Annex D: Rules of Procedure for the Ranking Methodology Technical Committee (RMTC)

D （RMTC）

ICO Std 2002 — Annex D (Normative)

Document Status: Working Draft (WD) ：

© 2026 International Communication Organization (ICO). All rights reserved.

This document is part of ICO Std 2002:2026 (Ranking Methodology Standard). It is licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0. You may obtain a copy of the License at https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.

Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software distributed under the License is distributed on an “AS IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied. See the License for the specific language governing permissions and limitations under the License.

ICO Std 2002:2026（）。Apache2.0。 https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0 。

Document Information

Item Details
Document Number ICO Std 2002:2026 — Annex D
Title (EN) Rules of Procedure for the Ranking Methodology Technical Committee (RMTC)
Title (CN) RMTC）
Status Working Draft
ICS Classification 01.120 (Standardisation, general rules), 03.100.40 (Research and development)
Committee Ranking Methodology Technical Committee (RMTC)
Issuing Body International Communication Organization (ICO)

D.0 Front Matter

D.0.1 Introduction

This Annex establishes the Rules of Procedure for the Ranking Methodology Technical Committee (RMTC), the governing body responsible for the maintenance, interpretation, and evolution of ICO Std 2002. As a normative annex, this document carries the same authoritative force as the main body of the standard and shall be read in conjunction with the core specification (Chapters 0–11) and the other annexes (A through C).

（RMTC）。RMTCICO Std 2002、。，，（0–11）（AC）。

The establishment of formal rules of procedure is essential to ensure that the governance of the standard is conducted in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and consistent with international best practice for technical governance bodies. These rules are modelled on the procedural frameworks of established international standards organisations, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Ranking Expert Group (IREG), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

、。（ISO、IREGIEC）。

D.0.2 Authority

These Rules of Procedure are established pursuant to Chapter 11 of ICO Std 2002, which mandates the creation of the RMTC as the governance body for this standard, and pursuant to the authority of the International Communication Organization (ICO) as the issuing body of the standard. Any amendment to these Rules shall require approval by a two-thirds majority of the RMTC and ratification by the ICO Secretary-General.

ICO Std 200211，RMTC，（ICO）。RMTC，ICO。

D.1 Purpose and Scope

D.1.1 Purpose of These Rules of Procedure

The purpose of these Rules of Procedure is to establish a comprehensive governance framework for the operation of the Ranking Methodology Technical Committee (RMTC). Specifically, these Rules:

（RMTC）。，：

a) define the organisational structure, membership, and decision-making processes of the RMTC; RMTC、；

b) establish procedures for the conduct of meetings, deliberations, and communications among committee members;

c) prescribe mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and conflict of interest management;

d) provide a framework for the interaction between the RMTC, the ICO, and external stakeholders; and RMTCICO；

e) ensure that the maintenance and evolution of ICO Std 2002 is conducted in a manner consistent with the principles of openness, fairness, and rigour enshrined in the standard itself. ICO Std 2002、。

Without such a governance framework, the integrity and credibility of the standard could be compromised by ad hoc decision-making, insufficient transparency, or real or perceived conflicts of interest. These Rules are designed to prevent such outcomes and to provide stakeholders with confidence that the standard is governed in accordance with internationally recognised principles of technical governance.

D.1.2 Scope of Application

These Rules of Procedure shall apply to all governance activities undertaken by the RMTC in relation to ICO Std 2002, including but not limited to:

RMTCICO Std 2002，：

a) the consideration and approval of amendments to the core specification (Chapters 0–11);

b) the approval of new extension modules (SE-11 and beyond) and amendments to existing extension modules (SE-01 through SE-10); （SE-11）（SE-01SE-10）；

c) the interpretation of standard provisions in response to requests from ranking entities, auditors, or other stakeholders;

d) the adjudication of appeals relating to the application or interpretation of the standard;

e) the approval and publication of annual transparency reports;

f) the assessment and certification of standard conformance by ranking entities;

g) coordination with other international standards bodies, including IREG, ISO/TC 279, and relevant technical committees; and ，IREG、ISO/TC 279；

h) any other activities related to the maintenance, development, and promotion of ICO Std 2002. ICO Std 2002、。

These Rules shall also apply to any future revision of ICO Std 2002 (e.g., ICO Std 2002:2027 or subsequent editions) unless and until a revised set of Rules is adopted by the RMTC.

ICO Std 2002（ICO Std 2002:2027），RMTC。

The RMTC is established by the International Communication Organization (ICO) pursuant to Chapter 11 of ICO Std 2002. Chapter 11 mandates the creation of a dedicated technical governance body to oversee the maintenance and evolution of the standard, ensuring that its provisions are applied consistently and that its development is guided by expert judgement and stakeholder input.

RMTC（ICO）ICO Std 200211。11，，，。

The authority of the RMTC is derived from two sources: (a) the mandate conferred by ICO as the issuing body of the standard; and (b) the acceptance of the standard by ranking entities, auditors, and other stakeholders who rely on its provisions. The legitimacy of the RMTC thus rests on both institutional authority and stakeholder trust.

RMTC：（a）ICO；（b）、。，RMTC，。

D.1.4 Relationship with the Standard

This Annex is designated as a normative annex of ICO Std 2002. In accordance with the conventions of international standardisation (see ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, Clause 6), a normative annex forms an integral part of the standard and has the same authoritative force as the main body. Compliance with the provisions of this Annex is therefore mandatory for any organisation that claims conformance with ICO Std 2002.

ICO Std 2002。（ISO/IEC26），，。，ICO Std 2002。

In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Annex and the provisions of the main body of the standard, the matter shall be referred to the RMTC for resolution. The RMTC’s interpretation shall be definitive and binding on all parties claiming conformance with the standard.

，RMTC。RMTC，。

D.2 Definitions

For the purposes of these Rules of Procedure, the following definitions shall apply. Where a term is also defined in Chapter 3 of the standard, the definition in Chapter 3 shall prevail unless the context of these Rules requires a different meaning.

D.2.1 Committee

The “Committee” refers to the Ranking Methodology Technical Committee (RMTC), the body established by ICO pursuant to Chapter 11 of ICO Std 2002 to govern the maintenance, interpretation, and evolution of the standard. The term “Committee” shall be used interchangeably with “RMTC” throughout these Rules.

”“（RMTC），ICOICO Std 200211、、。，”"”RMTC”。

D.2.2 Member

A “Member” refers to an individual who has been duly nominated, appointed, and confirmed as a voting member of the Committee in accordance with the procedures specified in Section D.6. Members possess full rights to participate in deliberations, propose motions, and cast votes.

D.2.3 Chair

The “Chair” refers to the presiding officer of the Committee, elected by the Members from among the sitting Members in accordance with D.5.4. The Chair is responsible for convening and presiding over meetings, ensuring orderly conduct of business, and representing the Committee in its external relations. The Chair shall not have a regular vote but shall cast a tie-breaking vote when the votes are equally divided.

