Become a member
All members have signed our Code of Practice, committing to high standards in the conduct of their businesses.
We welcome applications from manufacturers and distributors in the cleaning and hygiene industry.
Before applying for membership, please check that you have read and understood the criteria below:
- Applications can only be accepted from a UK registered company, currently operating in the Away From Home market.
- Provision of two satisfactory references. These should ideally be two CHSA members or if that is not possible, then two businesses from within the cleaning and hygiene sector that we can approach for a reference.
- Nomination by a current CHSA member. The sponsor can also be one of the two referees if they are a CHSA member. If a company cannot obtain a sponsor, the Chairman can act as their sponsor and referee if he/she feels it appropriate.
- Evidence of business systems and processes through certification:. This involves evidence of compliance with standards including ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 where relevant. It includes evidence of compliance with regulations such as the Detergent Regulations and the Classification, Labelling and Packaging regulation, where relevant. It includes evidence for efficacy claims where relevant.
- All CHSA members must sign our Commitment to Ethical Marketing. It states marketing claims for products made or sold must be substantiated and appropriate test data provided where applicable, which may be independently or peer reviewed. Valid test data should be from an approved UK or EU accredited laboratory.
- All CHSA manufacturing members must comply with the 2-illar SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit).
- Applicants must have a UK warehouse or base where stock can be physically inspected, both during the initial audit and to ensure ongoing compliance, should the application be successful.
- Multiple audits will take place during the first year of membership to ensure compliance with the relevant Standard and Code of Practice.
- If a membership application lapses and is not approved within six months of applying due to delays from the applicant, CHSA reserve the right to terminate the process. If the decision is taken to end the application process, 14 days notice will be given. The application fee is not refundable and no application from the same business will be considered within a period of 12 months from the termination date.
Please note:
- A non-refundable payment of £500 + VAT is required at the time of submitting a membership application . Our bank details are on the bottom of the application form.
- All new applications progressing to the audit stage are subject to a non-refundable audit fee. The costs range from £250 + VAT to £745 + VAT, depending on the Scheme.
- As part of our initial due diligence background checks early in the process we are likely to review marketing and product claims on the business' website or elsewhere online. This might include the availability of test data or evidence that is available to substantiate claims made, for chemical products in particular, but not exclusively.
- Accreditation is given to the Schemes applied for and must not be used or referred to in a way that could be misleading in relation to non-Scheme products.
- For Plastic Sack Accreditation Scheme applications, it is a requirement to have installed an approved drop tester as specified in the Scheme Standard before the initial audit can take place as part of the application process. Should you wish to purchase this piece of equipment from the CHSA, please let us know at the time of your application and we will advise on pricing.
- Information provided will be verified through Companies House or Dun & Bradstreet searches as part of our due diligence process.
- Detailed product stock lists will be required by our Independent Inspector. A physical audit carried out by the Independent Inspector is a condition of the application process. Failure to provide access could prevent an application from being taken forward.
- If an application is declined, no applications from the same business will be considered within 12 months.
- Requests to change the name of the member company must be approved by Council and will not be considered during the first year of membership. Failure to advise of a name change may result in termination of membership.
To apply, select the membership type that suits your business. Complete the application form and return with the documentation requested, accompanied by the application fee.
We will conduct our background checks and contact you for more information if necessary. We will take up the references and nomination for membership with the names that have been provided. Any queries or concerns will be reviewed by a membership team before the application is taken to CHSA Council for consideration. If the application is approved to progress to the audit stage, we will invoice you for the audit fee and annual membership and provide the detailed Scheme documentation.
When the invoice has been paid, the Independent Inspector will arrange the audit with you directly. We will also request a product stock list and test certificates depending on the Scheme . If the audit is not successful, the reasons will be given and your membership cost refunded less the audit fee. If the application is successful, we will inform the Scheme members that you will be joining. A membership certificate will be sent to you together with a marketing pack and a warm welcome to CHSA.
Membership
Manufacturer
Open to companies that manufacture or act as exclusive agents for a manufacturer supplying the UK away from home cleaning and hygiene products, materials and / or equipment market.
Please click below to email a request for an application form and details about the application process.
Membership
Distributor
Open to distributors supplying the UK away from home cleaning and hygiene products, materials and / or equipment market.
Please click below to email a request for an application form and details about the application process.