Questions
What is VBC certification?
A review of a business against published criteria, ending in a dated certificate and an entry on a public register that anyone can check. There are three levels, and the level appears on the certificate.
Who can apply?
Any registered business, in any of the countries VBC operates in, that can supply the evidence its chosen level requires. Sole traders and small businesses are eligible provided their registration can be evidenced.
How long does certification take?
It depends on the level and on how complete the first submission is. Applications returned for missing evidence take longest, which is why the requirements page is worth reading before you apply.
How much does it cost?
Basic is $100 a year, Enhanced $250 and Trusted $500. The fee covers the review, the certificate, twelve months on the register and the badge licence. Full detail is on the pricing page.
Is the fee refundable if I am declined?
Fees cover the review rather than the outcome, so they are not refundable once a review has begun. If an application is returned for more evidence, resubmitting within the same cycle costs nothing extra.
How long is a certificate valid?
Twelve months from the issue date. Certificates do not roll over; renewal is a fresh review against the criteria as they stand at that time.
Can a certificate be withdrawn?
Yes. Where the facts behind a certificate change materially, the entry can be suspended while we look into it, or revoked. The register updates immediately.
How does someone check my certificate?
They enter the certificate ID on the verification page, scan the QR code on the certificate, or click the badge on your website. All three resolve to the same register entry.
Does the badge keep working after my certificate expires?
No, and that is deliberate. The badge links to the live register entry rather than being a static image, so it reflects the current status rather than the status on the day it was saved.
Does certification guarantee a business is trustworthy?
No. It confirms that specific items were verified, at a stated level, on a stated date. It is not an audit of financial health, a guarantee of performance or conduct, or a credit rating, and anyone relying on it should still do their own due diligence.
What if I find a badge on a site that is not on the register?
Report it through the contact page with the web address where you saw it. Misuse of the mark devalues every genuine certificate.
Can I upgrade my level part way through the year?
Yes. You pay the difference in fees and the review covers the extra checks. The expiry date stays as it was.
What languages are documents accepted in?
English and Arabic directly. Documents in other languages should come with a translation, and we may ask for a certified translation where a document is central to the decision.
Do you certify businesses outside India and the Gulf?
The scheme currently focuses on India and the Gulf region. Enquiries from elsewhere are handled case by case through the contact page.