Validity and Renewal
GSQA-PRG-005 · 2.0 · 2026-10-19
1. Calculating validity dates
Validity is 12 calendar months, with the effective date and exact expiry time recorded and the public record showing the date and time zone. If the corresponding day does not exist in the final month, its last day is used. A certificate must not extend beyond the actual recorded period.
2. Renewal documentation
Renewal submissions open six months before expiry. They identify the original record, current configuration, changes to standards, continuing applicability of reports, quality matters and publishable documents. Even documents requiring no update must be confirmed as still applicable, with reasons.
3. Continuity and interruptions
Approval before expiry may continue the original period. A pending application does not extend it automatically. Following an interruption, the new decision starts on its actual effective date. The gap must not be backdated, and the old certificate must not be used to claim current validity.
4. Explicit effective and expiry dates
Each record states its start date, end date and status. Validity is calculated as 12 calendar months, with the certificate, licence and public record corresponding. Ordinary expiry is distinguished from suspension and withdrawal.
5. Renewal opens six months before expiry
The current model, configuration, sales market, applicable requirements, reports and publication scope are verified again. Renewal does not automatically require all testing to be repeated, but existing evidence must remain applicable, and changes and adverse results must be disclosed.
6. An application does not extend validity
The original record expires on time. Approval completed before expiry may provide continuity. After an interruption, a new decision takes effect on its actual new effective date, without backdating the gap.
7. Material changes must be reported promptly
Changes to design, materials, critical components, software, production site or legal qualifications that affect the original finding must be addressed promptly. A changed product may not continue to be promoted within the old scope without confirmation.
8. Records, administration and correction
For matters covered by this document, records must retain the application or case number, specific product and market, version used, documents and page references, responsible personnel, material dates, reasons and formal notices. Personal information and trade secrets are handled according to access permissions. Questions about a record may be raised through correction, complaint or reconsideration channels available to an entitled applicant. Submission alone does not alter an existing decision or licence. The outcome is determined by the formal notice and current record.
9. Effective date, application and version control
Version 2.0 of this document is published and takes effect on 19 October 2026. It applies to relevant matters formally submitted after that date. Existing applications retain their original snapshot and rules. Material changes are notified separately and handled under transitional arrangements; new conditions are not retrospectively inserted into historical decisions. Website and downloadable texts must agree. Superseded versions identify their replacement, and name or wording corrections are recorded separately from substantive amendments.