Accreditation mark usage
The EQSAB mark tells the market a certificate was issued under EQSAB accreditation — nothing more, nothing less. These rules keep that meaning intact.
The EQSAB accreditation mark.
Artwork files are issued to accredited bodies only.
Who may use the mark
Only certification bodies holding active EQSAB accreditation, and only in connection with certification activity within their granted scope. Use ends automatically on suspension, withdrawal, or expiry — there is no wind-down period for new certificates.
Mandatory accompanying statement
Wherever the mark appears on a certificate, the certificate must also carry the following statement, verbatim and in a legible size:
“[Certification body] is accredited by EQSAB, an independent private accreditation authority. EQSAB is not a signatory to the IAF MLA. Accreditation confirms assessment against ISO/IEC 17021-1. Verify at the EQSAB register: [accreditation number].”
Prohibited uses
- Describing EQSAB accreditation as IAF-recognised, government-recognised, or equivalent to national accreditation.
- Use of the mark on certificates outside the granted scope or sector codes.
- Use by clients of the certification body on their own products, packaging, or laboratory reports.
- Alteration of the mark's proportions, colours, or ring text; combining it with the IAF or ILAC marks.
- Continued display after suspension or withdrawal — this is reported publicly and pursued as trademark infringement.
Enforcement
Misuse is investigated under EQSAB-PR-002 and may lead to suspension, withdrawal, publication of a notice naming the body, and legal action. Suspected misuse can be reported to the registry by any party — report misuse. The controlling document is EQSAB-TR-001, rev. 2.