D.2.4 Vice-Chair

The “Vice-Chair” refers to the officer elected to assist the Chair and to preside in the Chair’s absence. The Vice-Chair shall be elected from among the Members in accordance with D.5.4 and shall have all the powers and duties of the Chair when acting as presiding officer.

D.2.5 Secretary

The “Secretary” refers to the officer appointed by the ICO Secretary-General to provide administrative and logistical support to the Committee. The Secretary is responsible for maintaining records, distributing meeting materials, preparing minutes, and ensuring the implementation of the Committee’s decisions. The Secretary is not a Member of the Committee and does not have voting rights.

"”ICO、。、、，。，。

D.2.6 Quorum

The “Quorum” refers to the minimum number of Members who must be present (physically or remotely) for the Committee to conduct valid business, as specified in D.7.4. No decision of the Committee shall be valid unless a quorum is present at the time the decision is made.

D.2.7 Observer

An “Observer” refers to an individual or representative of an organisation who has been invited to attend Committee meetings without voting rights, in accordance with D.5.2 (Category E). Observers may participate in discussions at the invitation of the Chair but may not propose motions, vote, or block consensus.

D.2.8 Stakeholder

A “Stakeholder” refers to any individual, organisation, or entity that has a direct or indirect interest in the development, application, or outcomes of ICO Std 2002. Stakeholders include but are not limited to: ranking entities, ranked entities, data providers, auditors, certification bodies, academic institutions, consumer protection organisations, and the general public.

"”ICO Std 2002、、。：、、、、、、。

D.2.9 Conflict of Interest

A “Conflict of Interest” exists when a Member has a personal, financial, professional, or other interest that could reasonably be perceived as influencing, or having the potential to influence, the Member’s objectivity or impartiality in the performance of their duties as a member of the Committee. The types and management of conflicts of interest are specified in Section D.9.

D.2.10 Consensus

“Consensus” refers to a general agreement among the Members participating in a decision, such that no Member present at the time of the decision sustains a strong objection to the proposed course of action. Consensus does not require unanimity; it is characterised by the absence of sustained and substantive opposition.

D.3.1 Establishment Authority

The RMTC is established pursuant to Chapter 11 of ICO Std 2002 (Compliance Declaration and Certification), which mandates the creation of a dedicated technical governance body to: (a) oversee the maintenance and evolution of the standard; (b) adjudicate disputes regarding the interpretation and application of the standard; (c) approve amendments, extension modules, and interpretive guidance; and (d) ensure the ongoing credibility and relevance of the standard.

RMTCICO Std 200211（），，：（a）；（b）；（c）、；（d）。

The RMTC is established as an independent technical governance body under the auspices of the International Communication Organization (ICO). The RMTC operates with operational autonomy in matters of technical decision-making, subject to the overarching authority of the ICO General Assembly in matters of institutional governance, budget, and strategic direction.

RMTC（ICO）。RMTC，、ICO。

The RMTC shall have the authority to: RMTC：

a) adopt and amend its own Rules of Procedure (subject to the requirements of Section D.12);

b) establish sub-committees, working groups, or task forces as may be required;

c) issue interpretive guidance and technical corrigenda to the standard;

d) approve or reject proposals for amendments to the standard; and

e) communicate directly with external bodies on matters within its competence.

D.3.3 Independence Principle

The RMTC shall exercise its functions independently and impartially. The technical decisions of the RMTC — including decisions regarding amendments to the standard, interpretation of provisions, and adjudication of appeals — shall not be influenced by any commercial interest, political pressure, or the interests of any individual ranking entity, ranked entity, or stakeholder group.

RMTC、。RMTC——、——、、。

To safeguard this independence, the following institutional arrangements shall be maintained:

a) Financial independence: The RMTC shall be funded through ICO’s institutional budget, not through fees charged to ranking entities or other commercial revenues. Members shall serve without remuneration but may be reimbursed for reasonable travel and accommodation expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. ：RMTCICO，。，。

b) Appointment independence: While Members are formally appointed by the ICO Secretary-General, the nomination and selection process shall be designed to ensure that appointees are chosen on the basis of their expertise and integrity, not their affiliation with any particular organisation or interest group. ：ICO，，。

c) Decision-making independence: ICO, as the issuing body, may attend RMTC meetings as an observer but shall not participate in RMTC decisions. The ICO Secretary-General retains the authority to ratify amendments approved by the RMTC but may not reject a ratification on technical grounds; ratification may only be withheld on procedural grounds (e.g., if the approval process did not follow the prescribed Rules of Procedure). ：ICO，RMTC，RMTC。ICORMTC，；（，）。

D.3.4 Three Red Lines

The independence of the RMTC is further reinforced by the “Three Red Lines” () established in ICO Std 2002. These fundamental prohibitions constitute non-negotiable constraints on the operation of any ranking system claiming conformance with the standard and, by extension, on the governance of the standard itself:

RMTCICO Std 2002”“。，：

a) Zero Fees (): The RMTC shall not charge any fees to ranking entities, ranked entities, or any other party in connection with its governance activities. The interpretation of standard provisions, the adjudication of appeals, and the provision of compliance guidance shall all be provided free of charge. This prohibition ensures that the RMTC’s decisions cannot be influenced — or perceived to be influenced — by financial considerations. ：RMTC、。、。RMTC————。

b) Zero Score Adjustment (): The RMTC shall not direct or permit any adjustment to the scores or rankings produced by a conformant ranking system for the purpose of favouring or disfavoring any particular entity. The RMTC’s role is to govern the methodology, not the outcomes. Any attempt to manipulate ranking results through the RMTC’s governance mechanisms shall constitute a fundamental breach of these Rules. ：RMTC，。RMTC，。RMTC，。

c) No Political or Administrative Rankings (): The RMTC shall not approve, endorse, or facilitate any ranking system whose primary purpose is to serve as a tool for political evaluation, administrative performance assessment, or government accountability ranking. ICO Std 2002 is designed for the ranking of products, brands, services, educational institutions, cultural heritage, and similar entities — not for the political evaluation of governmental bodies or officials. ：RMTC、、。ICO Std 2002、、、、——。

These three red lines shall be treated as jus cogens provisions of these Rules — that is, peremptory norms from which no derogation is permitted. Any amendment to these Rules that would weaken, qualify, or create exceptions to the Three Red Lines shall be void ab initio.

