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Reviewed 26 October 2026. Original publication date retained: 2023-05-30.
An environmental management-system certificate should not be treated as an environmental permit or a legal-compliance guarantee. An organisation needs to identify the requirements applicable to its own activities and check the assurance its customers require.
Questions to follow in an audit
- How are relevant obligations identified and kept under review?
- Who arranges competent advice when the application is unclear?
- What evidence supports the organisation's evaluation of its obligations?
Connect the records with practice
Follow one identified obligation through the responsible person, operating arrangements, evaluation records and action on a gap.
These are illustrative audit trails, not findings about a named organisation, technical instructions or a guarantee of a particular result. The appropriate evidence depends on the activities, risks and agreed scope. The organisation remains responsible for its operations and legal obligations.
AAA provides independent certification audits. Confirm the applicable standard edition, scope and customer requirements before agreeing a programme. Request an indicative price or discuss your proposed audit.
Further reading: ISO environmental management.