Certification Process from October 2026

This page will guide you through the certification process, which consists of five steps: 

1. Submit the application documents 
2. On-site certification audit 
3. Certification decision 
4. Ongoing conformity during the certification period 
5. Renewal of certification  

STEP 1: Submit the application documents 

Before the official certification process starts, an establishment expresses interest in Green Key certification.

Application process:

• The establishment contacts Tadweera to express their interest given it is the Green Key National Operator in Egypt.
• Green Key Management reviews the eligibility of the establishment. 
• Eligible establishments receive: 
• information about the criteria and certification process
• details about the required documentation
• access to the online application form

Application requirements:

The establishment must: 

• Complete the online application form
• Submit the required supporting documents
• Sign and return the certification agreement
• Pay the Green Key levy (participation fee)

Green Key Management reviews the submitted materials to ensure that all required information has been provided and to confirm the scope of certification. 

Note: Some countries have fixed application deadlines, while others accept applications throughout the year. Please contact your Green Key Management for more information.

STEP 2: On-site certification audit 

Once the application has been reviewed, a third-party auditor is assigned to conduct an on-site certification audit. 

Scheduling the audit

The auditor contacts the establishment to schedule the audit date.

The applicant establishment pays the annual Certification Body fee and the auditor costs.

Before the on-site audit, the auditor receives all application documents from Green Key Management.

Audit process

The on-site certification audit typically includes: 

1. Opening meeting
2. Document verification (may also be conducted in advance)
3. Visual inspection of the establishment
4. Audit summary and closing discussion

The audit usually takes 2–6 hours, depending on the size and number of employees of the establishment. 

After the audit, the auditor prepares an audit report describing the findings.

Possible outcomes:

A - Full conformity

• The audit report is sent to the Certification Body for final review and decision. 

B - 1–5 non-conformities

• The establishment must submit additional evidence addressing the non-conformities. 
• Documentation must be submitted within two months. 
• The auditor reviews the additional evidence and sends the audit report to the Certification Body for final review and decision. 

C - More than 5 non-conformities

• The establishment must submit additional evidence and undergo a follow-up on-site audit. 
• Documentation must be submitted within two months. 
• The auditor reviews the additional evidence, conducts the follow-up audit and sends the audit report to the Certification Body for final review and decision. 
• Please note that the establishment must cover additional audit and travel costs.

STEP 3: Certification decision 

An independent entity (Certification Body) reviews the final audit report and takes a decision as to whether the establishment fully conforms with the required Green Key criteria. 

The Green Key Management informs the establishment. 

If certification is granted, Green Key Management sends the certificate valid for two years. 

STEP 4: Ongoing conformity during the certification period 

During the certification period, the establishment must continuously conform with Green Key requirements. 

If the establishment cannot maintain conformity, it must inform Green Key immediately so the certification can be temporarily suspended. 

Handling complaints

If complaints are received during the certification period: 

• The establishment must respond to enquiries from the Certification Body. 
• If the complaint is confirmed, the establishment must correct the non-conformities. 
• Certification may remain suspended until conformity is restored. 

Surveillance activities

Between 8–14 months after certification, the establishment must undergo surveillance activities. 

This includes providing updated documentation demonstrating ongoing compliance with selected Green Key criteria identified by Green Key. 

If surveillance activities reveal non-conformities: 

• The establishment must correct the issues. 
• Certification may remain suspended until compliance is restored. 

Certified establishments must also pay the annual Green Key levy (participation fee) and annual Certification Body fee to maintain certification.

STEP 5: Renewal of the certification 

Approximately 6–8 months before the certificate expires, the Green Key management contacts the establishment to encourage renewal. 

To renew certification, establishments must again complete: 

• Step 1: Application
• Step 2: Audit
• Step 3: Certification decision

For renewal, establishments must demonstrate increased conformity with Green Key criteria, as outlined on the criteria page. 

You can also see the Green Key certification timeline document for an overview of the process. 

Duration of the certification process 

The Green Key certification process typically takes 4–6 months. 

The exact timeline depends on factors such as: 

• The establishment’s readiness to meet the criteria
• Timely submission of complete documentation
• Payment of participation fees
• Processing time by Green Key Management
• Auditor availability for on-site audits 
• Follow-up after the on-site audits in case of non-conformities
• Time required for the Certification Body’s decision

Transition period 2026-2028 

With the introduction of the new manual, Green Key is changing the certificate validity period from 12 months to 24 months and adjusting the audit frequency. 

During the transition period (1 October 2026 – 31 December 2027), the following cases apply: 

Case 1: New applicants 

• Establishments must conform with the new criteria. 
• An on-site audit is conducted by a third-party auditor. 
• Certification is granted by the Certification Body. 
• The certificate is valid for two years. 

Case 2: Re-certification with on-site audit required 

• Establishments must conform with new criteria and transition requirements related to guideline criteria. 
• An on-site audit is conducted by a third-party auditor. 
• Certification is granted by the Certification Body. 
• The certificate is valid for two years. 

Case 3: Re-certification with off-site audit required 

• Establishments must demonstrate conformity with selected criteria through surveillance activities under the new system. 
• A desktop review of compliance is conducted by the Certification Body. 
• The Certification Body confirms the continued certification. 
• The certificate is extended for one year.

NOTE

Please note that the Green Key application and certification process in general takes three to six months. The exact time depends on the readiness of the applicant establishment in relation to the compliance with Green Key criteria, the delivery of correct material and payment of participation fees by the applicant establishment, Green Key’s management, and the availability of the auditor in relation to audits.