D.4 Mandate and Functions

D.4.1 Core Functions

The RMTC shall perform the following core functions: RMTC：

a) Approval and Publication of Standard Amendments | : The RMTC shall consider proposals for amendments to the core specification (Chapters 0–11), evaluate their technical merit, and, where appropriate, approve them for inclusion in the next edition or corrigendum of the standard. All amendments shall be subject to the procedures specified in Section D.12. ：RMTC（0–11），，。D.12。

b) Approval of Extension Modules | : The RMTC shall consider proposals for new extension modules (e.g., SE-11 and beyond) and amendments to existing extension modules. Approval shall require a two-thirds majority vote and shall be contingent upon a satisfactory demonstration that the proposed module: (i) addresses a coherent ranking domain not adequately covered by existing modules; (ii) is consistent with the core principles and methodology of the standard; and (iii) has been developed through a consultative process with relevant stakeholders. ：RMTC（SE-11）。，：（i）；（ii）；（iii）。

c) Adjudication of Methodological Disputes | : The RMTC shall serve as the final arbiter of disputes regarding the interpretation or application of the standard’s methodological provisions. Such disputes may arise from: (i) disagreements between ranking entities and auditors regarding conformance determinations; (ii) challenges to the validity of specific methodological provisions; or (iii) requests for interpretive guidance on ambiguous provisions. ：RMTC。：（i）；（ii）；（iii）。

d) Appeal Handling | : The RMTC shall establish and maintain an appeal mechanism (see Appendix D-B) through which any stakeholder may challenge: (i) a conformance determination made by an auditor; (ii) a decision of the RMTC or its sub-committees; or (iii) the alleged non-conformance of a ranking system with the standard. Appeals shall be processed in accordance with the procedures specified in Appendix D-B. ：RMTC（D-B），：（i）；（ii）RMTC；（iii）。D-B。

e) Annual Transparency Reporting | : The RMTC shall prepare and publish an annual transparency report within the first quarter of each calendar year, covering the activities of the preceding year. The content requirements for the annual transparency report are specified in Section D.10. ：RMTC。D.10。

f) Conformance Certification Assessment | : The RMTC shall establish criteria and procedures for the accreditation of certification bodies that assess ranking systems for conformance with ICO Std 2002. The RMTC shall periodically review the performance of accredited certification bodies and may revoke accreditation for cause. ：RMTCICO Std 2002。RMTC，。

g) International Liaison and Coordination | : The RMTC shall maintain active liaison with relevant international standards bodies, including: (i) IREG (International Ranking Expert Group); (ii) ISO/TC 279 (Innovation Management); (iii) ISO/CASCO (Conformity Assessment); and (iv) other bodies whose work intersects with ranking methodology. The RMTC may establish formal liaison agreements with these bodies, including the exchange of observers and the harmonisation of requirements. ：RMTC，：（i）IREG（）；（ii）ISO/TC 279（）；（iii）ISO/CASCO（）；（iv）。RMTC，。

D.4.2 Boundaries — What the RMTC Does Not Do

For the avoidance of doubt, the RMTC shall not: ，RMTC：

a) Directly execute rankings: The RMTC is a governance body, not a ranking entity. It shall not design, implement, or publish any ranking system. Its role is to set and enforce the methodological standards by which ranking entities operate, not to conduct rankings itself. ：RMTC，。、。，。

b) Participate in commercial operations: The RMTC shall not engage in any commercial activity, including the sale of ranking data, licensing of ranking methodologies, or provision of consulting services to ranking entities. The zero-fee principle (see D.3.4) applies to all RMTC activities. ：RMTC，、。（D.3.4）RMTC。

c) Substitute for audit bodies: The RMTC shall not perform the functions of an independent audit or certification body. While the RMTC establishes the criteria and procedures for conformance assessment, the actual assessment shall be carried out by independent, accredited audit bodies. The separation of standard-setting (RMTC) from assessment (audit bodies) is a fundamental governance principle. ：RMTC。RMTC，、。（RMTC）（）。

d) Engage in political or administrative evaluations: Consistent with the third red line (see D.3.4(c)), the RMTC shall not facilitate or endorse any ranking system designed for political evaluation or government performance assessment. ：（D.3.4(c)），RMTC。

D.5 Composition of the Committee

D.5.1 Size

The Committee shall comprise a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of fifteen (15) voting Members. The number of Members shall, wherever practicable, be an odd number to minimise the likelihood of tied votes. The exact number of Members shall be determined by the RMTC at its inaugural meeting and may be adjusted by a two-thirds majority vote as circumstances require, subject to the minimum and maximum limits specified herein.

（7）、（15）。，。RMTC，，。

D.5.2 Categories of Seats

The Members of the Committee shall be distributed across five categories to ensure balanced representation of the diverse expertise and perspectives required for effective governance of the standard:

**Category A: Methodology Experts A：**

A minimum of two (2) Members shall be methodology experts, defined as individuals with demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following fields: ranking methodology, statistics, psychometrics, evaluation science, data science, or a related quantitative discipline. Category A Members shall hold at least a doctoral degree or equivalent professional experience in their field of expertise, and shall have a record of published contributions to their discipline.

**Category B: Industry Representatives B：**

A minimum of two (2) Members shall be industry representatives, defined as individuals with substantial professional experience in a domain subject to ranking (including but not limited to brand management, education, tourism, cultural heritage, consumer products, and sustainability). Category B Members shall be nominated by recognised industry bodies or professional associations and shall provide a letter of support from their nominating organisation.

**Category C: Independent Audit/Legal Experts C：/**

A minimum of one (1) Member shall be an independent audit or legal expert, defined as an individual with professional qualifications and experience in auditing, quality assurance, conformity assessment, or legal practice related to standards or technical regulation. Category C Members play a critical role in ensuring the procedural integrity of the RMTC’s operations and the enforceability of its decisions.

（1），、、。CRMTC。

**Category D: ICO Appointed Representatives D：ICO**

One to two (1–2) Members shall be appointed directly by the ICO to serve as standing representatives. Category D Members serve as the institutional link between the ICO and the RMTC, ensuring alignment between the standard’s governance and the ICO’s strategic direction. Category D Members shall not hold any position within the ICO’s executive management to preserve the RMTC’s operational independence.

（1）（2）ICO。DICORMTC，ICO。DICO，RMTC。

**Category E: Observers E：**

There shall be no limit on the number of Observers. Observers may be representatives of academic institutions, international organisations, civil society groups, standards bodies, or other entities with an interest in the governance of ranking methodology. Observers shall have the right to attend meetings, receive meeting materials, and participate in discussions (at the Chair’s discretion), but shall not have voting rights, may not propose motions, and may not block consensus. Observers may be invited to serve on working groups or sub-committees.

D.5.3 Diversity Requirements

The composition of the Committee shall reflect the following diversity principles:

a) Geographic distribution: The Members shall, to the extent practicable, represent a balanced geographic distribution across at least three of the following regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America. No single region shall account for more than half of the voting Members.

b) Gender balance: The ICO and the RMTC shall strive for gender balance in the composition of the Committee. As a target, neither gender shall constitute less than 30% of the voting Members. ：ICORMTC。，30%。

c) Professional complementarity: The Members collectively shall possess expertise spanning the full range of competencies required for the RMTC’s mandate, including methodological rigour, domain knowledge, audit and quality assurance, legal and regulatory expertise, and stakeholder engagement. ：RMTC，、、、。

D.5.4 Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

The Chair and Vice-Chair shall be elected by the voting Members from among their number at the first meeting of each committee term (see D.6.4). The election shall be conducted by secret ballot. A candidate shall be elected if they receive a majority of the votes cast. If no candidate receives a majority in the first round, a second round shall be held between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes.

