1586967031.requirements For CBs Issue Oct15

Ready Mix Concrete Plant Certification Scheme
(RMCPCS)
Requirements for Certification Bodies
Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015

QUALITY COUNCIL OF INDIA (QCI)
2nd Floor, Institution of Engineers Building, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi – 110002
Phone: +91-11-2337 8056 / 57; Fax: +91-11-2337 8678; Web: www.qcin.org; E-mail: [email protected]
Ready Mix Concrete Plant Certification Scheme

(RMCPCS)
Requirements for Certification Bodies
Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 1 of 21

0. Introduction
0.1 The Quality Council of India (QCI) has taken an initiative to establish an
independent third party voluntary “RMC Plant Certification Scheme” at the behest
of the Ready Mixed Concrete Manufacturers Association (RMCMA). The
certification is based on the Ready Mixed Concrete Production Control Criteria
(RMCPCS) developed by the Buildings Materials and Technology Promotion
Council (BMTPC) which lays down, in detail, the requirements on plant and
equipment, key personnel, concrete mix design, production, testing facilities,
control on quality of concrete ingredients, final product, delivery, control and
maintenance of process control equipment, etc, which the RMC Plant must
comply with in order to get certified under the scheme. The RMC Plants
Certification Scheme has two options for certification, one being ‘RMC Capability
Certification’ and other being ‘RMC 9000+ Capability Certification’, the latter
ensuring compliance to the requirements of ISO 9001 also in addition to the QCI
Scheme requirements. For this purpose, the Scheme has also detailed the
certification requirements vide the document “RMCPCS Certification Process”
and these are required to be complied with by the RMC plants desirous of getting
certified against the RMCPCS criteria.
0.2 The RMC plants requiring certification against this scheme are required to be
certified ultimately by NABCB accredited Certification Bodies duly approved by
the Quality Council of India, as the Scheme owner, and complying with the
requirements as specified under this Scheme. The requirements that the
Certification bodies need to comply with for getting approved by QCI under this
Scheme are detailed in this document.
1. Scope and Purpose

1.1 This document specifies the Ready Mixed Concrete Plant Certification Scheme
(RMCPCS) specific additional requirements that the certification bodies need to
fulfil in order to be accredited by NABCB for their subsequent approval under the
RMC Plant Certification Scheme operated by the Quality Council of India.
1.2 The certification bodies approved under this scheme shall then be able to offer
the Ready Mixed Concrete plants certification against the Criteria for Production
Control of Ready Mixed Concrete under the following two scheme options:
a) RMC Capability Certification based on compliance to the RMC Production
Control Criteria.
b) RMC 9000+ Capability Certification based on implementation of Quality
Management Systems as per ISO 9001 and compliance to the RMC
Production Control Criteria.
1.3 In order to be able to offer certification as stated above the certification bodies
need to be accredited by NABCB as per the following requirements:

1.3.1 For being able to offer RMC Capability Certification as above, the certification
bodies shall need to be accredited against ISO 17065:2012 for the additional
requirements specified in this document. For being able to offer certification for
RMC 9000+ Capability Certification, the certification body shall need to be
accredited against ISO 17021:2011 for scope sector 16 (Concrete), with
additional requirements specified in this document
1.4 The requirements prescribed in this document are additional requirements that
the certification body shall fulfil. Irrespective of which scheme (refer clauses 1.2
and 1.3.1 of this document) the certification body opts for, the requirements
mentioned in each clause, whether they pertain to ISO 17065 or ISO 17021, shall
apply.
2. General Requirements
2.1 Legal and Contractual Matters
2.1.1 In addition to the requirements as specified in the respective accreditation
standards (clauses 4.1 of ISO17065:2012 and clauses 5.1 of ISO 17021:2011)
following requirements shall apply:
2.1.2 Certification agreement
2.1.2.1 The certification body shall ensure that its certification agreement requires
that the client comply with the following requirements in addition to those
specified in the respective standards as above:
a) Always fulfill the certification requirements including product requirement as
specified in the document “Criteria for Production Control Ready Mixed
Concrete”, the certification process described in the document “RMCPCS
Certification Process” and the requirements specified in this document as
applicable and the changes in them as communicated by the certification
body, time to time;
b) The certified RMC Plant and its processes always fulfils the certification
requirements;
c) The liability on account of non conforming processes shall rest with the
certified RMC plant;
d) The client makes all necessary arrangements for the conduct of the initial and
recertification onsite audit/evaluation, surveillance onsite audits/valuations
(announced and unannounced), onsite special/short notice audits/evaluations
for the purpose of complaints investigation, etc. It shall also include provision
for examining documentation and records, and access to the relevant
equipment and facilities, products, location(s), area(s), personnel, and client's
subcontractors;

