APAVE CERTIFICATION BECOMES FIRST FRENCH CERTIFICATION BODY ACCEPTED BY ICOCA

Apave Certification, an independent organisation with 150 years of expertise in certification engineering, has become the first French certification body (CB) accepted by ICoCA to certify against a recognised standard. Apave delivers ISO 18788 certification for security operations management in line with the high, rigorous standards required of ICoCA-accepted CBs. This acceptance marks an important milestone for ICoCA, further increasing access to its certification for private security companies in France and other francophone regions, such as West Africa. 

Maintaining high standards through evidence-based certification 

Apave Certification is an organisation supported by a network of internal and external auditors operating in France and internationally. It provides certification services across a wide range of areas, including management systems, skills, products, services and labels, covering both voluntary and regulatory frameworks. 

In the private security sector, Apave delivers certification against ISO 18788 across all relevant areas of security services. These include human and electronic security surveillance, unarmed guarding (including in public passenger transport), armed security operations using lethal and non-lethal weapons, cash-in-transit activities, and the protection of the physical integrity of persons. 

Apave sees certification as a transformative tool for the private security sector. It strengthens transparency and accountability by shifting the focus from promise-based security to evidence-based performance. In doing so, it helps translate human rights and responsible security principles into measurable, auditable reality, while acting as a neutral benchmark that ensures private security providers meet the highest standards through impartial assessment.

“Joining the network of ICoCA-approved CBs reflects Apave’s alignment with the global ‘gold standard’ for human rights and ethical security practices”, says Benoit Phuez, Certification Technical Manager at Apave. 

“It also gives us the opportunity to support private security companies with a rigorous, internationally recognised framework”. While Apave already offers a wide range of certification services in risk management and environmental standards, the integration of security into its areas of expertise is a natural evolution of its mission to act as a trusted partner for a safer, more sustainable world, ensuring that technological and human progress are safeguarded against emerging threats. 

For Apave, becoming ICoCA-accepted validates its technical rigour and independence. Beyond traditional safety inspections, it demonstrates that Apave’s auditors possess the specific expertise required to evaluate human rights risks and impacts in different contexts. “For our clients, this status provides critical advantages in market access, compliance demonstration, risk mitigation and global recognition”, emphasises Mr Phuez. 

Expanding access to certification in the private security industry 

Acceptance from ICoCA not only enhances Apave’s international standing but also promotes higher human rights standards across the private security industry by facilitating wider access to ICoCA certification. 

As the first French certification body to become ICoCA-accepted, Apave contributes to increasing access to certification for private security companies across France and other French-speaking regions. While its current operations are concentrated in France and around the Gulf of Guinea in Africa, Apave has the capacity to deliver certification in most regions worldwide, particularly in francophone countries. 

This expanded accessibility is particularly important for private security companies operating in regions where language, proximity and regional expertise pose significant barriers to certification. By combining local presence with international recognition, Apave helps bridge this gap and supports the broader adoption of responsible security practices. 

ICoCA’s existing network of accepted certification bodies, along with their international reach, has already played an essential role in promoting standards across the sector. The addition of Apave further strengthens this reach and supports ICoCA’s continued global expansion. 

Towards greater uptake of certification 

For companies seeking to become ICoCA-certified through ISO 18788, Apave recommends beginning with a gap analysis between current company practices and certification requirements. “To navigate what may seem like an overwhelming process, companies should not hesitate to use a consultant”, suggests Mr Phuez. 

He also stresses the importance of ensuring that operational reality is fully reflected in the system, maintaining a ground-level perspective. According to him, certification should not be reduced to documentation alone and a management system must be a living tool, not a pile of paperwork. 

Finally, companies are encouraged to plan and anticipate carefully, both for the implementation of management systems and for the certification process itself. This is particularly important for organisations operating in remote or high-risk environments where logistical and operational challenges can be significant. 

To further encourage uptake of ICoCA certification, Mr Phuez recommends that ICoCA continue leveraging the “power of the purse” by promoting ICoCA certification requirements in tenders and security contracts through national governments and international organisations such as the UN and EU. Linking certification to market access would provide a strong incentive for companies to align with recognised international standards and strengthen accountability across the sector. 

To learn more about Apave certification, visit their website.