In 2025, SERI continued strengthening the R2 Assurance Program, an additional layer of oversight to strengthen the quality of the R2 Certification program. Last year, we detailed the program's expansion and intensified commitment to consistency and accountability. In April 2025, SERI launched the R2 Tipline, an avenue for people to share information with SERI about R2 facilities, certification bodies (CBs), auditors, and consultants. Twenty-six tips were received and contributed to the work outlined below.  

This year's report shows how assurance efforts continued, reinforcing program integrity while protecting the value R2 Certification provides to facilities, brands, and the broader electronics ecosystem. In total, SERI staff and contractors spent more than 2,604 hours on Assurance activities in 2025. 

 In 2025, the SERI Assurance team conducted: 

  • 155 audit package reviews 
  • 55 spot inspections 
  • 130 license application reviews 
  • 12 complaints filed with CBs against auditors 
  • 11 complaints filed with CBs against R2 Facilities 
  • 10 complaints filed with CBs against CB performance 

The team is currently working on:  

  • 6 R2 Tipline investigations 
  • 18 spot inspections 
  • Ongoing complaint status follow-ups with CBs 
  • Ongoing license application reviews as submissions are received 

CBs independently conducted 1077 audits between January and October of 2025, identifying 458 major non-conformities (NCs) and 1599 minor non-conformities. Each finding represents an opportunity for improvement. When issues are identified, facilities receive a defined window to implement corrective actions, supporting our goal of continuous advancement within the R2 community. 

As with any robust certification program, maintaining standards sometimes requires enforcement actions. In 2025: 

  • 62 facilities had their certificates revoked by CBs 
  • 10 license applications were declined by SERI 
  • 7 facility licenses were terminated by SERI 
  • 2 probationary licenses were issued 
  • 17 current suspensions 

To further strengthen program integrity, SERI's Assurance Program looks beyond facility performance to make sure all aspects are helping maintain high-quality outcomes.  

Five auditors were removed from the R2 auditor pool to address conflicts of interest and practices that could compromise audit independence. SERI also issued 45 letters addressing false advertising of R2 Certification. Eleven companies were added to the 1(d) list and were prohibited from obtaining R2 Certification because of false advertising. 

The insights gained throughout 2025 will shape our path forward. We remain focused on maintaining R2 certification as a trusted delineator of responsible electronics reuse and recycling. 

If you want to learn more about the Assurance Program, be sure to check out our previous articles on Audit Package Reviews, Spot Inspections, and Witness Inspections. To verify a facility's R2 Certification, use the R2 Directory – the definitive, real-time source of confirmation.