e) The client shall make claims regarding certification only in respect of the
location and the scope for which certification has been granted;
f) The client shall endeavor to ensure that no certificate or report nor any part
thereof is used in a misleading manner;
g) Keeps a record of all complaints made known to the client relating to the
compliance with certification requirement and to make these records available
to the certification body for its verification. The client shall also agree to take
appropriate action with respect to such complaints and any deficiencies found
in products/process in accordance with the requirements of the Scheme;
h) The client shall inform the certification body, without delay, of matters that
may affect its ability to conform to the certification requirements. These shall
include changes in:
i. The legal, commercial, organizational status or ownership,
ii. Organization and management (e.g. key managerial, decision-making or
technical staff),
iii. Contact address and production sites/premises,
iv. Modifications to the plant design and or processes or the production
methods, changes in manufacturing/testing equipment and in the internal
control measures which are significant in nature.
v. Any other information indicating that the RMC plant may no longer comply
with the requirements of the certification criteria and the certification
scheme.
2.1.2.2 Records kept by the client in respect of the complaints received and their
resolution shall be verified by the certification body during the surveillance visits
to the client’s premises.
2.1.2.3 The client shall agree for re-audit/evaluation by the certification body as
per the requirement of the certification scheme, in the event of changes
significantly affecting its capability to comply with the requirements of the
certification scheme.
2.1.2.4 The client shall also agree for re-evaluation by the certification body, in the
event of changes in the standards to which compliance of the plant is certified.
2.1.2.5 In addition to the requirements as specified above the requirements
specified vide clauses 2.5 (confidentiality) shall also be part of the agreement
with the client.
2.1.3 Use of licence, certificate and marks of conformity - In addition to the
requirements as specified in the respective accreditation standards (clause 4.1.3
of ISO17065:2012 and clause 8.4 of ISO 17021:2011) following requirements
shall apply:
2.1.3.1 The certification body shall document clear instructions regarding
appropriate use of certification mark/certificate and for providing information
about certification status by its clients. It shall also identify the aspects that would
be considered as misleading and unauthorised as relevant to the relevant
certification scheme. The certification agreement shall make appropriate cross
references to the above document, so as to make it legally binding. In no case,
the mark shall be used to imply that the product (RMC) is certified.
2.1.3.2 In case the certification body runs more than one product/process
certification schemes, then it may document a procedure specifying generic
requirements common to all schemes and in line with the requirements of
ISO/IEC 17065:2012 and additional section with specific requirements as
specified for the RMC PCS.
2.1.3.3 The certification body shall ensure that the Certificate is used only with
reference to the RMC plant (s) certified. Accordingly the Certification Mark shall
be put on the delivery challan carrying reference to the supplies made by the
certified Plant. Each delivery challan shall carry the following information:
a) Address of the RMC Plant.
b) Certification Number.
c) Certification Mark.
d) CB Logo.
2.1.3.4 The certification body shall have documented procedures for the
measures to be adopted in case of non-compliances to specified requirements
with respect to use of certification mark, misuse, including false claims as to
certification and false use of certification body marks and these shall be part of its
agreement with the certified clients (RMC plants). The procedure shall include
the process steps and the actions (including penal actions as relevant), the
certification body intends to take in the event of observing misuse/misleading use
of RMCPCS certificates and marks.
2.1.3.5 The certification body shall ensure that the applicants are not misusing the
certification mark in any way prior to grant of certification.
2.2 Impartiality related requirements – In addition to the requirements as specified

in clauses 4.2 ISO17065:2012 and clauses 5.2 of ISO 17021:2011, following
requirements shall apply. The requirements as specified above are applicable to
both the schemes as specified in clause 1.2 of this document.
2.2.1 The top management’s commitment to impartiality shall be demonstrated
through:
a) Documenting the certification body’s policy on safeguarding impartiality and

ensuring that it is understood at all levels of the organization. Implementing
good practices like establishing “Code of Conduct” and requiring internal and
external personnel to abide by it.

b) Having a defined institutional structure and impartiality policy and procedures,

appropriate implementation of these policy and procedures and operation and
conduct of its activities and personnel.
c) Having a system that ensures appropriate management of conflict of interest
for ensuring objectivity of its certification functions.
d) Taking action to respond to any threats to its impartiality arising from the
actions of other parts of the organization, persons outside of the organization,
subcontractors, related bodies or other bodies or organizations.
e) Maintaining a professional environment and culture in the organization that
supports a behaviour of all personnel that is consistent with impartiality.
f) Making available to public through its website, its policy on impartiality.
2.2.2 The certification body shall not have any relationship with the client except third
party conformity assessment. There shall be a minimum separation of 2 years
before application can be entertained, in case the certification body has had
relationship which is generic (not RMC specific) in nature, for example, internal
audit training, etc. In cases where the relationship pertained to RMC specific
(product/process/mix design related) activities trainings, etc, then the certification
body shall carry out impartiality risk analysis before entertaining the application.
Purpose of risk analysis shall be to ascertain if, longer separation than two years
is required from the last date of end of relationship as stated above or that the
risk is of such unacceptable level so as to prohibit certification by the certification
body. Based on the risk analysis appropriate decision shall be taken and the
justification for the same shall be recorded.
2.2.3 Although, testing is considered as a conformity assessment activity, in case the
certification body (the legal entity) also has a laboratory and if the RMC plant it
has certified/intends to certify, has a contract/arrangement for getting all its raw
material and RMC samples, as per the frequency described in the “Criteria for
Production Control of RMC”, then this is considered as an unacceptable threat to
impartiality. In such cases the certification body shall not certify such RMC plant.
This is not applicable in case the RMC plant uses a number of NABL accredited
laboratories by rotation or otherwise. This provision shall also be applicable if the
laboratory is a separate business unit within legal entity as the certification body
as well if the lab belongs to a related body (a separate legal entity).
Note – Definition of Related Body is based on the relationships as described in
Note under clause 5.2.2 of ISO 17021:2011.
2.2.3.1 If the certification body and its client are both part of government, the two
bodies shall not directly report to a person or group having operational
responsibility for both. The certification body shall, in view of the impartiality
requirement, be able to demonstrate how it deals with a case where both itself
and its client are part of government. The certification body shall demonstrate
that the applicant receives no advantage and that impartiality is assured.

