Rules for the Use of the Certificate and the Certification Mark

These rules set out the conditions for using the certificate issued by IQ Cert, the IQ Cert certification mark and references to certified status, in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1. They form an integral part of the certification agreement.

The right to use the certification mark and to refer to certification is granted exclusively to organisations holding a valid certificate issued by IQ Cert, only for the scope, standard and sites stated in the certificate. The certification mark is the property of IQ Cert and cannot be transferred to another entity.

The certification mark and references to certification may be used:

• on commercial documents, correspondence, offers, websites and presentation materials of the organisation, in connection with the activities within the certified scope;
• on vehicles, buildings and at sites, provided that the use does not imply certification of products or services;
• in communications that correctly state the reference standard and the certified scope.

The certification mark and references to certification may not be used:

• on products or product packaging, or in any other way that could be interpreted as denoting product or service conformity;
• on laboratory test, calibration or inspection reports, as such reports are deemed to be products;
• for activities, sites or standards not covered by the certificate;
• in a manner that could bring IQ Cert or the certification system into disrepute;
• after suspension, withdrawal or expiry of certification.

The certification mark is reproduced in full, without alteration of its proportions, colours or components, at a size that ensures legibility. The artwork and graphic specifications of the mark are made available to certified organisations by IQ Cert. The mark is always used together with the certificate number or an indication of the reference standard.

References to certification must be accurate and must not be misleading. The recommended wording is: "Management system certified by IQ Cert in accordance with [standard], certificate no. [number]". The organisation may not state that its products, services or processes are certified and may not imply that certification covers activities outside the certified scope.

The use of the accreditation symbol in conjunction with the IQ Cert mark is permitted only in accordance with the rules of the accreditation body and with the prior agreement of IQ Cert.

Upon suspension, withdrawal or expiry of certification, the organisation immediately discontinues all use of the mark and all references to certification, withdraws advertising materials containing such references and returns the certificate at the request of IQ Cert. Upon reduction of scope, the organisation amends all materials so that they reflect the new certified scope.

IQ Cert monitors the use of the mark during surveillance audits and in response to reports received. In the event of incorrect or misleading use, IQ Cert requests immediate correction and may apply, depending on the severity: a warning, an additional audit, suspension or withdrawal of certification, publication of the breach and, where appropriate, legal action.