The Chair and Vice-Chair shall each serve a term of two (2) years, coinciding with the regular meeting cycle. They may be re-elected once for an additional two-year term. The Chair and Vice-Chair shall not be from the same Category of membership.

D.6 Nomination, Appointment and Term

D.6.1 Nomination Procedures

Candidates for membership in the RMTC may be nominated through either of the following two channels:

RMTC：

a) Self-nomination: Any individual who meets the eligibility criteria for the relevant Category may submit a self-nomination to the Secretary, accompanied by: (i) a curriculum vitae; (ii) a statement of interest explaining the candidate’s motivation and relevant expertise; and (iii) for Category B candidates, a letter of support from a recognised industry body or professional association. ：，：（i）；（ii）；（iii）B，。

b) Nomination by a Member or Stakeholder Organisation: Any sitting Member of the RMTC, or any recognised stakeholder organisation, may nominate a candidate by submitting to the Secretary: (i) the candidate’s curriculum vitae; (ii) a letter of nomination explaining the basis for the recommendation; and (iii) the candidate’s written consent to be nominated. ：RMTC：（i）；（ii）；（iii）。

All nominations shall be submitted to the Secretary no later than sixty (60) days before the scheduled date of the meeting at which the appointment is to be considered.

D.6.2 Qualification Review

Upon receipt of all nominations, the Secretary shall compile a list of candidates and distribute it to all sitting Members no later than forty-five (45) days before the scheduled meeting. The Members shall review the qualifications of each candidate and may raise objections within fifteen (15) days of receipt.

The appointment of each candidate shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the sitting Members. Voting shall be conducted by secret ballot. Members shall evaluate candidates based on their professional qualifications, relevant experience, and capacity to contribute to the RMTC’s mandate.

。。、RMTC。

D.6.3 Formal Appointment

Following the affirmative vote of the Members, the Secretary shall submit the list of approved candidates to the ICO Secretary-General for formal appointment. The ICO Secretary-General shall issue a letter of appointment to each approved candidate within thirty (30) days of receipt of the RMTC’s resolution.

，ICO。ICORMTC（30）。

The letter of appointment shall specify: (a) the Category of membership; (b) the term of appointment; (c) the rights and responsibilities of membership; and (d) the requirement to sign the Code of Conduct (see Appendix D-A).

D.6.4 Term of Office

Each Member shall serve a term of three (3) years, commencing from the date specified in their letter of appointment. A Member may be reappointed for one additional term of three (3) years, for a maximum total service of six (6) years. After completing the maximum term, a Member shall be ineligible for reappointment for a period of at least two (2) years.

D.6.5 Staggered Terms

To ensure continuity of the Committee’s work, the terms of the initial Members shall be staggered. At the inaugural meeting, the ICO, in consultation with the elected Chair, shall designate approximately half of the initial Members to serve an initial term of two (2) years, with the remainder serving an initial term of three (3) years. This ensures that not all Members’ terms expire simultaneously, preserving institutional memory and operational continuity.

，。，ICO，（2），（3）。，。

D.6.6 Filling of Vacancies

In the event that a vacancy arises during a Member’s term — whether due to resignation, death, incapacitation, removal (see D.6.7), or any other cause — the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the following procedures:

a) The Secretary shall notify the Committee of the vacancy within seven (7) days of its occurrence;

b) Nominations for the vacant seat shall be solicited in accordance with D.6.1;

c) The replacement Member shall be appointed in accordance with D.6.2 and D.6.3; and

d) The replacement Member shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. If the unexpired term exceeds two (2) years, this period shall count as a full term for the purposes of D.6.4.

D.6.7 Removal from Office

A Member may be removed from office by a two-thirds majority vote of the other Members in any of the following circumstances:

a) Serious breach of the Code of Conduct: The Member has committed a serious breach of the RMTC Code of Conduct (see Appendix D-A), including but not limited to: failure to disclose a material conflict of interest; misuse of confidential information; or conduct that brings the RMTC or ICO into disrepute. ：RMTC（D-A），：；；RMTCICO。

b) Persistent absence: The Member has failed to attend three (3) consecutive meetings of the Committee without providing a satisfactory explanation. The Chair shall issue a written warning after the second consecutive absence.

c) Failure to manage conflict of interest: The Member has failed to recuse themselves from a matter in which they have a declared conflict of interest, in violation of D.9.2.

d) Incapacity: The Member is, by reason of physical or mental incapacity, unable to perform the duties of membership.

The Member under consideration for removal shall be given written notice of the proposed removal, the grounds therefor, and an opportunity to be heard by the Committee before the vote is taken. The Member under consideration shall not participate in the vote on their own removal.

D.7 Meetings

D.7.1 Regular Meetings

The Committee shall hold regular meetings at least twice per calendar year (i.e., at minimum once every six months). The schedule of regular meetings for the forthcoming year shall be agreed upon at the last regular meeting of the preceding year and communicated to all Members by the Secretary no later than thirty (30) days before the first scheduled meeting.

Additional agenda items may be proposed by any Member no later than twenty-one (21) days before the meeting date. The Chair, in consultation with the Secretary, shall finalise the agenda and distribute it to all Members.

D.7.2 Extraordinary Meetings

An extraordinary meeting of the Committee may be convened by:

a) the Chair, acting on their own initiative; or

b) a written request signed by at least one-third (1/3) of the voting Members, specifying the matters to be considered.

An extraordinary meeting convened pursuant to a Member request shall be scheduled within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request by the Secretary. The Secretary shall notify all Members of the date, time, and provisional agenda of the extraordinary meeting no later than fourteen (14) days before the meeting.

D.7.3 Modes of Meeting

Meetings of the Committee may be held in any of the following modes:

a) In-person: Members physically assemble at a location determined by the Chair;

b) Remote: Members participate via videoconference, teleconference, or other real-time communication technology, provided that all Members can hear and speak to each other simultaneously;

c) Hybrid: Some Members attend in person while others participate remotely, subject to the condition that all Members can hear and speak to each other simultaneously.

The Chair shall determine the mode of each meeting, taking into account Members’ preferences, budget constraints, and the urgency and complexity of the matters to be considered.

D.7.4 Quorum

The quorum for a meeting of the Committee shall be two-thirds (2/3) of the total number of voting Members (including vacant seats). No business shall be transacted at a meeting unless a quorum is present at the time the business is conducted.

