ACCREDITATION

Reference to Accreditation Status

An accredited conformity assessment body may refer to its accreditation status in one of the following ways:

  • by using the accreditation symbol or
  • by making a textual reference to accreditation.

An accredited body acquires the right and obligation to use the accreditation symbol or to make a textual reference to accreditation upon the granting of accreditation.

Accreditation Symbol

Accreditation status is visually demonstrated through the use of the accreditation symbol.

The accreditation symbol is a registered mark owned by ATCG. The right to use the accreditation symbol is granted by ATCG to an accredited body for the purpose of confirming and indicating its accreditation status.

The form and structure of the accreditation symbol are fixed. The symbol consists of the ATCG logo, the designation of the relevant harmonized standard under which the body is accredited, and the accreditation number, which is unique to each accredited body.

The accreditation symbol:

  • may be used exclusively by the accredited body to which it has been granted;
  • may be used only during the validity of the accreditation;
  • may be used solely for conformity assessment activities within the granted scope of accreditation and for the locations covered by that scope;
  • shall be used together with the logo and/or name of the accredited body and shall not be smaller than the logo of the accredited body;
  • shall not be used in a manner that implies that ATCG performs conformity assessment activities.

In addition to its mandatory use on reports and certificates issued for activities within the granted scope of accreditation, the accreditation symbol may also be used on promotional and advertising materials, letterheads and other business documents, provided that the general principles for its use are respected and that such materials relate, at least in part, to the content covered by the granted scope of accreditation.

During each assessment, ATCG pays particular attention to the manner in which the accreditation symbol is used.

Textual Reference to Accreditation

As an alternative to the accreditation symbol, an accredited body may make a textual reference to accreditation in the following manner:

“<name of the legal entity and/or organisational unit holding the accreditation>, accredited by ATCG, under accreditation number <accreditation number>, in accordance with <reference of the standard>, for the activities of <testing / calibration / inspection / certification of (products, processes and services / management systems)>.”

The rules governing textual reference to accreditation are equivalent to those applicable to the use of the accreditation symbol.

Suspension or Withdrawal of Accreditation

An accredited body whose accreditation has been suspended, in whole or in part, shall immediately cease issuing conformity assessment documents bearing the accreditation symbol or containing a textual reference to accreditation for the part of the scope that is under suspension.

Upon expiry, withdrawal or termination of accreditation, the accredited body shall immediately cease making any claims of being accredited and shall stop issuing and distributing conformity assessment documents and other materials containing the accreditation symbol or a textual reference to accreditation.

Misuse and Enforcement Measures

If an accredited body uses the accreditation symbol or makes reference to accreditation in a manner contrary to the applicable rules, ATCG shall take appropriate measures or initiate proceedings to safeguard its rights in accordance with the accreditation rules and applicable legislation.

The rules governing the use of the accreditation symbol and textual reference to accreditation are set out in document PA.02 – Rules for the Use of the Logo, Accreditation Symbol and Reference to Accreditation, available in the section “Documents / Accreditation Criteria and Rules”.