Pre-launch terms

Terms of Service

Prepared 11 September 2026 · Effective when the public service launches

The service

Journal Quality & Compliance provides an independent, evidence-linked review of a journal against published readiness criteria associated with DOAJ, Scopus and Web of Science. The standard deliverables are a PDF report, an action workbook and one focused re-check within 90 days.

No indexing guarantee

The service does not certify a journal, predict acceptance or guarantee indexing. DOAJ, Elsevier/Scopus and Clarivate/Web of Science make their own independent decisions. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by those organisations.

Scope and limitations

The review is based on public evidence, available bibliographic data and information supplied by the client at the review date. It does not audit confidential peer-review practice, validate every published article, determine research quality or replace legal advice. Missing third-party data is not automatically treated as a journal failure.

Client responsibilities

The client must provide accurate information and material they are authorised to share. The five-business-day delivery period begins after the scope, required information and payment are confirmed. Delays in access or client responses may change the delivery date.

Price and re-check

The standard price is USD 395 per journal. The founding price is USD 245, with lower founding-period rates for eligible multi-journal orders, for the first 15 journals or the first 90 days after public launch, whichever occurs first. One re-check of corrected items is included when requested within 90 days of final delivery. New criteria, a new journal scope or further review rounds may require a separate quotation.

Use of deliverables

Deliverables may be used internally and to support an indexing application. They may not be presented as an official certification, endorsement, accreditation or guarantee. Findings reflect the evidence available on the stated review date.

Corrections and liability

Factual corrections within the agreed scope should be reported promptly and will be reviewed fairly. To the extent permitted by law, liability related to the service is limited to the amount paid for the affected review. Mandatory legal rights are not restricted.