2.2.4 When a relationship poses an unacceptable threat to impartiality then

certification shall not be provided. Some of these situations requiring prohibitions
as mitigation measures have been described vide clause 4.2.6 of ISO
17065:2012 and clause 5.2 of ISO 17021:2011. These shall be implemented
together with the additional ones provided in this document.
2.2.4.1 In case the related body (see note under clause 2.2.2.3 of this document)
is engaged in any of the activities as specified in clause 4.2.6 of ISO 17065:2012
or activities like management system consultancy, internal auditing or training,
then certification shall not be provided to the relevant client to whom these
services may have been provided by the related body. There shall be a minimum
separation of 2 years, in case the related body has had relationship which is
generic (not RMC specific) in nature, for example, internal audit training, etc. In
cases where the relationship pertained to RMC specific (product/process/mix
design related) activities, etc, then the certification body shall carry out
impartiality risk analysis before entertaining the application. Purpose of risk
analysis shall be to ascertain if, longer separation than two years is required from
the last date of end of relationship as stated above or that the risk is of such
unacceptable level so as to prohibit certification by the certification body. Based
on the risk analysis appropriate decision shall be taken and the justification for
the same shall be recorded.
2.2.4.2 The certification body shall not certify a RMC plant on which a client has
received consultancy (product, processor system), internal evaluations/audit or
training, where the relationship between the consultancy organization/individual
and the certification body poses an unacceptable threat to the impartiality of the
certification body. Allowing a minimum period of two years to elapse following the
end of the relationship product consultancy is one way of reducing the threat to
impartiality to an acceptable level however, it shall be considered based on the
nature of services offered.
2.2.4.3 The certification body shall not outsource/subcontract any part of the
certification work, evaluation, marketing, etc, to a legal entity that is engaged in
designing, manufacture, installation, distribution or maintenance of the RMC
plants. It shall also not be outsourced to organizations who are engaged in
management system consultancy, internal auditing and training and similar
services to RMC plants.
2.2.5 All certification body personnel, either internal or external, or committees, who
could influence the RMC plant certification activities, shall act impartially and
shall not allow commercial, financial or other pressures to compromise
impartiality. Certification bodies shall require personnel, internal and external, to
reveal any situation known to them that may present them or the certification
body with a conflict of interests. These aspects shall be ensured through a
signed agreement between the individuals and the certification body. Certification
bodies shall use this information as input to identifying threats to impartiality

raised by the activities of such personnel or by the organizations that employ

them, and shall not use such personnel, internal or external.
2.2.6 The certification body’s personnel involved in certification activities shall be
bound by the certification body’s impartiality policy and act impartially in their
work through contractual or employment conditions and assignment conditions
for each evaluation/audit activity. The certification body shall also take an
undertaking with respect to freedom from conflict of interest for every
audit/evaluation assignment allotted to the individuals.
2.2.7 The certification body’s personnel involved in certification activities shall not
provide, while carrying out evaluation/audit, any advice, consultancy or
recommendation to the client on how to address any deficiencies that may be
identified during the evaluation/audit.
2.2.8 The certification body shall require its personnel, internal and external, to report
any situation of influence or pressure from the client that may threaten their
independence in the course of certification activities. Based on such report, the
certification body shall take appropriate actions to e ensure its independence in
its certification work.
2.2.9 The certification body shall be responsible for ensuring that neither related
bodies, nor sub-contractors, nor internal or external assessors/auditors operate
in breach of the undertakings that they have given. It shall also be responsible for
implementing appropriate corrective action in the event that such a breach is
identified.
2.2.10 The certification body shall ensure that a conflict of interest analysis is carried out
in accordance with the requirements specified in clauses 4.2.3/4.2.4 of ISO
17065:2012 and clause 5.2.2 of ISO 17021:2011, at least once annually and
whenever a significant change occurs in the CB’s activities, such as changes in
the organizational structure and business activities or of the legal status and
mergers with, or acquisitions of other organizations. This analysis shall be
approved by the impartiality committee (see clause 3.3 of this document)
established by the certification body.
2.2.10.1 Further, where risks to impartiality have been identified as a result of risk
analysis (clause 2.2.10), the certification body shall establish and implement a
documented procedure for mitigation of threats against impartiality. These shall
be through any of the following mitigation means:
a) Not provide certification, since the situation poses unacceptable threat to
impartiality – prohibition. Some of the prohibitions are already stated in the
respective standards (ISO 17065:2012 and ISO17021:2011) and this
document.
b) Carry out the certification in a restricted manner based on disclosures
c) Minimize the risks on the basis of clearly defined control points to ensure
mitigation.
2.3 Liability and financing