If a quorum is not present within thirty (30) minutes of the scheduled start time, the meeting shall be adjourned and reconvened at a time determined by the Chair, no sooner than seven (7) days and no later than twenty-one (21) days after the adjourned meeting. At the reconvened meeting, the quorum requirement shall be reduced to one-half (1/2) of the total number of voting Members.

D.7.5 Agenda and Meeting Materials

The Secretary shall distribute the agenda and all supporting materials to all Members no later than fourteen (14) days before the scheduled date of each meeting. The materials shall include:

a) the proposed agenda, with estimated time allocations for each item;

b) minutes of the previous meeting (for confirmation);

c) all papers, proposals, and background documents relevant to the matters to be considered;

d) any written comments received from stakeholders or observers; and

e) a list of declared conflicts of interest relevant to the agenda items.

D.7.6 Minutes

The Secretary shall prepare draft minutes of each meeting and distribute them to all Members no later than fourteen (14) days after the conclusion of the meeting. The minutes shall record:

a) the date, time, location, and mode of the meeting;

b) the Members present and absent;

c) the agenda items considered;

d) the decisions taken, including the voting results (for, against, abstentions) for each matter decided by vote;

e) any dissenting opinions expressed by Members;

f) any declarations of conflict of interest and the resulting recusal actions; and

g) the date and location of the next meeting.

The draft minutes shall be confirmed (with or without amendments) at the next regular meeting. Once confirmed, the minutes shall be signed by the Chair and become the official record of the meeting.

D.7.7 Public Accessibility

The minutes of Committee meetings shall be made publicly available on the ICO Std 2002 website within thirty (30) days of their confirmation, subject to the redaction of:

（30）ICO Std 2002，：

a) information relating to specific appeal cases under consideration (to protect the confidentiality of the parties involved); and

b) personal information of Members or third parties that is not relevant to the Committee’s decisions (to comply with data protection obligations).

The principle of public accessibility reflects the RMTC’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and is consistent with the transparency requirements of the standard itself (see Chapter 9 of ICO Std 2002).

RMTC，（ICO Std 20029）。

D.8 Decision-Making

D.8.1 Consensus First

The Committee shall endeavour to make all decisions by consensus. The Chair shall facilitate discussion aimed at achieving consensus, and shall not call for a vote until it is clear that further discussion is unlikely to produce consensus. Members are encouraged to express their views openly and constructively, and to seek compromises that accommodate legitimate concerns.

D.8.2 Voting Rules

Where consensus cannot be achieved, the following voting rules shall apply:

a) Ordinary matters: Decisions on ordinary matters (as defined in D.8.3) shall be made by a simple majority of the votes cast by Members present and entitled to vote. In the event of a tied vote, the Chair shall cast a deciding vote.

b) Major matters: Decisions on major matters (as defined in D.8.3) shall require a two-thirds majority of the votes cast by Members present and entitled to vote. In the event of a tied vote on a major matter, the proposal shall be deemed not carried.

D.8.3 Definition of Major Matters

The following decisions shall constitute “major matters” requiring a two-thirds majority:

a) amendments to the core specification (Chapters 0–11) of ICO Std 2002; ICO Std 2002（0–11）；

b) approval of new extension modules or substantive amendments to existing extension modules;

c) amendments to these Rules of Procedure (see Section D.12);

d) adoption or revision of the RMTC Code of Conduct (see Appendix D-A); RMTC（D-A）；

e) adoption or revision of the Appeal Handling Procedure (see Appendix D-B);

f) decisions to revoke the accreditation of a certification body;

g) decisions on the interpretation of the “Three Red Lines” (see D.3.4);

h) decisions regarding the establishment of formal liaison agreements with external organisations; and

i) any other matter designated as a “major matter” by the Chair or by a two-thirds majority of the Members.

D.8.4 Correspondence Voting

In cases of urgency where a decision cannot be deferred until the next scheduled meeting, the Chair may initiate a correspondence vote. The procedures for correspondence voting shall be as follows:

a) The Secretary shall distribute the proposal and all relevant background materials to all Members by electronic means (email or secure voting platform);

b) Members shall have seven (7) calendar days from the date of distribution to cast their vote;

c) For ordinary matters, a simple majority of the votes cast shall suffice; for major matters, a two-thirds majority shall be required; and

d) The quorum requirement for correspondence voting shall be two-thirds (2/3) of all voting Members (not merely those present at a meeting).

The result of a correspondence vote shall be recorded in the minutes of the next regular meeting and shall have the same force and effect as a decision made at an in-person meeting.

D.8.5 Role of the Chair in Voting

The Chair shall not participate in ordinary votes. The Chair shall only cast a vote in the following circumstances:

a) to break a tied vote on an ordinary matter, in which case the Chair’s vote shall be the deciding vote; or

b) if the Chair is also a voting Member by virtue of their Category (e.g., Category A through D), the Chair may participate in votes on major matters, but shall not cast an additional tie-breaking vote beyond their regular vote.

D.8.6 Record of Decisions

Every decision of the Committee shall be recorded in writing, including:

a) the precise text of the resolution or decision;

b) the voting result (number of votes for, against, and abstentions, and the number of Members not present);

c) a summary of any dissenting opinions, including the name(s) of the dissenting Member(s) and the substance of their objection; and

d) the date on which the decision was made and the means by which (in-person meeting or correspondence vote).

This record shall form part of the meeting minutes and shall be preserved in accordance with the RMTC’s records management policy.

，RMTC。

D.9 Conflict of Interest

D.9.1 Disclosure Obligation

Every Member shall submit a Declaration of Interest to the Secretary:

a) upon appointment, within fourteen (14) days of receiving their letter of appointment;

b) annually, no later than 31 January of each calendar year; and

c) on an ad hoc basis, whenever a new interest arises that is materially different from or additional to those previously disclosed.

The Declaration of Interest shall use the standard form prescribed by the RMTC and shall disclose all interests that could reasonably be perceived as relevant to the Member’s duties. Failure to submit a Declaration of Interest within the prescribed timeframe shall be grounds for the Chair to issue a written reminder and, if the failure persists for more than thirty (30) days, may constitute grounds for removal under D.6.7.

RMTC，。，（30），D.6.7。

D.9.2 Recusal Rules

A Member who has a direct interest in a matter being considered by the Committee shall:

a) disclose the nature of their interest before the matter is discussed;

b) withdraw from the discussion of the matter; and

c) withdraw from the voting on the matter.

The Chair shall be responsible for determining whether a Member’s declared interest requires recusal. In the event that the Chair’s own interest is in question, the Vice-Chair shall make the determination. If any Member disagrees with the Chair’s or Vice-Chair’s determination, the matter shall be referred to the Committee for resolution by a majority vote (excluding the Member whose interest is in question).

