Chapter 6 Scoring Methodology, Certification Decisions, Corrective Actions, Appeals and Certificate Issuance

6.1 Purpose

This chapter establishes the official methodology for evaluating audit results, calculating the Natural Value Index (NVI™), determining certification outcomes, managing nonconformities, and administering appeals and certification decisions.

The objective is to ensure that every certification decision is:

Fair
Transparent
Evidence-based
Consistent
Defensible
Technically sound

6.2 The NVTS™ Scoring Framework

The NVTS™ assessment is based on five equal pillars, each contributing 20 points to the overall score.

Pillar	Maximum Score
Nature	20
People	20
Culture	20
Quality	20
Trade	20
Total	100

Each pillar consists of five principles, each worth 4 points.

6.3 Principle Rating Scale

Each principle shall be scored according to the following performance levels:

Rating	Description	Score
Excellent	Fully meets requirements with best practices	4
Good	Meets all essential requirements	3
Fair	Partially meets requirements; improvement needed	2
Poor	Significant weaknesses identified	1
Not Implemented	Requirement not met	0

Auditors shall justify every score with objective evidence.

6.4 Calculating the Natural Value Index (NVI™)

The overall NVTS™ performance is expressed as the Natural Value Index (NVI™).

Formula:

NVI™ = Nature + People + Culture + Quality + Trade

Since each pillar has a maximum of 20 points, the highest possible NVI™ is 100.

6.5 Certification Categories

Score	Certification Level	Status
95–100	NVTS™ Diamond	Outstanding Performance
90–94	NVTS™ Platinum	Excellent Performance
85–89	NVTS™ Gold	High Performance
80–84	NVTS™ Silver	Good Performance
70–79	NVTS™ Bronze	Acceptable Performance
Below 70	Improvement Required	Certification Deferred

6.6 Minimum Requirements

To achieve certification, applicants shall:

Obtain an overall score of 70 points or higher.
Have no unresolved Critical Nonconformities.
Complete all mandatory legal and regulatory requirements applicable to their operations.
Submit acceptable corrective action plans for any Major Nonconformities within the specified timeframe.

6.7 Weighting Philosophy

NVTS™ gives equal weight to:

Environmental stewardship
Human well-being
Cultural heritage
Product quality
Transparent trade

This balanced approach recognizes that sustainable value is created through excellence across all five pillars rather than performance in only one area.

6.8 Nonconformity Classification

Opportunity for Improvement (OFI)

A suggestion that can enhance performance but does not affect certification.

Examples:

Improve record organization.
Increase biodiversity monitoring.
Expand staff training.

Minor Nonconformity

A limited deviation from NVTS™ requirements that does not compromise the overall effectiveness of the management system.

Examples:

Missing signatures on records.
Delayed calibration records.
Incomplete training attendance lists.

Major Nonconformity

A significant failure affecting compliance or system effectiveness.

Examples:

Lack of traceability for one or more product lots.
Repeated food safety failures.
Inadequate worker safety measures.
Failure to monitor environmental impacts.

Critical Nonconformity

A severe breach that undermines confidence in certification.

Examples include:

Deliberate falsification of records.
Fraudulent use of the NVTS™ mark.
Illegal labor practices.
Intentional environmental destruction.
Obstruction of auditors.

Critical Nonconformities normally result in suspension, withdrawal, or refusal of certification.

6.9 Corrective Action Requests (CAR)

Where nonconformities are identified, the auditor shall issue a Corrective Action Request (CAR).

Each CAR shall include:

Reference number
Requirement violated
Description of the nonconformity
Objective evidence
Classification (Minor, Major, Critical)
Root cause
Required corrective action
Responsible person
Due date
Verification status

Sample Corrective Action Form

Field	Details
CAR Number	NVTS-CAR-001
Requirement	Nature – Soil Health
Classification	Major
Finding	No documented soil testing programme
Required Action	Develop and implement annual soil testing
Due Date	__________________

6.10 Corrective Action Timeframes

Classification	Recommended Timeframe
Minor	Up to 90 days
Major	Up to 60 days
Critical	Immediate action before certification can proceed

Certification bodies may adjust timeframes based on risk, legal obligations, and operational circumstances.

6.11 Certification Decision Process

Following the audit:

Audit report submitted.
Technical review completed.
Corrective actions evaluated (where applicable).
Independent certification decision made.
Applicant notified in writing.
Certificate issued or application declined.

Certification decisions shall not be made solely by the audit team that conducted the assessment.

6.12 Certificate Validity

An NVTS™ certificate should specify:

Certificate number
Certified organization
Scope of certification
Certified products
Certification level
Issue date
Expiry date
QR verification code
Authorized signatures

The certification body shall define the certificate validity period and surveillance requirements in its certification policy.

6.13 Suspension of Certification

Certification may be suspended when:

Major Nonconformities remain unresolved.
Surveillance audits are not completed.
Misuse of the NVTS™ logo occurs.
Traceability systems are no longer functional.
Serious complaints remain unresolved.

During suspension, organizations shall not claim active NVTS™ certification.

6.14 Withdrawal of Certification

Certification may be withdrawn when:

Fraud is confirmed.
Certification fees remain unpaid (where applicable under certification policy).
Critical Nonconformities remain unresolved.
Deliberate misuse of the certification mark is established.
The organization requests withdrawal.

6.15 Appeals

Applicants have the right to appeal certification decisions.

Appeals shall:

Be submitted in writing.
Clearly identify the decision being challenged.
Include supporting evidence.
Be reviewed by an independent Appeals Committee.
Receive a documented decision within the timeframe established by the certification body.

6.16 Complaints

Complaints may be received from:

Customers
Farmers
Workers
Buyers
Government agencies
Civil society organizations
Members of the public

Every complaint shall be:

Logged.
Investigated.
Evaluated objectively.
Resolved.
Documented.

6.17 Use of the NVTS™ Certification Mark

Certified organizations may use the NVTS™ certification mark only:

During the period of valid certification.
Within the approved scope of certification.
In accordance with the official logo usage guidelines.
Without implying certification of products or activities outside the approved scope.

Misuse may result in suspension or withdrawal of certification.

6.18 Continual Improvement

NVTS™ certification encourages organizations to:

Improve environmental performance.
Strengthen worker welfare.
Preserve cultural heritage.
Enhance product quality.
Increase transparency and traceability.
Adopt innovative sustainability practices.

Each surveillance or re-certification audit should demonstrate measurable progress wherever practicable.

Chapter 6 Summary

This chapter establishes the rules for translating audit evidence into certification outcomes while ensuring fairness, consistency, and accountability. It provides a structured pathway from assessment through corrective action to certification, helping organizations build trust and continuously improve their natural value performance.

End of Chapter 6

Next Chapter: Chapter 7 – Digital Traceability, QR Verification, Digital Product Passports, Chain of Custody, GIS Mapping, and Blockchain Integration, which will define the digital architecture supporting NVTS™ and the integrity of traceability records.