Use of Mark Policy

1. INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

This policy establishes the guidelines and conditions for the appropriate use of SustainCERT’s marks, logos, and accreditation symbols. It is designed to safeguard SustainCERT’s reputation and ensure compliance with the requirements of relevant accreditation bodies and standards governing its Validation and Verification activities. The policy aligns with ANAB’s “Policy on Use of ANAB Accreditation Symbols and Claims of Accreditation Status (2018)” and the guidelines outlined in ISO17029 – Section 10.3 (2019).

 

2. RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 SustainCERT Responsibilities: 

• SustainCERT will only use accreditation marks and logos in relation to validated or verified claims in accordance with the relevant accreditation standards.
• SustainCERT will take corrective action if misuse of its marks is identified.

2.2 Client Responsibilities: 

• No individual or entity shall use SustainCERT’s marks, logos, or labels in any way that could mislead or impair the reputation of SustainCERT.
• The client must ensure that all validated or verified environmental information statements used for public purposes are communicated in their entirety, or as required by the respective program/scheme. Where relevant, the client must ensure that any reference to validated or verified claims includes both short-form and long-form references.
• The client is prohibited from using SustainCERT’s marks or logo in a manner that implies endorsement of products, processes, or services not verified by SustainCERT.

 

3. GUIDELINES FOR USE OF MARKS AND LOGOS

3.1 General Use:

• The client is permitted to use SustainCERT’s marks solely in relation to activities that have been validated or verified by SustainCERT. 

3.2 Prohibited Use: 

• The use of ANAB marks on any promotional materials is restricted and must be accompanied by the full details of the Verification or Validation process.
• The ANAB accreditation mark cannot be used for any activities not under accreditation.
• Clients may not use SustainCERT marks on any environmental statements or documents containing unverified information. 

3.3 Requirements for References: 

• Short-form references (e.g., “Validated” or “Verified”) must be accompanied by long-form references (e.g., a full citation of the Validation or Verification report).
• Both forms must be presented together in any medium (online or printed) to avoid misleading stakeholders.
• The client must clearly differentiate between validated information and any other non-validated information to prevent ambiguity.

 

4. CONSEQUENCES OF MISUSE

In the event of misuse of SustainCERT’s marks, logos, or reports, SustainCERT reserves the right to: 

• Issue a notice requiring the client to cease the misuse immediately. 
• Suspend the Validation/Verification activities or withdraw the Validation/Verification statements. 
• Take legal action or publish notices regarding the misuse of SustainCERT’s marks or logos.

 

5. TERMINATION OF USE

Upon termination of the agreement with SustainCERT, or upon the withdrawal of Verification/Validation status, the client must immediately cease all use of SustainCERT’s marks, logos, and related reports, except where such use pertains to a previously completed and still valid Verification/Validation. Any claims, logos, or statements that imply ongoing or current Verification/Validation by SustainCERT must be promptly removed from all media, marketing materials, and communications.

 

DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY

This policy is subject to periodic review to ensure continued compliance with relevant accreditation bodies and standards. SustainCERT reserves the right to update this policy at its discretion.