, SICERT reserves the right to invoice the costs incurred and a fee covering part of the service.

9. Confidentiality

SICERT and its staff undertake to keep strictly confidential all information gathered during their assignments. Such information is only disclosed to third parties with the Client's written consent, except where required by law or by accreditation bodies, in which case the Client is informed.

10. Liability

Audits and inspections are carried out by sampling, on a given date: they are not a guarantee that the Client's products, services or installations will remain compliant, and the Client remains solely responsible for meeting the legal and regulatory requirements that apply to it. If SICERT were held liable, its liability is limited to the price of the service concerned, except in the case of gross or wilful misconduct.

11. Complaints and appeals

Any complaint about a service, or any appeal against a certification decision, must be sent in writing to contact@sicert.dz. It is handled by people who took no part in the assignment concerned, and a reasoned reply is sent to the Client.

12. Use of the website

The content of the website (text, images, logos) is the property of SICERT or used with permission; any reproduction without prior consent is prohibited. The information published is provided for guidance and may change. Account holders are responsible for keeping their login details confidential. The processing of personal data is described in our Privacy Policy.

13. Governing law and disputes

These terms are governed by Algerian law. In the event of a dispute, the parties first seek an amicable solution. Failing that, the dispute is brought before the competent courts of Algiers.