So, I guess you would also say that there is no requirement for the organization to possess a copy of ISO 9000? Despite the fact ISO 9000 is a NORMATIVE reference in ISO 9001.
We can also break this down into "who" requires that an organization must have a copy of the standard in their possession (strictly speaking ISO 9001):
1) ISO 9001 does not contain any such requirement (4.2.3f is usually argued here, but there have been very small organizations who did not feel it was a necessary document to have since planning and operations were already in place, and were just seeking improvement opportunities from the CB - which does not violate ISO 9001 requirements).
2) No statutory or regulatory requirements mandate the possession of a copy of ISO 9001.
3) A customer can require that a supplier be certified to ISO 9001 as a condition of doing business, but no contract I have ever seen stated that a copy of ISO 9001 was to be kept by the supplier - that would be scrupulous at best. It is usually assumed that (as a result) the organization seeking certification will take the necessary steps to ensure that it is compliant with ISO 9001 requirements, in order to procure business. The decision of whether or not to refer to the standard to get to that point still rests with that organization (at their own risk, obviously).
IMO, it is nice to have the criteria in hand, and most organizations choose to obtain a copy for their own benefit, but I wouldn't go so far as to proclaim that every certified organization
shall have a copy of ISO 9001.
Brian