D.9.3 Types of Conflict of Interest

The following categories of interest shall be disclosed and managed in accordance with D.9.1 and D.9.2. This list is not exhaustive; any interest that could reasonably be perceived as compromising a Member’s impartiality shall be disclosed regardless of whether it falls within a listed category.

a) Financial interest: Direct or indirect financial interest in a ranking entity, ranked entity, data provider, or audit body that is subject to or affected by the Committee’s deliberations. This includes shareholdings, consultancy fees, and other financial arrangements.

b) Employment or office-holding relationship: Current or recent (within the past two years) employment, board membership, or advisory relationship with an organisation that could be affected by the Committee’s decisions.

c) Academic or professional competition: An ongoing academic or professional competitive relationship with an individual or organisation that is the subject of or affected by the Committee’s deliberations (e.g., competing for the same research grant, co-authoring a competing methodology).

d) Personal relationship: A close personal or family relationship with an individual who is directly affected by the matter under consideration.

e) Recent commercial engagement: A commercial relationship (e.g., client, vendor, partner) with an organisation affected by the Committee’s deliberations that was active within the past two (2) years or is reasonably expected to become active.

D.9.4 Consequences of Non-disclosure or Non-recusal

If it is determined that a Member failed to disclose a conflict of interest or failed to recuse themselves in circumstances where recusal was required:

a) the Committee may, by a two-thirds majority vote, invalidate any decision in which the Member participated in breach of these Rules;

b) the Member may be subject to removal from office in accordance with D.6.7; and

c) the incident shall be recorded in the annual transparency report (see D.10.1).

D.9.5 Whistleblowing Mechanism

Any stakeholder may report an undisclosed conflict of interest to the Secretary or, if the report concerns the Secretary, directly to the Chair. Reports may be made anonymously. The Committee shall investigate all reports in good faith and shall take appropriate action in accordance with D.9.4 where warranted.

The Committee shall not take any retaliatory action against any person who makes a report in good faith, even if the report is ultimately found to be unsubstantiated.

D.10 Transparency and Reporting

D.10.1 Annual Transparency Report

The RMTC shall prepare and publish an Annual Transparency Report within the first quarter of each calendar year. The report shall cover the activities of the preceding calendar year and shall include, at a minimum:

RMTC。，：

a) Membership roster and changes: A complete list of current Members, including their Category, term of appointment, and professional affiliation. Any changes in membership during the year (appointments, resignations, removals) shall be noted with the date and reason.

b) Meetings held and key decisions: A summary of all meetings held during the year, including the mode of each meeting, the number of agenda items considered, and a summary of key decisions taken.

c) Standard amendments and new extension modules: The status of any proposals for amendments to the standard or new extension modules considered during the year, including the outcome of the consideration (approved, rejected, deferred) and a brief rationale.

d) Appeals received and outcomes: The number and nature of appeals received during the year, the outcome of each appeal (upheld, dismissed, partially upheld), and any systemic issues identified through the appeal process.

e) Conflict of interest disclosures and recusals: A summary of all Declarations of Interest submitted during the year and all instances of recusal, without identifying specific cases in a manner that could compromise confidentiality.

f) Work plan for the coming year: A forward-looking statement of the RMTC’s planned activities for the coming year, including the agenda for the next round of standard amendments, scheduled meetings, and any planned outreach or liaison activities. ：RMTC，、。

D.10.2 Public Information

The following information shall be made publicly available on the ICO Std 2002 website:

ICO Std 2002：

a) confirmed minutes of Committee meetings (subject to redaction per D.7.7);

b) summaries of key decisions and resolutions;

c) the Annual Transparency Report for each year;

d) the current membership roster of the Committee;

e) these Rules of Procedure, as amended from time to time; and

f) the RMTC Code of Conduct and Appeal Handling Procedure. RMTC。

D.10.3 Confidentiality Obligations

Notwithstanding the general principle of transparency, the following information shall be treated as confidential:

a) details of specific appeal cases under consideration, until the appeal has been resolved and the decision communicated to the parties;

b) personal information of Members or third parties that is not relevant to the Committee’s functions (e.g., home addresses, personal contact details, medical information);

c) draft documents and working papers that have not been approved for publication; and

d) any other information designated as confidential by the Committee by a two-thirds majority vote.

Members, Observers, and the Secretary shall be bound by the confidentiality obligations set out in the Code of Conduct (see Appendix D-A).

D.10.4 Stakeholder Engagement

The RMTC shall organise at least one public comment period per calendar year, during which any stakeholder may submit written comments on:

RMTC，：

a) proposed amendments to the standard;

b) proposed new extension modules;

c) proposed amendments to these Rules of Procedure; or

d) any other matter of general interest relating to the governance or application of the standard.

The public comment period shall last no less than thirty (30) calendar days. The Secretary shall publish a summary of all comments received and a statement of how the comments were taken into account.

D.11 Relationship with ICO and Other Bodies

D.11.1 Relationship with ICO

The RMTC is an independent technical governance body established under the auspices of the International Communication Organization (ICO). The relationship between the RMTC and the ICO is characterised by the following principles:

RMTC（ICO）。RMTCICO：

a) Administrative support: The ICO shall provide the RMTC with administrative, logistical, and financial support, including secretarial services, meeting facilities, website hosting, and communication infrastructure. ：ICORMTC、，、、。

b) Non-interference in technical decisions: The ICO shall not interfere with or direct the technical decisions of the RMTC. The ICO Secretary-General’s role is limited to the formal ratification of decisions made by the RMTC in accordance with these Rules. ：ICORMTC。ICORMTC。

c) Budget provision: The ICO shall include the RMTC’s operational budget in its institutional budget, ensuring adequate resources for the Committee’s activities. The RMTC shall submit an annual budget proposal to the ICO for inclusion in the institutional budget cycle. ：ICORMTC，。RMTCICO，。

D.11.2 Role of ICO

In its relationship with the RMTC, the ICO serves in the following capacities:

RMTC，ICO：

a) Standard owner: ICO is the issuing body and intellectual property rights holder of ICO Std 2002. All decisions regarding the publication and distribution of the standard are ultimately the responsibility of the ICO. ：ICOICO Std 2002。ICO。

b) Final appointing authority: ICO Secretary-General formally appoints all Members of the RMTC based on the Committee’s nomination decisions. ：ICORMTC。

c) Funding provider: ICO provides the financial resources necessary for the RMTC’s operations, in accordance with the approved annual budget. ：ICORMTC。

D.11.3 Relationship with Audit Bodies

The RMTC and independent audit bodies serve complementary but distinct functions within the ICO Std 2002 ecosystem:

RMTCICO Std 2002：

a) The RMTC is responsible for the development, interpretation, and maintenance of the methodological standard. It sets the rules; it does not enforce them through direct assessment. RMTC、。，。

b) Independent audit bodies are responsible for assessing the conformance of ranking systems with the standard. They apply the rules; they do not make them.

c) The separation of standard-setting (RMTC) from assessment (audit bodies) is a fundamental governance principle designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure the integrity of the conformance assessment process. （RMTC）（），。

The RMTC may, where appropriate, provide interpretive guidance to audit bodies on the application of the standard. However, the RMTC shall not direct or influence the outcome of any specific audit or conformance determination.

