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Frequently Asked Questions

LWG Assurance Services (LWG AS) is a new, independent not-for-profit organization created to deliver certification audits aligned with the Leather Working Group (LWG) Standards. As a separate entity from LWG, LWG AS ensures impartiality, consistency, and transparency throughout the certification process. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about the role of LWG AS, how the audit process is changing, and what these updates mean for your business.

What is LWG Assurance Services?

LWG Assurance Services (LWG AS) is a not-for-profit entity that was created to provide audit services aimed at leather manufacturing facilities seeking certification to the Leather Working Group Standards. Learn more here.
Is LWG AS part of Leather Working Group?

No. LWG AS is an independent certification and assurance partner delivering audits to the Leather Working Group Standards. It is a separate legal entity from Leather Working Group.
Why has LWG AS been created?

The objective of LWG AS is to maintain the highest standards of consistency, transparency, impartiality, and trust in support of Leather Working Group Standards. As an independent entity, LWG AS can deliver impartial and consistent certification services.
What is changing? Audits are booked directly with LWG AS, instead of with auditors. LWG AS will assign auditors to tanneries, oversee the peer review process, manage contracts, payments and travel arrangements as well as determining and issuing certification, and providing feedback to Leather Working Group. It will also deal with violations, grievances, and appeals.
What are the benefits of LWG AS?

LWG AS provides one point of contact for LWG certification, greater availability of auditors, transparent audit fees, and consistency of audits. It also allows for alignment with ISO 17065.

LWG AS builds on existing knowledge and expertise, providing public-facing governance and policies, as well as independent violation and grievance processes.
How do we book audits?

All audits need to be applied for via LWG Assurance Services here.
Can audits still be booked directly with auditors?

No. All audits need to be applied for via LWG Assurance Services here.
Is it possible to nominate an auditor? No. To ensure impartiality and managed auditor rotation, LWG AS will assign auditors for facilities. 
Is anything staying the same?

Yes. All auditors will still be trained and approved to Leather Working Group standards with LWG AS building on the robust assurance processes already in place.

LWG remains the owner of the standards and sets the requirements for certification against them.

The list of certified suppliers will continue to be published on the Leather Working Group website.
Who issues the invoices? LWG AS will oversee the invoicing process and issue invoices to tanneries. Invoices for audit costs will be issued following application acceptance and not less than 30 days prior to the planned audit date. A second invoice will be raised for any necessary travel costs and must be paid prior to the planned audit date. 
Who issues the certificates? LWG AS will issue all certificates after audits are evaluated, and the assurance checks have been completed.
When will the LWG AS booking system go live? The launch date is 23 June 2025, and all audit bookings will need to be made via the LWG AS website from that date. If you have already booked and confirmed an audit with an auditor prior to this date, then you will be able to proceed with that contracted audit. Any new audits must be booked through the new process. Introductory webinars and follow-up meetings will be available to support the transition.
How can we support these changes? Please take time to read and understand how the creation of LWG AS will impact your business and be sure to communicate these changes to your staff. 
I still have a question – how can I contact LWG AS?

Yes – please click here to contact LWG AS.

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