2.3.1 In addition to the requirements as specified in clause 4.3 of ISO17065:2012 and
clause 5.3 of ISO 17021:2011, following requirements shall apply. The
requirements as specified above are applicable to both the schemes as specified
in clause 1.2 of this document.
2.3.2 The certification body shall also be able to demonstrate that it has evaluated the
risks arising from its certification activities and that it has adequate arrangements
(e.g. insurance or reserves) to cover liabilities arising from its operations in each
of its fields of activities and the geographic areas in which it operates.
2.3.3 The certification body shall be able to demonstrate that it has a reasonable
expectation of being able to provide and to continue to provide the service in
accordance with its contractual obligations. Certification bodies shall also be able
to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate its viability, e.g. management
reports or minutes, annual reports, financial audit reports, financial plans, etc.
2.3.4 The means by which the certification body obtains financial support shall be such
to allow the certification body to retain its impartiality.
2.3.5 In addition to the above the certification body shall also demonstrate to the
Impartiality committee, that initially, and on an ongoing basis, commercial,
financial or other pressures do not compromise its impartiality.
2.4 Non-discriminatory conditions
2.4.1 The certification body shall have means of demonstrating compliance to this
requirements of ISO 17065:2012 (clause 4.4), through its policies and
procedures as well as actual practice.
2.4.2 The certification body’s policies and procedures shall ensure that it does not
practice any form of hidden discrimination by speeding up or delaying the
processing of applications.
2.4.3 Certification Fees
2.4.3.1 The requirements as specified in clause 12 of the document “RMCPCS
Certification Process” shall apply.
2.4.3.2 The certification body’s fee structure shall be publically available on its
website. The structure may be generic in nature and shall generally include break
up of costs.
2.4.3.3 On request from a specific applicant/client, based on the specific
conditions concerning the applicant, the certification body shall inform the
applicable fees, which shall essentially be derived from the fee structure made
publicly available. It shall not substantially defer from the one available publicly,
unless some plausible justifications are recorded.

2.5 Confidentiality - In addition to the requirements as prescribed in the respective

accreditation standards (clause 4.5 of ISO17065:2012 and clause 8.5 of ISO
17021:2011) following requirements shall apply:
2.5.1 Personnel, including any committee members, contractors, personnel of external
bodies or individuals acting on the certification body's behalf, shall keep
confidential all information obtained or created during the performance of the
certification body's activities. There shall be a mechanism such as obtaining
signed confidentiality agreements, etc, for ensuring the same.
2.5.2 The certification body shall have available and use equipment and facilities that
ensure the secure handling of confidential information (e.g. documents, records).
2.5.3 When confidential information is made available to other bodies (e.g.
accreditation body, agreement group of a peer assessment scheme), the
certification body shall inform its client of this action, in advance, through
agreements, etc.
2.5.4 In case of transfer of certificate or application, when the client decides to move
from one certification body to another certification body, the certification body to
which the client is now moving may ask the previous certification body for
information on the reasons for such movement or the performance of the client
with respect to the certification requirements. The previous certification body
shall be obliged to share this information within a reasonable time, not exceeding
10 days from the date of receipt of the request. Such information shall not be
considered as confidential and the certification body shall inform its client of this
requirement, in advance, through agreements, etc.
2.6 Information Requirements - In addition to the requirements as specified in the
respective accreditation standards (clause 4.6 of ISO17065:2012 and clauses
8.1, 8.3, 8.6 of ISO 17021:2011) and the document “RMCPCS Certification
Process”, the following requirements shall apply:
2.6.1 Publicly available information
2.6.1.1 Making the information publicly available through the certification body’s
website shall be the only means of meeting this requirement.
2.6.1.2 The following information with respect to RMCPC Scheme shall be made
publicly available on the certification body’s website. The information provided
shall be accurate, non-misleading and where relevant detailed enough for the
reader to clearly understand:
a) Information related to the terms and conditions of certification and the use of
certificates/certification mark for RMCPCS, as contained in the Certification
Agreement (clause 3 of this document). a description of the rights and duties
of applicants and clients, including requirements, restrictions or limitations on
the use of the certification body's name and certification mark and on the
ways of referring to the certification granted.