RMTC。RMTC。

D.11.4 Relationship with International Standards Bodies

The RMTC shall maintain active liaison with relevant international standards bodies to ensure coherence and mutual recognition. Key liaison relationships include:

RMTC，。：

a) IREG (International Ranking Expert Group): The RMTC shall maintain observer-level liaison with IREG, given the foundational role of the IREG Berlin Principles in the development of ICO Std 2002. The RMTC should participate in IREG conferences and working groups where appropriate. IREG（）：IREGICO Std 2002，RMTCIREG。RMTCIREG。

b) ISO/TC 279 (Innovation Management): The RMTC should maintain liaison with ISO/TC 279 and other relevant ISO technical committees to ensure alignment of terminology and procedures, particularly in areas where ICO Std 2002 interfaces with ISO standards. ISO/TC 279（）：RMTCISO/TC 279ISO，，ICO Std 2002ISO。

c) Other bodies: The RMTC may establish liaison relationships with other international bodies whose work intersects with ranking methodology, including but not limited to academic ranking initiatives, consumer protection organisations, and quality assurance bodies. ：RMTC，、。

D.11.5 Relationship with Standard Users

The RMTC shall establish and maintain effective channels of communication with ranking practitioners and other users of the standard. This includes:

RMTC。：

a) maintaining a dedicated communication channel (e.g., email address, web portal) for receiving questions and requests for interpretive guidance from ranking entities;

b) publishing periodic FAQs, technical notes, or guidance documents addressing common questions and emerging issues;

c) organising an annual stakeholder consultation event (which may be co-located with a regular RMTC meeting) to gather feedback on the standard’s application and identify areas for improvement; and （RMTC），；

d) maintaining a relationship with ICO Std 2001 (DPP-CQ) governance bodies to ensure coherence between data quality standards and ranking methodology standards. ICO Std 2001（DPP-CQ），。

D.12 Amendments to These Rules

D.12.1 Right to Propose Amendments

Amendments to these Rules of Procedure may be proposed by:

a) any three (3) or more voting Members acting jointly; or

b) the ICO Secretariat. ICO。

Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary and shall include: (i) the text of the proposed amendment; (ii) a statement of the rationale for the amendment; and (iii) an assessment of the impact of the amendment on the RMTC’s operations.

，：（i）；（ii）；（iii）RMTC。

D.12.2 Amendment Procedure

The procedure for amending these Rules shall be as follows:

a) Distribution: The Secretary shall distribute the proposed amendment to all Members and Observers within seven (7) days of receipt.

b) Public comment period: The proposed amendment shall be published for public comment for a period of no less than thirty (30) calendar days.

c) Consideration: The RMTC shall consider the proposed amendment, together with any comments received, at its next regular meeting (or at an extraordinary meeting convened for the purpose). ：RMTC（）。

d) Approval: The amendment shall require the affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority of the voting Members.

e) Ratification: Following approval by the RMTC, the amendment shall be submitted to the ICO Secretary-General for ratification. The ICO Secretary-General shall ratify or return the amendment within thirty (30) days. ：RMTC，ICO。ICO（30）。

f) Effective date: The amendment shall take effect on the date specified in the ratification or, if no date is specified, thirty (30) days after ratification.

D.12.3 Protection of Independence

No amendment to these Rules shall have the effect of weakening, qualifying, or creating exceptions to the independence protections set out in Section D.3 (including the Three Red Lines specified in D.3.4). Any amendment purporting to have such effect shall be void ab initio.

D.12.4 Amendment History

All amendments to these Rules shall be recorded in an amendment history table, which shall be published on the ICO Std 2002 website and appended to each printed or electronic version of the Rules. The amendment history shall include:

，ICO Std 2002，。：

a) the amendment number;

b) the date of approval;

c) a brief description of the amendment; and

d) the effective date.

D.13 Transitional Provisions

D.13.1 Formation of the Initial Committee

Within ninety (90) days of the publication of ICO Std 2002, the ICO Secretariat shall organise the nomination and appointment of the initial Members of the RMTC in accordance with the procedures specified in Section D.6. The ICO Secretariat shall:

ICO Std 2002（90），ICOD.6RMTC。ICO：

a) publish a call for nominations on the ICO Std 2002 website and through relevant professional and academic networks; ICO Std 2002；

b) review all nominations received and compile a shortlist of candidates for each Category;

c) convene a nomination panel (comprising at least two ICO representatives and one independent expert) to evaluate the candidates; and （ICO）；

d) submit the approved candidates to the ICO Secretary-General for formal appointment. ICO。

D.13.2 Inaugural Meeting

The inaugural meeting of the RMTC shall be convened by the ICO Secretariat within thirty (30) days of the formal appointment of the initial Members. At the inaugural meeting, the Members shall:

RMTCICO（30）。，：

a) confirm their appointments and sign the Code of Conduct;

b) elect the Chair and Vice-Chair in accordance with D.5.4;

c) determine the exact number of Members within the range specified in D.5.1;

d) agree on the schedule of regular meetings for the first year; and

e) consider any urgent matters carried over from the standard development process.

D.13.3 Staggered Initial Terms

At the inaugural meeting, the ICO, in consultation with the elected Chair, shall designate approximately half of the initial Members to serve an initial term of two (2) years, with the remainder serving an initial term of three (3) years, in accordance with D.6.5. The designation shall be made with a view to ensuring that the Categories of membership are approximately equally represented in each cohort.

，ICO，D.6.5（2），（3）。。

D.13.4 Interim Authority

During the period between the publication of ICO Std 2002 and the constitution of the RMTC (i.e., the period described in D.13.1 and D.13.2), the maintenance and interpretation of the standard shall be the responsibility of the ICO Secretariat. The ICO Secretariat may issue interpretive guidance and technical corrigenda during this interim period, but shall not approve substantive amendments to the standard. Any substantive amendments prepared during the interim period shall be held in abeyance until the RMTC is constituted and can consider them.

ICO Std 2002RMTC（D.13.1D.13.2），ICO。ICO，。，RMTC。

Appendix D-A: RMTC Code of Conduct

D-A.1 General Principles

All Members of the RMTC, upon appointment, shall sign and be bound by this Code of Conduct. The Code establishes the ethical and professional standards expected of Members in the performance of their duties. Breach of this Code may result in disciplinary action, including removal from office in accordance with D.6.7.

RMTC。。，D.6.7。

D-A.2 Confidentiality Obligation

Members shall maintain the confidentiality of all information designated as confidential by the Committee, including but not limited to: draft documents, working papers, unpublished decisions, details of appeal cases, and personal information of other Members or third parties.

The confidentiality obligation shall continue after the Member’s term of office has ended. Members shall not disclose confidential information for personal benefit or for the benefit of any third party, whether during or after their tenure.

