UKAS vs Non-UKAS Certified Management Systems: What’s the Real Difference?
When a business decides to pursue ISO certification, whether for ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), ISO 27001 (Information Security), or any other management system, one of the first and most important decisions is whether to work with a UKAS-accredited certification body or a non-UKAS provider.
At first glance, the certificates might look similar. However, the route you take can have serious implications for your credibility, ability to meet client or legal requirements, and whether your certificate is recognised in the UK and internationally.
This article explains the difference between UKAS and non-UKAS certification, why it matters, and how to choose the right approach for your business.
What is UKAS?
UKAS, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, is the national accreditation body for the UK. It is appointed by the UK government through the Department for Business and Trade and is responsible for assessing the competence and impartiality of organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection, and calibration services.
UKAS ensures that certification bodies operate in line with internationally recognised standards. In other words, when a certification body is UKAS-accredited, it has been rigorously checked for quality, consistency, and fairness.
UKAS accreditation gives you confidence that your certification body is not just offering a certificate, but is qualified and trusted to assess your management system properly.
UKAS and the IAF
UKAS is a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). The IAF is a global association of accreditation bodies that work together to ensure certificates issued in one country are accepted in others.
Each country has its own national accreditation body that is part of the IAF, such as:
- ANAB in the United States
- DAkkS in Germany
- COFRAC in France
- JAS-ANZ in Australia and New Zealand
Because UKAS is a signatory to the IAF Multilateral Recognition Agreement, certificates issued by UKAS-accredited bodies are recognised internationally. This is crucial for companies that trade globally or operate in international supply chains.
You can view UKAS’s IAF membership here: https://iaf.nu/en/member-details/?member_id=102
What is Non-UKAS Certification?
A non-UKAS certification is issued by a body that is not accredited by UKAS or any other IAF-recognised accreditation body. These certification providers may still offer ISO certificates, but without external oversight, the legitimacy and consistency of their processes can vary significantly.
Non-UKAS certification bodies are not subject to regular assessments by a government-recognised authority. This means their internal auditing practices, impartiality, and technical competence may not meet internationally accepted standards.
Although these certificates may technically follow the structure of ISO standards, they often lack the credibility and recognition needed in regulated industries or competitive markets.
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Key Differences Between UKAS and Non-UKAS Certification
| Category | UKAS-Certified | Non-UKAS Certified |
|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | Accredited by UKAS, the UK’s official national body | Not accredited by UKAS or any IAF member |
| Government Recognition | Yes, reports to the Department for Business and Trade | No official government recognition |
| Global Acceptance | Recognised worldwide through IAF agreements | Often not accepted outside the UK, and sometimes rejected within it |
| Credibility | High trust level, required by many large clients and tenders | May be viewed as low-assurance or non-compliant |
| Use in Procurement | Accepted in formal supply chains and government contracts | Often not accepted in competitive bids or audits |
| Oversight | Subject to regular external audits and performance reviews | No external review, may self-certify practices |
| Cost | Typically higher due to rigorous oversight and assurance | Often cheaper, but lower perceived value |
Why UKAS Accreditation Matters
For many businesses, a UKAS-accredited certificate is not just a nice-to-have, it is a requirement. This is particularly true in industries like construction, aerospace, manufacturing, and IT, where customers demand evidence of quality and compliance.
Choosing UKAS-accredited certification gives you:
- Higher credibility with clients, stakeholders, and regulators
- Stronger evidence of compliance with ISO requirements
- Access to more contracts, including those in the public sector
- Assurance that the certification body is qualified and regularly assessed
- Global recognition through IAF mutual agreements
In some cases, having a non-UKAS certificate could result in missed opportunities, delays in supplier onboarding, or even having to start again with a recognised body.
Would you like to compare the costs of UKAS and non-UKAS certifications? Let’s discuss it!
Is There Ever a Case for Non-UKAS Certification?
Non-UKAS certification may be an option for businesses that:
- Only need ISO certification for internal improvement, not external recognition
- Operate in low-risk industries where clients do not demand UKAS certificates
- Are looking for a basic introduction to the ISO framework, ahead of formal implementation
- Have budget constraints that prevent them from accessing UKAS-accredited services initially
However, businesses should approach this option with caution. If your certification is ever challenged, or if a client or auditor checks the accreditation status, you may find yourself having to justify the validity of the certificate — or worse, repeat the process with a UKAS body.
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About Us
Candy Management Consultants has guided UK businesses through stress-free ISO certifications since 2017. Our 100% first-pass success rate comes from tailoring frameworks to your operations and personalised approach – not checklists, at fixed day rates, transparent per-project contracts and with the help of the modern ISO management software.