b) The CB may also provide any other guidance documents on the certification
criteria for the benefit of the applicant, as long as they are not
advisory/consultative in nature.
c) The certification body shall make publicly available on its website the
information about applications registered and certifications granted,
suspended or withdrawn.
d) On request from any party, the certification body shall provide the means to
confirm the validity of a given certification and the provision for the same shall
be made available on the website.
e) The certification body shall maintain and make publicly available on its
website, a directory of valid certifications under RMCPCS scheme, that as a
minimum shall show the name, relevant certification criteria, scope and
geographical location (e.g. city and country) and contact details for each
applicant and certified client and validity of certification for the certified clients.
Please also see additional requirements given in the document “RMCPCS
Certification Process (clause 1.3)”, which are required to be placed on the
certification bodies website.
f) The certification body shall also make arrangement for providing and up-
dating of information with respect to status of certified clients, based on
classification of non-conformities raised during audits/evaluations in line with
the requirements specified in clause 5.3.2 of “RMCPCS Certification
Process”.
2.6.1.3 The certification body shall have procedure for frequent updating of the
information on its website. The responsibilities for ensuring accuracy of the
information made available on the website, ensuring frequent updates, etc shall
be documented.
2.6.1.4 The information on complaints handling process and the certification
body’s procedure shall be directly available to the public, without the public
having to go through layers of cross linkages.
2.6.2 Information exchange between a certification body and its clients
2.6.2.1 Information on the certification activity and requirements- The
certification body shall provide and update clients on the following:
a) a detailed description of the initial and continuing certification activity,
including the application, initial audit/evaluation, surveillance audit/evaluation,
and the process for granting, maintaining, reducing, extending, suspending,
withdrawing certification and recertification;
b) the certification criteria for RMCPCS certification scheme;
c) information about the fees for application, initial certification and continuing
certification;

d) the certification body's requirements for prospective clients;

e) documents describing the rights and duties of certified clients as well as
obligations on part of the certification body including the changes within
certified RMC client that need to be informed to the certification body [see
clause 3.1.1h) of this document]; information on procedures for handling
complaints (both by the certification body as well by the certified RMC plant,
in respect of complaints against certified products) and appeals;
2.6.2.2 Based on the changes affecting certification, including those initiated by
the client the certification body shall decide upon the appropriate actions in
accordance with its documented procedure, which shall include any of the
actions as specified in clause 7.10.3 of ISO 17065, singly or in combination.
Responsibility for deciding about the course of actions to be taken shall also be
documented.
3. Structural requirements
3.1 In addition to the requirements as specified in the respective accreditation
standards (clause 5 of ISO17065:2012 and clause 6 of ISO 17021:2011)
following requirements shall apply:
3.2 Organizational structure and top management
3.2.1 The organization structure shall include structure of the parent body (legal entity)
if separate from the department/division that offers certification. It shall also
include structure of the related departments in relation to the department offering
certification services.
3.2.2 The certification body shall identify and document all related bodies (separate
legal entities) as well as other departments of the same legal entity and their
activities and functions and their relationships with the certification body when
describing its organizational structure. This shall cover all relationships and
related bodies, bodies related to the certification body based on ownership;
governance; management; management personnel; shared resources, finances,
contracts and marketing. The activities of all related bodies shall also be
documented for the purpose of identifying any potential conflict of interest. The
certification body shall also have a system for disclosure and documentation of
the types of activities carried out by its internal and external personnel and
subcontractors in general and in particular regarding the designing of relevant
product/process/service, consultation, internal evaluation/auditing, training, etc.
The above information shall also be used for identification of actual/potential risks
to impartiality.
3.2.3 The identification of responsibilities, however done, shall clearly and
unambiguously reflect the responsibilities for activities/functions as described
vide clause 5.1.3 a) to n) of ISO/IEC 17065:2012 and clause 6.1.2 a) to i) of ISO
17021:2011.
3.2.4 The requirement specified vide clause 5.1.4 of ISO/IEC 17065:2012 shall cover
the Impartiality committee and any other committees, if established by the
certification body for certification scheme development, planning for certification
evaluation (sampling and determination), certification review and decision
making, appeals process, etc.
3.3 Mechanism (Impartiality Committee) for safeguarding impartiality
3.3.1 An Impartiality committee with specific responsibility for safeguarding the
certification body’s impartiality in its certification functions and for ensuring that
the policy on safeguarding impartiality and related procedures and other systems
are effectively implemented shall be the only means of fulfilling this requirement.
The impartiality committee as specified in clause 6.2 of ISO 17021:2011 will fulfil
the requirement as specified in this document.
3.3.2 The Impartiality Committee shall:
a) Assist the certification body in developing the policies relating to impartiality
of its certification activities,
b) Counteract any tendency on the part of a certification body to allow
commercial or other considerations to prevent the consistent objective
provision of certification activities,
c) Advise on matters affecting confidence in certification, including openness
and public perception, and
d) Conduct a review, as least once annually, of the impartiality of the audit,
certification and decision making processes of the certification body.
e) Approve the conflict of interest analysis and the mitigation measures
described in clause 2.2.8 of this document.
Other tasks or duties may be assigned to the committee provided these
additional tasks or duties do not compromise its essential role of ensuring
impartiality.
The composition, terms of reference, duties, authorities, competence of members

and responsibilities of this committee shall be formally documented and
authorized by the top management of the certification
This committee shall meet regularly, at least once a year, and a complete record
of the proceedings of this committee shall be maintained.
3.3.3 The certification body shall ensure that

a) The committee for safeguarding impartiality shall be separated from the
management of the certification body operations and established at the
highest level within the organization, independent of its day-to-day operations.
b) In the composition of the committee, participation of key interested parties
shall be ensured, with a representation of a balance of interests such that no

single interest predominates. Internal or external personnel of the certification

body are considered to be a single interest, and shall not predominate.
c) Its chairman shall be a person independent from and external to the
certification body.
3.3.4 Impartiality Committee meetings may be observed by the Accreditation Body’s
Assessment Teams as part of the Certification body’s accreditation process.
3.3.5 Although every interest cannot be represented in the mechanism, a certification
body shall identify and invite significantly interested parties. Such interests may
include: clients of the certification body, customers of organizations whose
management systems are certified, representatives of industry trade
associations, representatives of governmental regulatory bodies or other
governmental services, or representatives of non-governmental organizations,
including consumer organizations.
4. Resource related and team competence requirements

