RP and RC have 12-month validity, while Recyclability has three years. For SP, full-operational and monitoring certificates have 24 months, limited-operational 12 months and pre-operational three months. Always check the date on the certificate and the required record period: these are separate matters.
Validity depends on the scheme
Validity depends on the scheme and certificate type. Recycling Process (RP) and Recycled Plastics Traceability (RC) certificates, including provisional certificates, are valid for 12 months. Recyclability certificates are valid for three years. Sorting Process (SP) is an exception to the annual cycle and requires a separate distinction.
Sorting Process: four types and three validity periods
- Full-operational — 24 months; assessment of at least 12 months of records.
- Monitoring — 24 months; assessment of 24 months of records.
- Limited-operational — 12 months; at least three but fewer than 12 months of records.
- Pre-operational — three months; a stage for collecting records, followed by an application for limited-operational certification.
Certificate validity and the period of data assessed are different concepts. In SP, the assessment period should end no earlier than two months before the on-site audit, and successive assessment periods should be continuous.
Why do RP and RC follow an annual cycle?
A production process changes more quickly than the design of an individual packaging item. Suppliers, recipes, volumes, lines, inputs and products may change within a year. Regular audits check whether the system continues to meet the requirements.
When should renewal begin?
Do not leave renewal until the final weeks. Allow time to agree the scope, arrange auditor availability, prepare data, conduct the audit, close any non-conformities and complete the formal stages after the audit.
An extension is not automatic
For SP, RP and RC, the issuing certification body may, in justified cases, extend validity by a maximum of eight weeks before the certificate expires, provided monitoring is scheduled. Expanding the scope does not itself move the expiry date. If the existing certificate expires before the monitoring certificate is issued, a new initial certification process is required, creating a gap in continuity.
What should be prepared for the next audit?
- an up-to-date list of suppliers and certificates;
- data for the required period;
- a volume reconciliation;
- process changes since the previous audit;
- new products, materials or sites;
- the status of actions from the previous audit;
- current procedures and quality records.
A scope change involves more than renewal
If the organisation wants to add a site, process, polymer, product or module, a separate scope analysis may be necessary. Do not assume that every change will automatically be included in a standard renewal.
What happens after expiry?
Once the validity period ends, the organisation, process or product should not be presented as covered by a current certificate. Continuity is therefore particularly important in contracts where certification is a supplier requirement.
Key takeaway
Plan renewal according to the scheme, certificate type, expiry date and required data period. The annual RP and RC cycle must not automatically be applied to Sorting Process.