Fee Schedule

DOCUMENT 5: FEE SCHEDULE (REVISED)

CERTIFICATION FEE SCHEDULE

Sustainable Integrity Certification Association

Effective: [DATE]

I. FEE PHILOSOPHY

This fee schedule is designed to:

(a) Ensure financial sustainability of the Association;

(b) Make certification accessible to businesses of all sizes;

(c) Scale fees to company capacity and product complexity;

(d) Cover actual costs of rigorous verification;

(e) Prevent any single entity from providing >5% of revenue (post-start-up phase).

II. APPLICATION FEES (One-Time)

Covers initial assessment, documentation review, and administrative setup.

By Company Size:

Notes:

• One application fee covers up to 5 products submitted simultaneously;
• Additional products in same application: +$200 each;
• Application fee non-refundable (covers review costs even if denied).

III. ANNUAL CERTIFICATION FEES (Per Product)

Covers ongoing compliance monitoring, random audits, database maintenance, and re-certification after 3 years.

By Certification Level and Product Complexity:

Product Complexity Definitions:

*Simple Product: Single material or <5 components, passive (no moving parts), no electronics

• Examples: Cast iron pan, wood cutting board, wool blanket, hand tools

**Moderate Product: 5-20 components, mechanical (moving parts), or single electronic component

• Examples: Mechanical watch, office chair, hand-crank appliance, bicycle

***Complex Product: 20+ components, multiple electronic systems, or mixed materials with disposal challenges

• Examples: Laptop, refrigerator, electric vehicle components, HVAC systems

IV. VOLUME DISCOUNTS

For manufacturers with multiple certified products:

Notes:

• Discounts apply to annual certification fees only, not application fees;
• Calculated at renewal based on current portfolio;
• Encourages manufacturers to certify entire product lines.

V. LOGO LICENSING FEE (Annual)

Grants right to use SICA certification mark in marketing materials.

Includes:

• Vector files of certification mark;
• Brand guidelines;
• Marketing toolkit;
• Co-marketing opportunities.

VI. TESTING AND INSPECTION FEES

Actual costs passed through at cost +10% administrative fee:

On-Site Inspections:

• Domestic (same country as regional office): $2,000-5,000
• International: $5,000-15,000
• Travel and accommodation billed at actual cost

Laboratory Testing:

• Material safety testing: $500-5,000 per material
• Durability testing: $1,000-10,000 per product
• Efficiency testing: $500-3,000 per product
• Disassembly/repairability assessment: $1,000-3,000
• All testing through accredited independent labs

Cost Range Factors:

• Product complexity;
• Number of materials to test;
• Specialized equipment needed;
• Testing duration.

Estimates:

Applicants receive cost estimate before testing commences and may approve or withdraw application.

VII. TRAINING AND EDUCATION FEES

Manufacturer Workshops:

• Half-day certification overview: $500 per attendee
• Full-day standards deep-dive: $1,200 per attendee
• Two-day implementation training: $2,500 per attendee
• Custom on-site training (1-5 days): $5,000-15,000 plus expenses

Public Education:

• Consumer webinars: Free
• Educational materials: Free download
• School curriculum: Free license

VIII. APPEAL FEES

• Appeal of certification denial: $5,000
• Fee refunded if appeal successful
• Covers independent panel review and additional assessment

IX. LATE FEES AND PENALTIES

• Late annual reporting: $500 + $100 per week overdue
• Missed re-certification deadline: $1,000 + suspension of certification
• Failed audit requiring re-inspection: Actual re-inspection cost + 25%

X. FEE WAIVERS AND REDUCTIONS

Developing Economy Discounts:

Companies in low/lower-middle income countries (per World Bank):

• 50% reduction on all fees
• Aims to make certification globally accessible

Social Enterprise Discount:

Certified B-Corps or equivalent social enterprises:

• 25% reduction on annual fees
• Must demonstrate mission alignment

Hardship Waivers:

• Available on case-by-case basis
• Must demonstrate financial need and commitment to standards
• Limited to 5% of annual certifications

XI. PAYMENT TERMS

• Application fee: Due with application submission
• Annual certification fee: Due within 30 days of certification/renewal
• Logo licensing fee: Due annually with certification fee
• Testing/inspection fees: Due within 30 days of invoice
• Payment plans available for fees >$10,000 (up to 12 months, no interest)

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Bank transfer (preferred)
• Credit card (+3% processing fee)
• Check (where available)

XII. FEE REVIEW AND ADJUSTMENT

• Fees reviewed annually by Finance Committee
• Adjusted for inflation using CPI or equivalent
• Major revisions require Board approval
• 90 days notice for fee increases

XIII. REFUND POLICY

• Application fees: Non-refundable
• Annual certification fees: Pro-rated refund if certification voluntarily surrendered
• Testing fees: Refundable if testing not yet commenced
• Logo licensing: Non-refundable

XIV. REVENUE CONCENTRATION MONITORING

• CFO tracks revenue by entity monthly
• This section adheres to the "Start-up Glide Path" (Article V, Sec 5.1(c) of the Articles of Incorporation):
    - Years 1-3: No concentration limit.
    - Year 4: If any entity approaches 18-19% of projected annual revenue, the Board will be notified to begin diversification planning.
    - Year 5: If any entity approaches 8-9% of projected annual revenue, the Board will be notified.
    - Year 6+: If any entity approaches 4% of annual revenue (based on prior year's revenue), the Executive Director and Board Chair will be notified, and new applications from that entity may be deferred.
• This ensures the Association achieves the permanent 5% limit by Year 6.

*APPROVED by the Board of Directors on ____, 20___.*

*Effective Date: ____, 20___*