4.1 In addition to all generic personnel related requirements as specified in clause 6
of ISO17065:2012 and clause 7 of ISO 17021:2011) following specific
requirements shall apply:
4.2 Audit/evaluation team competence
4.2.1 The auditors/evaluators used by the certification body to carry out the
audit/evaluation of the RMC plant for against the “Criteria for Production Control
Ready Mixed Concrete” for the both the scheme options as described in clause
shall have all the following qualifications as described below:
a) Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in engineering in related field(s) with at least 5

years of relevant working experience or Diploma in engineering in related field(s)
with 7 yrs of relevant working experience in RMC / Batching Plants (Commercial,
Captive at construction site, Precast Manufacturing plants); the experience shall
be in core technical processes like QA/QC or Production & Process Control.
b) In the absence of nature of experience in a) above, experience in auditing and
inspection of RMC plants or Consultancy of RMC manufacturing or academic/
standards related experience of RMC manufacturing is acceptable provided -
EITHER
i) Such an auditor is assessed by conducting a written examination by CBs

covering areas such as (i) knowledge of material storage and handling,
batching and mixing control equipments and delivery fleet (ii) knowledge
on key provisions in various Indian Standards on concrete and its different
ingredients (iii) basic knowledge on salient properties of various
ingredients of concrete and their quality control (iv) knowledge on concrete

mix proportioning and on managing day-to-day variations in the material

properties (v) knowledge of properties of fresh and hardened concrete (vi)
knowledge on basic laboratory tests on concrete and its ingredients, etc.
The written examination shall be of min 2 hour duration and the questions
should be set in such a manner as to assess in-depth knowledge of the
potential auditor.
OR
ii) satisfactory certification from the NRMCA’s Concrete Technologist India

(CTI) Program
In either case above, the auditor shall audit a minimum of three audits of RMC
plants under the supervision of a qualified auditor before being allowed to audit
independently.
The entire process under b) shall be subject to verification by the AB. The AB
shall give priority to witnessing such auditors in its assessment programme.
OR
c) Post-graduate degree in science with relevant working experience of 5 years

in core processes like QA/QC or production control in RMC/batching plant
(Commercial, Captive at construction site, Precast Manufacturing plants), subject
to the satisfactory certification from the NRMCA’s Concrete Technologist India
(CTI) Program.
d) Training and Experience in auditing.
4.2.1.1 The certification body may use auditors who do not have the requisite
qualifications as prescribed above provided they are supported by technical
experts (TEs) who meet the qualifications at 4.2.1 above. The time spent by the
TE on an audit shall be in addition to the audit time as prescribed under the
‘Certification Process’ which the CB is expected to spend.
4.2.1.2 The auditor/evaluator involved in offsite documentation review of
information received with the application and before going for onsite assessment
(Tables 1 – 11 as given in “Criteria for Production Control Ready Mixed
Concrete” shall have the qualifications as described in clause 4.2.1 of this
document.
4.2.2 In case of audit for the RMC 9000+ Capability Certification based on
implementation of Quality Management Systems as per ISO 9001 and the RMC
Production Control Criteria, the audit team shall have at least one auditor
qualified for technical area “Manufacture of Concrete” within the EA Code 16 with

the competence specified in cl. 4.2.1 in the absence of which a technical expert
shall be used.
4.2.3 One of the auditors/evaluators in the team shall be nominated as the team
leader. The team leader shall be a ISO 9001 Auditor, qualified as team leader as
per the requirement given in ISO 17021:2011.
4.2.4 The certification body will have a system for qualifying lead auditor/evaluators for
RMCPCS, based on experience of having performed at least three
audits/evaluations under the RMCPCS scheme. For one time initial qualification,
some other evaluation methods such as audit experience as team leader in other
similar areas, may be used.
4.2.5 While carrying out audit/evaluation of a RMC plant for both requirements
specified in ISO 9001 and the “Criteria for Production Control Ready Mixed
Concrete”, the audit team shall collectively have competence as specified in
clauses 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 above.
4.3 Other certification body personnel as relevant to the RMPCS - Other
certification body personnel involved in the RMC scheme certification evaluation
activities shall have the competence as stated below:
4.3.1 Application Review personnel – The functions to be carried out by the
personnel involved in review of application review is to confirm the adequacy of
the information provided by the applicant and identification of the deficiencies
observed, if any, vis-à-vis the requirements specified in the documents like
“Criteria for Production Control Ready Mixed Concrete” and “RMCPCS
Certification Process”. Further in case the application reviewer also needs to
carry out mandays estimation (especially for RMC 9000+ Capability Certification
scheme) and team nomination, the persons involved in application review
process, shall have thorough knowledge of RMCPCS certification requirements
as defined in above stated documents, in addition to meeting the requirements
specified in the relevant requirements for application review personnel as
specified in ISO17021:2011. The application review personnel shall be qualified
based on experience of having performed at least three applications under the
RMCPCS scheme or through any other equivalent route.
4.3.2 Technical Reviewer – The certification body personnel involved in technical
review function shall have the same requirement as that specified in clause 4.2.1
of this document. When reviewing the audit reports for RMC 9000+ Capability
Certification, the technical reviewer shall also meet the qualification criteria as
specified in the relevant requirements of ISO17021:2011 and shall preferably be
qualified on the basis of demonstrated competence to carry out the review
function say based on experience of having performed at least three technical
reviews under the RMCPCS scheme. The technical reviewer shall be
independent from the audit/evaluation team. Only person(s) employed by the
certification body or on long term (2 – 3 years) full time contract with the

