Who may use the certification logo?
The certification logo may be used by organizations with a certified management system — for as long as their certificate of conformity remains valid.
The logo shows that the organization’s management system has been audited and certified by an independent body. It is the mark of the certification body, not of ISO — ISO develops the standards, but it does not certify and does not make its logo available for such use.
Through Euro Standard Certification Ltd., CERTIND S.A. sends all its clients the certification logo in JPG format at a resolution of 300 dpi. On request, the logo can also be supplied in vector format.
The requirements for certification bodies to control the use of certification marks are set out in the international standard ISO/IEC 17021-1.
Where may the logo be placed?
The certification logo may be used on various media when it refers to the certified management system:
- DocumentsLetterheads, quotes, company presentations and other documents of the organization.
- WebsitePages that present the organization and its certified system.
- Promotional materialsBrochures, catalogues, presentations and exhibition materials.
- CorrespondenceEmails, letters and business cards.
The abbreviated name of the standard to which the organization is certified may be shown on product packaging or in accompanying information documents, provided the text refers to the certified management system.
Where must the logo not be used?
Management system certification is not product certification. The logo must therefore not create the impression that a particular product or result is certified.
Permitted
- documents, website, promotional materials and correspondence
- presenting the certified management system
- the abbreviated name of the standard on packaging, when it refers to the system
- use for the activities and sites within the scope of the certificate
Prohibited
- on the client’s product itself
- on the product packaging, or in any way that could be read as certification of the product
- on laboratory test, calibration or inspection reports and on certificates
- for activities or sites not included in the scope of certification
What should you avoid?
The certification logo, certificates of conformity and references to certification must not be used in a way that discredits CERTIND and the certified system, brings them into disrepute or would undermine public trust.
- Implying a certified product
A logo on the product or packaging that could be understood as certification of the product itself.
- Extending the scope
Presenting activities, sites or subsidiaries outside the scope as certified.
- Invalid certificate
Using the logo after the certificate has been suspended, withdrawn or has expired.
What happens in the event of misuse or suspension of the certificate?
Failure to comply with the rules may lead to nonconformities, termination and even withdrawal of certification. If the certificate is suspended or withdrawn, the organization must stop using the logo and all references to certification in all its materials.
- Valid certificate
The logo is used in line with the rules, for the certified scope.
- Suspension
Use of the logo and references to certification stops.
- Withdrawal or expiry
The logo is removed from all documents, websites and promotional materials.
For some certification schemes, CERTIND may also provide clients with other logos or specific symbols together with the certification logo. These may be the property of third parties, and the rules for their use are agreed individually with the client.
Questions about the certification logo
Can I put the certification logo on my product?
No. The logo is not placed on the product or its packaging in a way that could be understood as certification of the product. The abbreviated name of the standard may be shown on the packaging when it refers to the management system.
Can I use the ISO logo?
No. The certification logo of the certification body is used. ISO develops the standards, but it does not certify.
In what format do I receive the logo?
Clients receive the CERTIND certification logo in JPG format at a resolution of 300 dpi and, on request, in vector format as well.
What happens to the logo if the certificate is suspended?
You must stop using it, together with all references to certification, until the certificate is reinstated.