Members shall take reasonable measures to protect confidential information in their possession, including secure storage of documents and electronic files, and shall not transmit confidential information through unsecured communication channels.

D-A.3 Impartiality Commitment

Members shall perform their duties with complete impartiality and shall not allow any external pressure, personal interest, or organisational affiliation to influence their judgement or decisions.

Members shall base their contributions on objective evidence, professional expertise, and the requirements of the standard, not on the interests of any particular organisation, sector, or stakeholder group.

Members shall disclose any circumstance that could reasonably be perceived as affecting their impartiality, including but not limited to those specified in D.9.3, and shall comply promptly with any recusal determination made in accordance with D.9.2.

D-A.4 Diligence Obligation

Members shall devote sufficient time and attention to the performance of their duties, including: preparing for and attending meetings (aiming for 100% attendance); reviewing meeting materials in advance; contributing constructively to deliberations; and completing any assigned tasks within agreed deadlines.

Members who anticipate being unable to attend a meeting shall notify the Secretary as early as possible, providing the reason for their absence. Persistent failure to attend meetings without satisfactory explanation may result in removal in accordance with D.6.7(b).

D-A.5 Disclosure Obligation

Members shall comply fully and promptly with the disclosure obligations set out in Section D.9, including submitting the Declaration of Interest upon appointment, annually, and on an ad hoc basis as required.

Members shall also disclose any other information that may be relevant to their ability to perform their duties, including any criminal convictions, professional disciplinary actions, or circumstances that could affect their reputation or the reputation of the RMTC.

，、RMTC。

D-A.6 Post-Tenure Obligations

After the end of their term of office, former Members shall:

a) continue to observe the confidentiality obligation set out in D-A.2;

b) not represent themselves as current Members of the RMTC or use the RMTC affiliation to promote personal or commercial interests; and RMTCRMTC；

c) cooperate with the RMTC in the orderly transfer of any documents, records, or materials in their possession relating to the Committee’s work. RMTC、。

Former Members may be invited to serve as advisors or consultants to the RMTC on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the Chair and the absence of any conflict of interest.

RMTC，。

Appendix D-B: Appeal Handling Procedure

D-B.1 Scope and Purpose

This Appendix establishes the procedure for handling appeals under ICO Std 2002. Any stakeholder may file an appeal in accordance with this procedure if they believe that:

ICO Std 2002。，：

a) a conformance determination made by an accredited certification body is incorrect or procedurally flawed;

b) a decision of the RMTC or its sub-committees is inconsistent with these Rules of Procedure or with the provisions of the standard; or RMTC；

c) a ranking system that claims conformance with ICO Std 2002 does not in fact meet the requirements of the standard. ICO Std 2002。

D-B.2 Conditions for Admissibility

An appeal shall be admissible only if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

a) the appellant is a stakeholder as defined in D.2.8;

b) the appeal is submitted in writing within ninety (90) calendar days of the date on which the appellant became aware (or should reasonably have become aware) of the decision or circumstance being challenged;

c) the appeal identifies the specific decision or circumstance being challenged and the grounds for the challenge;

d) the appeal has not been previously adjudicated by the RMTC (res judicata); and RMTC（）；

e) the appeal is not frivolous, vexatious, or manifestly without foundation.

D-B.3 Appeal Handling Process

The appeal handling process shall consist of the following stages:

**Stage 1: Submission ：**

The appellant shall submit a written appeal to the Secretary, including: (i) the appellant’s name and contact information; (ii) a description of the decision or circumstance being challenged; (iii) the grounds for the appeal; (iv) any supporting evidence or documentation; and (v) the outcome sought.

，：（i）；（ii）；（iii）；（iv）；（v）。

**Stage 2: Preliminary Review ：**

The Secretary shall acknowledge receipt of the appeal within seven (7) calendar days. The Chair (or Vice-Chair, if the Chair has a conflict of interest) shall conduct a preliminary review to determine whether the appeal is admissible under D-B.2. The preliminary review shall be completed within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt.

If the appeal is found to be inadmissible, the appellant shall be notified in writing with a brief statement of the reasons. The appellant may rectify any deficiencies and resubmit within thirty (30) calendar days.

**Stage 3: Investigation ：**

If the appeal is admitted, the Chair shall appoint an Appeal Panel comprising three (3) Members who have no conflict of interest in the matter. The Appeal Panel shall:

a) review all documentation submitted by the appellant and by the party against whom the appeal is directed;

b) request additional information from either party as necessary;

c) conduct interviews or hearings as deemed appropriate; and

d) prepare a draft finding within sixty (60) calendar days of the appeal’s admission.

**Stage 4: Hearing ：**

If the Appeal Panel determines that a hearing is necessary, both parties shall be invited to present their case. The hearing may be conducted in person, remotely, or in writing, at the discretion of the Appeal Panel. Both parties shall have the right to:

a) present evidence and arguments;

b) respond to the other party’s evidence and arguments; and

c) be accompanied by a representative or advisor.

**Stage 5: Decision ：**

The Appeal Panel shall issue a written decision within fourteen (14) calendar days of the conclusion of the hearing (or, if no hearing was held, within fourteen (14) calendar days of the completion of the investigation). The decision shall include:

a) a summary of the facts;

b) the grounds for the decision;

c) the outcome (appeal upheld, dismissed, or partially upheld); and

d) any remedial actions required.

The decision of the Appeal Panel shall be reviewed and endorsed by the full Committee at its next meeting. The endorsement shall require a simple majority vote.

**Stage 6: Notification ：**

The Secretary shall notify both parties of the Committee’s decision within seven (7) calendar days of the endorsement. The notification shall include a statement of the appellant’s right to request a review by the full Committee if the Appeal Panel’s decision was not endorsed.

D-B.4 Time Limits

The following time limits shall apply to the appeal handling process. These time limits are targets and may be extended by the Chair for good cause, provided that the appellant is notified of the extension and the reasons therefor.

Stage Time Limit
Acknowledgment of receipt 7 calendar days
Preliminary review 14 calendar days
Investigation (draft finding) 60 calendar days
Decision (after hearing) 14 calendar days
Notification 7 calendar days
Total target 102 calendar days

D-B.5 Effect of Decision

The decision of the RMTC on an appeal shall be final and binding on all parties. The decision may:

RMTC，。：

a) uphold the original decision;

b) reverse the original decision;

c) modify the original decision;

d) remit the matter to the original decision-maker for reconsideration with specific directions; or

e) require specific remedial actions (e.g., correction of a conformance determination, revision of a ranking methodology, or publication of a corrigendum).

If the appeal results in a change to the standard or to an interpretation of the standard, the change shall be published on the ICO Std 2002 website and communicated to all known stakeholders.

，ICO Std 2002。

End of Annex D

Note: This annex is part of ICO Std 2002 (Tianji Ranking Methodology Standard). The provisions of this annex are normative and shall be read in conjunction with the main body of the standard. ：ICO Std 2002（）。，。