Purpose:  The purpose of this document is to ensure the proper use of the NABCB Accreditation Mark by certified clients.

Scope: The referenced documents provide the rules governing the use of the Accreditation Body mark.

Responsibility:

• – Certified clients shall comply with the directives provided in this document
• – BVSPL (IB) Inspectors are responsible for verifying, at each visit, that certified clients uses the Accreditation mark as per the directives provided in this document
• – The Technical Manager is responsible for the enforcement of the directives provided in this document.
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Process:

Section 0: General-

1. Authorized Use:
   • – The BVSPL logo and NABCB accreditation mark may only be used by clients who have received written authorization from BVSPL.
   • – Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited.
2. Scope of Use:
   • -The marks may only be used in connection with the specific services or products that have been inspected and certified by BVSPL.
   • -The marks must not be used in a way that implies accreditation or certification of services or products that have not been inspected by BVSPL.
3. Design and Appearance:
   • -The marks must be used in their original form and must not be altered, distorted, or modified in any way.
   • -The marks must be clearly visible and legible, and must not be used in a manner that could mislead or deceive.
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Section 1: Definitions:

1. NABCB Accreditation Symbol – Accreditation Symbol is the combination of Accreditation Body Logo with the unique accreditation number given to conformity assessment bodies. It is the symbol issued by NABCB to be used by accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to indicate that they are accredited.
2. NABCB Logo – NABCB Logo is used by NABCB to identify itself and communicate its name to the public. The use of NABCB logo is the sole property of NABCB and no other body or organization has the right to use it. The NABCB Logo is legally protected. Legal action shall be taken in case of its use by any other body or organization is observed.
3. Regional / international bodies like APAC, IAF and ILAC may specify their own mark to be used by IAF MLA / ILAC MRA signatory accreditation bodies and its accredited CABs.

Use of NABCB accreditation mark (if applicable and authorized by BVSPL)

Note: This Procedure is prepared based on the Guidance Document: “Conditions for use of Accreditation Symbol of NABCB and IAF MLA Mark – BCB 202 – Jan, 2023.

The below rules cover the use of the NABCB symbol (mark):

• a) The NABCB Accreditation Symbol or the IAF MLA / ILAC MRA Mark as relevant shall be used to refer to the accredited status of the accredited IB, and where applicable in conjunction with mark of the AB to refer to the accredited certificates issued.
• b) The NABCB Accreditation symbol or the IAF MLA / ILAC MRA Mark as relevant shall not be used in any way that it misleads the reader about the accredited status of the IB or its client organization.
• c) For management systems certification, neither the certification body’s nor the accreditation body’s symbol shall be used on the packaging of a product, labels, publicity material, written announcements etc. that in any way suggests that the certification body or the accreditation body has certified or approved any product, process or service of the certified body or in any other misleading manner. For product certification, the certification body may authorize the use of their mark on the products in accordance with their procedures. The product certification body shall ensure that product conformity mark and any mark / logo / symbol used for management systems are distinct. Use of NABCB accreditation symbol on products is not permitted.
• d) The NABCB Accreditation Symbol or the IAF MLA / ILAC MRA Mark shall not be displayed on vehicles except in publicity material like part of a large advertisement.
• e) The NABCB Accreditation Symbol or the IAF MLA / ILAC MRA Mark shall not be displayed on buildings and flags.
• f) All quotations and contracts by the accredited CAB having the NABCB Accreditation Symbol or the IAF MLA / ILAC MRA Mark shall clearly indicate the portion of activities that are not accredited by NABCB.
• g) The NABCB Accreditation Symbol or the IAF MLA / ILAC MRA Mark shall not be used on the visiting cards.
• h) The accredited CAB upon suspension or withdrawal of its accreditation (however determined), shall discontinue use of NABCB Accreditation Symbol or the IAF MLA /ILAC MRA Mark and all advertising matter that contains any reference to an accredited status.
• i) The accredited CAB shall not allow the fact of its accreditation to be used to imply that a product, process, system or person is approved by the accreditation body.
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 Condition for Use of Conformity Assessment Scheme Owner Mark/Logo:

• a) NABCB Accredited IB’s (BVSPL-IB) may use the mark/ logo of the respective Scheme owner, if permitted by the Scheme owner, on their certificate along with the NABCB symbol.
• b) NABCB Accredited IB’s (BVSPL-IB) and their certified clients under NABCB Accreditation shall always abide by any specific requirements stipulated by the respective Scheme owners (e.g. FAMI-QS, FSSC 22000, Global G.A.P., India G.A.P., IFS, GSA-BAP, RMCPCS, AYUSH Mark, NPOP, IAQG etc.) on the use of the mark/ logo of the Scheme owner.
• c) Where the Scheme Owner Mark/logo is used, it shall only be used by the CABs (BVSPL-IB) on its certification documents in the defined format and color as provided by the Scheme Owner. The Scheme Owner mark/ logo may be re-sized to fit the certification document. The Scheme Owner mark/ logo shall be represented in a way which should not appear more prominent than NABCB symbol or any other mark/ logo on the IB’s certification document.
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Conditions for other claims of NABCB Accreditation:

a) The accredited IB (BVSPL-IB) fully conforms to the requirements of the accreditation body for claiming accreditation status, when making reference to its accreditation in communication media.

b) Does not make any misleading or unauthorized statement regarding its accreditation.

c) Upon withdrawal of its accreditation, discontinues its use of any reference to that accreditation.

d) Does not refer to its accreditation in a way so as to imply that a product, process, service, management system or person is approved by the accreditation body.

e) Informs its affected clients of the suspension, reduction or withdrawal of its accreditation and the associated consequences without undue delay.

3.0 Misuse:

BVSPL (IB) will ensure that the registration mark is used only in strict accordance with these requirements at each surveillance visit. In the event of misuse, the client’s registration will be placed in jeopardy. Unless appropriate corrective action to rectify the misuse is taken within a period agreed to by the client and BVSPL (IB), the registration shall be suspended.

Incorrect reference to the Registration Logo, or misleading use of certificates found in advertisements, catalogs, etc. shall be dealt with by suitable action. This could include corrective action, publication of the transgression, and if necessary, legal action.

4.0 Action on Withdrawal\Termination or Non-Renewal:

a) Upon suspension of the accreditation by NABCB, the accredited CAB shall immediately cease to use its stationery, certificates and other publicity material that has NABCB Accreditation Symbol or the IAF MLA / ILAC MRA Mark on it. The use can be restarted only after the suspension is revoked by NABCB.

  b) Upon termination of the accreditation on account of non-renewal / withdrawal of the accreditation, the accredited CAB shall immediately cease to use its stationery, certificates and other publicity material that has NABCB Accreditation Symbol or the IAF MLA / ILAC MRA Mark on it.