Use of Name,Logo and Mark
Accreditation and certification provide trust in the marketplace, and this is often conveyed through the use of logos, marks or statements, which may appear on products, advertising materials, websites and certificates.
IOAS publishes separate documents with instructions for the use of logos and marks by Applicant Certification Bodies – PL0517 and Accredited Certification Bodies PL0515.
IOAS is also an IAF MLA signatory, meaning that accreditations granted by IOAS are recognized worldwide based on their equivalent accreditation programs. As a result, ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification bodies may use the IAF-MLA mark in combination with the IOAS accreditation symbol on website, advertisements, letterheads, etc. The combined mark cannot be used on certificates unless it is for a recognized MLA sub-scope. The only MLA sub-scope IOAS is currently approved for under IAF is GlogalG.A.P. Before using the combined mark, ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification bodies must first sign an agreement for use of the mark.
IOAS is happy to preview any intended use of the logo/mark, the combined logo/mark or any related statement to ensure compliance with IOAS policies before actual use by the certification body.
Inappropriate or deliberate misuse of logos, marks and statements undermines the trust that accreditation and certification provide. As such, we provide a central location of resources to inform producers, traders and consumers of such misuses.