How is a late renewal application treated if not specified otherwise?

A late renewal application is treated as a new application unless specified otherwise. This means that if an individual fails to submit their renewal application by the required deadline, they cannot simply continue operating under their previous certification. Instead, they must go through the application process anew, which may involve submitting new information, undergoing a review, and potentially meeting current requirements that may differ from when they were initially certified. This approach ensures that all applicants meet up-to-date standards and are evaluated under current laws and regulations, maintaining integrity and compliance within the certification process.

In contrast, other options suggest different treatments that are not aligned with standard practices for late renewals. A standard renewal implies that the application would be processed under the same criteria as timely submissions, while an extension of the previous certification would allow the individual to continue operating without undergoing the full application process again. An invalid classification would mean the application is completely disregarded, which is not typically the case as respondents are still given the opportunity to reapply.