The Brand Bharat Certification

1. Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to establish a standardized approach for the review and evaluation of applications submitted for The Brand Bharat certification. This ensures that the certification process is transparent, consistent, and adheres to the values and standards of The Brand Bharat initiative.

2. Scope

This procedure applies to all businesses applying for The Brand Bharat certification. It covers the entire review process, from initial application receipt through to final decision-making and feedback.

3. Definitions

• Application: The complete set of documents submitted by a business seeking certification.
• Business Screening Committee (BSC): A designated group responsible for the initial screening of applications.
• Brand Bharat Official Officer (BBOO): An authorized individual responsible for the in-depth review of applications.

4. Responsibilities

• Business Screening Committee (BSC):
  • Conduct initial application screenings.
  • Verify document completeness and compliance with eligibility criteria.
• Brand Bharat Official Officer (BBOO):
  • Perform detailed evaluations, including site visits and interviews.
  • Compile findings and make recommendations to the BSC.
• Applicants:
  • Submit complete applications with all required documentation.
  • Respond to any requests for clarification or additional information.

5. Procedure

5.1 Application Submission

1. Submission Process:
   • Applications must be submitted through the official Brand Bharat website or via designated email.
   • Applicants will receive an acknowledgment of receipt within 48 hours.

5.2 Initial Screening by Business Screening Committee (BSC)

1. Document Verification:
   • Within 10 working days of acknowledgment, the BSC will:
     • Check for the completeness of submitted documents.
     • Validate the authenticity and currency of the documents.
2. Compliance Assessment:
   • Evaluate the application against the eligibility criteria:
     • Relevant business sector.
     • Evidence of sustainability practices or cultural relevance.
     • Ethical standing, including any legal complaints.
3. Outcome of Initial Screening:
   • If compliant, proceed to detailed review.
   • If not compliant, notify the applicant of missing or incorrect documentation.

5.3 Detailed Review by Brand Bharat Official Officer (BBOO)

1. In-depth Evaluation:
   • Conduct a thorough assessment, which may include:
     • Review of business practices, market impact, and alignment with Brand Bharat values.
     • Analysis of product/service descriptions in relation to Indian heritage and sustainability.
2. Site Visit and Interviews:
   • Schedule site visits where applicable to assess:
     • Manufacturing processes and adherence to sustainable practices.
     • Conduct interviews with key personnel to understand operational integrity and compliance.
3. Documentation Review:
   • Examine financial statements, quality certifications, and compliance with local laws.

5.4 Compilation of Review Findings

1. Review Report Creation:
   • The BBOO will compile findings into a structured review report detailing:
     • Compliance status.
     • Strengths and weaknesses of the application.
     • Recommendations for approval, request for clarification, or rejection.

5.5 Decision Making by Business Screening Committee (BSC)

1. Evaluation Meeting:
   • The BSC will convene to review the findings from the BBOO’s report.
   • Discuss the merits of the application based on provided evidence and recommendations.
2. Final Decision:
   • The BSC will make one of the following decisions:
     • Approval: If all criteria are met, the applicant receives certification.
     • Request for Clarification: If additional information is needed, the applicant will be notified with a deadline for response.
     • Rejection: If the application does not meet the criteria, the applicant will receive a formal rejection letter outlining the reasons.

5.6 Feedback and Notification

1. Communication of Results:
   • Notify applicants of the decision via email within 10 working days of the BSC meeting:
     • Approved: Certification issued with guidelines on usage.
     • Clarification Required: Detailed list of information needed.
     • Rejected: Reasons for rejection provided with suggestions for future application.

5.7 Post-Certification Compliance

1. Annual Reviews:
   • Certified businesses will undergo annual reviews to ensure compliance with the certification criteria:
     • Submission of updated documents.
     • Possible site visits or audits as deemed necessary.
2. Renewal Process:
   • Businesses will be informed of the renewal process at least three months prior to certification expiry.
   • A comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to determine continued eligibility for certification.

6. Records and Documentation

• All application documents, review reports, and communication records will be maintained for a minimum of five years.
• Documentation will be stored securely and will be accessible for audit and review purposes.

7. Continuous Improvement

• The Brand Bharat initiative will periodically review and update this procedure to reflect best practices and enhance the certification process based on stakeholder feedback.

Conclusion

This Application Review Procedure ensures that the evaluation process for The Brand Bharat certification is thorough, fair, and aligned with the initiative’s mission to empower Indian businesses. By adhering to this structured approach, The Brand Bharat aims to build trust and credibility in the global marketplace for Indian-origin products and services.