ISO Certification Mark Usage Policy | Rules & Guidelines

ISO Certification Mark Usage Policy

Mandatory Guidelines for QMS Nepal Certified Clients regarding ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Clause 8.3.

Achieving certification is a major milestone, and displaying the QMS Nepal logo allows you to showcase this achievement. However, correct ISO Certification Mark Usage is critical to maintaining the integrity of your certification and the trust of your customers.

This policy outlines the strict rules governing how, where, and when you can display the certification mark. As an accredited Certification Body, QMS Nepal is required by ISO/IEC 17021-1 Clause 8.3 to monitor and control the use of our brand. Unauthorized or incorrect ISO Certification Mark Usage can lead to non-conformities, suspension, or even legal action.

Core Principles of Usage:

  • Traceability: The mark must clearly identify QMS Nepal as the certification body.
  • Scope Relevance: It must only be used in association with the specific activities listed on your certificate.
  • No Product Certification: It must never imply that the product itself is certified.

Permitted vs. Restricted ISO Certification Mark Usage

1. Permitted Uses (The 'Green Zone')

We encourage correct ISO Certification Mark Usage to boost your brand reputation. You are permitted to display the mark on:

  • Marketing Materials: Company brochures, advertising banners, and flyers.
  • Corporate Stationery: Letterheads, business cards, and invoices.
  • Digital Channels: Your official website (footer or “About Us” page) and email signatures.
  • Facility Signage: Banners or flags displayed at the certified site location.
  • Company Vehicles: Delivery trucks or fleet cars (provided they carry secondary packaging only).

Requirement: The mark must always be accompanied by your unique Certificate Number to ensure traceability.

To avoid misleading consumers, the following ISO Certification Mark Usage is strictly forbidden:

  • On Products: You cannot print the logo directly on a product (e.g., on a water bottle, a machine part, or a food item). This implies the product has been tested, which is false; only the management system was audited.
  • On Primary Packaging: Packaging that reaches the end-user (e.g., the toothpaste box) cannot carry the mark.
  • Lab Test Reports: For ISO 9001 certified labs, the mark cannot appear on test reports, as it implies the test results are ISO 17025 accredited.
  • Calibration Certificates: Similar to test reports, the mark is banned from calibration certificates.

There is a specific exception for ISO Certification Mark Usage on secondary or transit packaging (e.g., large cardboard boxes used for shipping). You may print a statement such as:

“Manufactured by an organization with a Quality Management System certified to ISO 9001:2015 by QMS Nepal.”

However, the statement must not imply that the goods inside are certified.

Managing ISO Certification Mark Usage Digitally

In the digital age, incorrect ISO Certification Mark Usage on websites is a common non-conformity. To ensure compliance:

  • Do not place the logo on pages describing non-certified services (if you have a split scope).
  • We recommend hyperlinking the logo on your website to our Verify a Certificate page. This allows your clients to instantly validate your status, enhancing trust.

Consequences of Misuse

QMS Nepal actively monitors ISO Certification Mark Usage via market surveillance and stakeholder feedback. If misuse is detected:

  1. Corrective Action Request: You will be asked to remove the offending materials immediately.
  2. Suspension: Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of your certificate.
  3. Withdrawal & Legal Action: Persistent misuse will result in certificate withdrawal and potential legal action for trademark infringement.

If you spot a company misusing our logo, please report it via our Complaints and Appeals page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I resize the logo?
Yes, you may resize the logo proportionally. However, you must not distort the aspect ratio, change the colors, or make the text illegible.

What happens if my scope changes?
If your certification scope is reduced, you must immediately update all advertising materials to reflect the new scope. Continued ISO Certification Mark Usage for removed activities is a major non-conformity.

Can I use the IAF logo?
Generally, no. The IAF MLA mark is reserved for the Accreditation Body and the Certification Body. Certified clients are typically not permitted to use the IAF mark directly unless specific arrangements are made.

Need Design Approval?

Don’t take a risk. Send your artwork proofs to our compliance team for a free pre-print check to ensure correct ISO Certification Mark Usage.

Request Logo Approval