certification body shall be entrusted the responsibility of technical review

functions.
4.3.3 Decision maker - Any authorized person(s) of the certification body,
independent of the persons involved in the evaluation function.
a) The person(s) or committee, who take(s) the decision on granting certification
under the RMCPCS, shall have a level of knowledge and experience
sufficient to evaluate the information obtained from the evaluation process
and the review.
b) The technical review and the decision may be completed concurrently by the
same person(s), provided they fulfil the necessary requirements as specified
in clause 4.3.2 above and has been specifically authorized for decision
making functions.
c) Impartiality and absence of conflict of interest shall be ensured before
entrusting the task of certification decision making.
5. Certification process requirements

5.1 The certification body shall establish appropriate operational systems (internal
processes and procedures) for carrying out certification activities as per the
requirements documented in the “RMCPCS Certification Process” of the Scheme
and meeting the generic certification process requirements as stated in
respective standards – clause 7 of ISO 17065:2012 and clause 9 of ISO
17021:2011.
5.2 The certification body may also develop and document any additional guidance
documents considered essential for uniform application of the certification criteria
and certification/scheme requirements by its personnel and for the purpose of
knowledge sharing.
5.3 Application requirements - The certification body shall design an application
format to ensure receipt of all the relevant information in accordance with the
requirements specified in clause 1.4 of the RMCPCS “Certification Process”,
from the applicant RMC plants. While designing the application format, the
relevant requirements as specified in ISO 17065:2012 and ISO17021: 2011, shall
also be considered. In addition, the certification body shall also ensure receipt of
all the relevant requirements for carrying out appropriate impartiality checks as
per requirements specified in clause 2.2 of this document.
5.4 Reporting requirements - At the end of the surveillance /recertification onsite
audit/evaluation of RMC plants as a carried out by the certification body’s audit
team, a summary report of the findings shall be handed over to the RMC plant d
CB. The summary report shall essentially contain the following details:
a) Name of the client,

b) Date of audit/evaluation,
c) Audit team details,
d) Number of non-conformities raised and their categorization,
e) Time lines for non-conformity closure
f) Audit conclusions / recommendations, if any.
5.5 Certification Document
5.5.1 The certificate to be issued to certified RMCPCS for the two options as specified
in clause 1.2 of this document shall be as per the certification document template
as enclosed vide Annex A.
5.6 Complaints and appeals handling system
5.6.1 All the requirement as specified in clause 7.13 of ISO 17065:2012, clauses 9.7,
9.8 of ISO 17021:2011, those specified in clause 8 of the document ”RMCPCS
Certification Criteria” are applicable in addition to those specified below:
5.6.2 In case of complaints related to a certified client and the products manufactured
by the certified client, then the examination and evaluation of the complaints shall
take in to consideration the effectiveness and implementation of the clients
production control system. The process of establishing validity of the complaint
shall generally involve processes like conduct of additional surveillance activities
– visit to certified client’s premises for special evaluation, testing and evaluation
of the products manufactured in the plant, if necessary, etc. The decisions on
complaint shall then be based on the result of additional surveillance activities.
5.6.2.1 The certification body’s complaint handling process shall document the
actions to be taken by the certification body as well as the certified client, in case
the complaint is established to be valid and the plant’s production control is found
to be non compliant with the specified criteria. Some of these actions/conditions
shall also be included in the certification body’s legally enforceable contract with
the client.
5.6.3 In respect of appeals, the certification body shall ensure that the
individual(s)/committee entrusted with handling of appeal and its resolution/
decision shall be independent of the persons involved in certification related
recommendations and decision and their position in the certification body shall be
such that it shall not be possible to influence their decisions with respect to the
subject of the appeal.
5.6.3.1 The procedure shall also have provision for giving a written statement to
the appellant, of the appeal findings including the reasons for the decisions
reached and also communicating to the appellant about the provision for giving
an opportunity to formally present his case. Based on the presentation made, the
individual or a committee appointed for hearing the case shall take a final

decision on the appeal and a formal notice of the outcome and the end of the
appeal process shall be given to the appellant.
6. Management system requirements

