1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the use of the website https://www.smscert.com and the services provided by Sustainable Management System Inc. (“we,” “our,” or “us”), including certification, auditing, verification, consultancy, and training services.

By accessing our website, registering for services, or making any payment, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Scope of Services

We provide services including but not limited to:

  • Management system certification (e.g., ISO standards)
  • Social and environmental audits (e.g., SMETA, BSCI, C-TPAT)
  • Verification services (e.g., SLCP, Higg FEM)
  • Training services, including:
    • Public/open enrollment training programs
    • One-to-one (individual) training sessions
    • Onsite (client premises) training
    • Remote/virtual training (e.g., Zoom or similar platforms)
    • eLearning or self-paced training (if applicable)
  • Consultancy and system development services

All services are delivered based on agreed proposals, registrations, invoices, or service agreements.

3. Pricing and Payments

  • All fees are communicated through official proposals, invoices, or website listings
  • Payments may be made via secure payment gateways (e.g., SSLCommerz), bank transfer, or other approved methods
  • Full or partial advance payment may be required before service delivery
  • Prices may be subject to applicable taxes, bank charges, or transaction fees

👉 Payment confirmation constitutes acceptance of these Terms.

4. Refund and Cancellation Policy

4.1 General Policy

Due to the nature of professional services, payments are generally non-refundable once service preparation or delivery has commenced, unless otherwise stated.

4.2 Training Services – Refund and Cancellation

a) Cancellation (Before Training)

  • Cancellation made at least 5–7 days prior to the training date will be eligible for a full refund, after deduction of:
    • Payment gateway charges
    • Applicable government taxes (if any)

b) Late Cancellation (Short Notice)

  • Cancellation made within less than 5 days of the training date will not be eligible for direct refund
  • The paid amount will be converted into a credit balance, which:
    • Can be used for any future training
    • Will remain valid for 01 (one) year from the original training date

c) No-Show Policy

  • No-show participants will not be eligible for refund
  • However, in cases of genuine emergency or humanitarian situations, consideration may be given upon review
  • If approved:
    • No cash refund will be provided
    • The amount will be issued as training credit, valid for 01 (one) year

d) Credit Usage Conditions

  • Training credit:
    • Is non-transferable (unless approved)
    • Must be used within the validity period
    • Can be adjusted against any training program
    • Cannot be converted into cash

4.3 Audit & Verification Services

  • Cancellation before planning → Partial refund may be considered
  • Cancellation after scheduling → Non-refundable
  • After audit execution → No refund

4.4 Rescheduling

  • Rescheduling may be allowed subject to availability and prior notice
  • Additional charges may apply

4.5 Refund Processing

  • Approved refunds will be processed through the original payment method within a reasonable timeframe

4.6 Other Services – Special Terms

For services other than training (including certification, audits, verification, consultancy, and related services):

  • Specific terms, conditions, payment structures, and cancellation policies will be governed by the respective:
    • Service agreement
    • Proposal
    • Contract
    • Proforma invoice
  • In case of any conflict,
    👉 the terms outlined in the respective service agreement shall prevail

5. Client Responsibilities

Clients must:

  • Provide accurate and complete information
  • Ensure access to facilities, documents, and personnel
  • Cooperate with auditors, verifiers, and trainers
  • Comply with applicable laws and standards

Failure may result in delays, suspension, or cancellation of services.

6. Training Participation and Conduct

Participants agree to:

  • Attend sessions on time
  • Maintain professional and respectful behavior
  • Not record or distribute training content without permission
  • Not share login credentials

We reserve the right to remove participants without refund for misconduct.

7. Training Certification and Completion

  • Certificates are issued based on attendance and/or assessment criteria
  • We reserve the right to withhold certification if requirements are not met
  • Certificates must not be misused or altered

8. Training Scheduling and Changes

  • Training schedules may depend on minimum participant requirements
  • We reserve the right to:
    • Reschedule sessions
    • Change trainers
    • Cancel sessions if necessary

Participants may be offered rescheduling or alternatives.

9. Certification and Audit Limitations

  • Certification decisions are based on evidence at the time of audit
  • Certification does not guarantee ongoing compliance
  • Surveillance audits are required to maintain validity

10. Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality of:

  • Client documents
  • Audit findings
  • Worker interviews
  • Certification decisions

Disclosure only occurs when required by law, accreditation, or with client authorization.

11. Use of Certificates and Logos

Clients must:

  • Use certificates and logos appropriately
  • Avoid misleading claims

Misuse may result in suspension or withdrawal.

12. Suspension or Termination

We may suspend or terminate services if:

  • Payment is not completed
  • Misuse or non-compliance occurs
  • Required cooperation is not provided

13. Limitation of Liability

  • We are not liable for indirect or consequential damages
  • Liability is limited to the service fee paid
  • No guarantee of business outcomes

14. Force Majeure

We are not responsible for delays due to:

  • Natural disasters
  • Political or regulatory issues
  • Travel restrictions
  • Technical failures

15. Website Use

Users agree not to misuse the website or attempt unauthorized access.

16. Intellectual Property

All website content and materials remain the property of Sustainable Management System Inc.

17. Third-Party Services and Platforms

We may use third-party platforms (e.g., payment gateways, training tools).

We are not responsible for:

  • Platform downtime
  • Payment gateway issues
  • User-side connectivity problems

18. Data Protection

All data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

19. International Operations

We operate through affiliated entities and partners across multiple jurisdictions.

20. Modifications

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time.

21. Dispute Resolution

Disputes shall first be resolved through mutual discussion and good-faith negotiation.

22. Contact Information

Sustainable Management System Inc.
Website: https://www.smscert.com
Email: info@smscert.com