Conditions for conducting Stage 2 audits after Stage 1 audit

1. Nonconformities, as observed during the Stage 1 audit, to be handed over to the client
management by end of Stage 1 audit (or within max 2 calendar days from the last date of
the Stage 1 audit).
2. The client shall be given a maximum period of 90 days to respond to the Stage 1 NCRs
(both Major as well as Minor).
3. The audit team leader shall inform the client that proposed NC closure actions (correction,
root cause & corrective actions) need to be provided for review within max. 90 days.
4. In case the client is able to implement the actions in totality & submit the evidences of
implementation for review, the audit team shall acknowledge & close the NCRs prior to the
Stage 2 audit. Effectiveness of actions can be further reviewed & commented during the
Stage 2 audit. Even otherwise, the client is required to submit the proposed actions for the
Stage 1 NCRs before planning the Stage 2 audit.
In all cases, the closure actions for the Stage 1 audit NCRs shall be submitted by the
client and accepted by the audit team, at least in principle, prior to the planning of Stage
2 audit. Effectiveness of actions can be further reviewed & commented during the Stage
2 audit.

The Stage 2 audit to be planned within 180 days from the last date of Stage 1 audit,
however, this does not absolve the requirement either to close or to submit the proposed
actions for in-principle acceptance of the Stage 1 NCRs within 90 days.