6.1 In addition to the requirements as specified in the respective accreditation
standards (clauses 7.12, 8 of ISO17065:2012 and clauses 9.9, 10 of ISO
17021:2011) following requirements shall also apply:
6.2 Documentation requirements
6.2.1 The certification body shall document its RMCPCS scheme specific
documentation in in accordance with the requirements specified in the document
“RMCPCS Certification Process” and this document, in order to ensure that the
certified clients comply with the requirements specified in “Criteria for Production
Control Ready Mixed Concrete”.
6.2.2 All applicable requirements of the above document shall be addressed either in a
manual or in a combination of manual and associated operational procedures.
6.3 Requirements with respect to records
6.3.1 Records of Applicant and Clients – The certification (applicants and clients)
related records shall include records for all Organizations, including all
organisations that submitted applications, and all organizations evaluated, RMC
plants certified or with certification suspended or withdrawn/cancelled.
Specifically the records shall include the following:
a) Application information and results of application review and mandays
estimation and team competence records;
b) Audit/Evaluation planning including decision on site visits in case of multisite
certification and preparation records, evaluation plans and other related
records;
c) Justification for evaluation time determination (RMC 9000+ Capability
Certification).
d) Records of initial/surveillance and recertification audit/evaluation reports and
related records;
e) Records of verification of correction and corrective actions;
f) Records of technical review and certification decisions; committee
deliberations and decisions, if applicable;
g) Certification agreement;
h) Certification Documentation including scope of certification;
i) Records of complaints and appeals, and any subsequent correction or
corrective actions;

j) Related records necessary to establish the credibility of the certification of

RMC plants, such as evidence of the competence of auditors/evaluators,
technical experts, technical review personnel and decision makers, etc, as
relevant;
k) Any other records as relevant to the RMCPCS certification process, in order
to provide confidence that the scheme requirements were complied with.
6.4 Internal audit – following additional requirements shall be applicable:
6.4.1 The objectives of the internal audit shall also include verification of fulfilment of
requirements of the additional RMCPCS scheme specific requirements as
specified in “RMCPCS Certification Process” and this document.
6.4.2 The audit program shall cover all applicable elements of ISO 17065:2012 and
ISO 17021:2011 and those specified in “RMCPCS Certification Process” and this
document.
6.4.3 The internal audit shall be conducted by personnel knowledgeable in certification,
auditing and the requirements of ISO 17065:2012 and ISO 17021:2011 and the
scheme specific requirements as specified in “RMCPCS Certification Process”
and this document.
6.4.4 The internal audit report shall clearly report both the compliance (to the
requirements specified vide clause 6.4.1 above and the certification bodies own
systems) aspects as well as the observed gaps (non-conformities), areas for
improvement, along with the objective evidences to support the conclusions
drawn.

Annex – 1 - Certificate Template
Certificate No............... Name and Logo

of the CB
Size not to exceed
This is to certify that 3.5cm x 3.5 cm
Company’s Name RMCPCS – Approval

Company’s Address Code
Operating RMC Plant at

RMC Plant Address
has been assessed and is in
compliance with the requirements of
QCI Ready Mixed Concrete

Plant Certification Scheme
(RMCPCS) for
RMC Capability
Certification/
RMC 9000+ Capability
Certification
The Scope of Certification covers
Production Control of Ready Mixed
Concrete as per Building Materials &
Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC)
Criteria
This certificate, valid from dd/mm/yy until

dd/mm/yy, is subject to satisfactory continued
compliance by the producer to the requirements
for certification and is subject to stipulated
Surveillance visits1.
Authorised by:
Certification Manager
(Full Details including office address)
1
The current status of certification is available on www. (CB and QCI website www.qcin.org).

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Ready Mix Concrete Plant Certification Scheme

Requirements for Certification Bodies

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015

Ready Mix Concrete Plant Certification Scheme

Requirements for Certification Bodies

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 1 of 21

1. Scope and Purpose

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 2 of 21

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 3 of 21

2.2 Impartiality related requirements – In addition to the requirements as specified

a) Documenting the certification body’s policy on safeguarding impartiality and

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 5 of 21

b) Having a defined institutional structure and impartiality policy and procedures,

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 6 of 21

2.2.4 When a relationship poses an unacceptable threat to impartiality then

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 7 of 21

raised by the activities of such personnel or by the organizations that employ

2.3 Liability and financing

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2.5 Confidentiality - In addition to the requirements as prescribed in the respective

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 10 of 21

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d) the certification body's requirements for prospective clients;

The composition, terms of reference, duties, authorities, competence of members

3.3.3 The certification body shall ensure that

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 13 of 21

single interest predominates. Internal or external personnel of the certification

4. Resource related and team competence requirements

a) Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in engineering in related field(s) with at least 5

i) Such an auditor is assessed by conducting a written examination by CBs

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 14 of 21

mix proportioning and on managing day-to-day variations in the material

ii) satisfactory certification from the NRMCA’s Concrete Technologist India

c) Post-graduate degree in science with relevant working experience of 5 years

d) Training and Experience in auditing.

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 15 of 21

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 16 of 21

certification body shall be entrusted the responsibility of technical review

5. Certification process requirements

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6. Management system requirements

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 19 of 21

j) Related records necessary to establish the credibility of the certification of

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 20 of 21

Annex – 1 - Certificate Template

Certificate No............... Name and Logo

Company’s Name RMCPCS – Approval

Operating RMC Plant at

QCI Ready Mixed Concrete

This certificate, valid from dd/mm/yy until

Issue 1.0 / Oct 2015 Page 21 of 21

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