Logos and Regulations

1.0. URS Certificate Template and Dates

The certificate template for registered companies contains various dates, below is an explanation for these dates and what they mean. (Changes have been made to the Certificate Template data to take into account the different requests of the various regulators and clients).

We will now record all essential dates to cover all “bases” and as such, there will be extra date fields.

The current date fields are as follows:

·         Date of Issue (original).

·         Date of Issue.

·         Expiry Date.

The NEW date fields are as follows:

Date of Issue of Certification Cycle (This will be the date of the Power of Veto or Technical Report Review).

Certificate Expiry Date (as the expiry date above – normally three years less one day and should be taken from the date of issue of Certification Cycle).

Revision Date (This is a new date and relates to changes in the certification e.g.: change to scope, address and exists throughout the certification cycle).

Original Certificate Issue Date (the date of the 1st certification certificate – so if the certification is 6 years old, this date will show 6 years old – was the Date of Issue (original) – see above).

Additional data held previously included:

·         Certificate Number

·         IATF Number

The NEW data fields are as follows:

Issue Number (The Certification Cycle Number i.e.: if the client is 6 years old re certification, then the NEXT certification Cycle Number will be 3 – currently 2 – this is a new data field).

Certification Cycle (in the above example this will be 2).

Revision Number (this is the date of changes e.g.: scope, address) – i.e.: a number that is independent of the Certification Cycle number – in other words, the certification cycle in this example is 2, however there has been 3 revision changes - name, address and minor scope change - so the revision number will be 3 in this case.

Scheme Number this will be the IATF Number, or a number dependent on other schemes e.g.: AS should the requirements change to record a number. If no scheme requires the number e.g.: 9001, then the field entry will state Not Applicable.

1.1 Multi-Site Certifications

It is URS' process to issue individual certificates for each Certified address where a client has more than one Site included in their Certification.

PLEASE NOTE - Where a certificate number is '0001' this confirms the first site of the company (designated Head Office), any number higher than 0001 in the Certificate number configuration (example - xxxxx/B/0002/UK/En) is NOT the Head Office of the Multi-Site Certification and as such the following statement applies; 'the validity of this certificate depends on the validity of the main certificate'.

NOTE- The Above Is Not Applicable To IATF 16949 Corporate Schemes.

1.2 Effect on Certificate Dates due to Late Audits

All Schemes will follow this rule for late audits as per ISO 17021-1 with the exception of IATF (see below for deviation for this Scheme).

If an audit is conducted within the 6-month allowable period following Certificate expiry, the issue date will reflect the VETO or Technical Review, however the expiry will follow the original certificate expiry (3 years -1 day from this date and NOT 3 years -1 day from the technical report review).

This will ensure the ‘GAP’ is identified in the certificate.

Note: Other gaps in Certificate dates may exist due to issues such as late payment of annual fees by a customer and other unforeseen circumstances.

Specific to IATF 16949:

If an audit is conducted EARLY within the 3 months prior to the planned date (as per Rules 5th 5.1.1), the certificate expiry will follow the issue date of the VETO review following that audit.

If the audit is completed within the 1-month allowance following the planned date, the same applies.

1.3 Effect on Certificate dates due to Transfer Audits

When a client Transfers to URS there are two options:

Option 1. Start a fresh – this will ensure the Issue date is the power of VETO or Technical Review and the Expiry is 3 years -1 days following this.

Option 2. The Client wishes to follow IAF MD2, the issue date will follow the transfer audit technical review date with the expiry following the existing Cycle.

URS do not as standard detail the original issue as per previous CB, however if a client requests this, we will conduct verification of the same and may apply as below.

MD2 2.3.4 - If no problems are identified by the pre-transfer review, the certification cycle shall be based on the previous certification cycle and the accepting certification body shall establish the audit programme for the remainder of the certification cycle.

NOTE: The accepting certification body can quote the organization’s initial certification date on the certification documents with the indication that the organization was certified by a different certification body before a certain date.

Specific to IATF 16949:

As per Rules 5th (7.1.2), the Issue date will be the power of VETO date and expiry 3 years -1 day from this date. No variations apply.

2.0. Use of Marks and Logos / Logo Regulations and Rules

As a registered Client, Entity, or Person, you will be entitled to use the relevant mark(s) / Logo(s). Before you download your mark(s) / logo(s) please take the time to read the rules and regulations appertaining to the use of the relevant mark(s) / Logo(s).

2.1. Logo Regulations and Rules of Application:

As you are a certified / registered organization, your business is entitled to display this fact, via a logo, or logos, on letterheads, compliment slips, business cards, brochures and marketing materials (including websites) etc. as long as they conform to the regulations stated in the following text.

The choice of logo(s) will depend on:

a) The standard(s), or scheme (hereafter referred to as either standard or scheme) to which your organization is certified / registered.
b) Your organization's preference regarding design and presentation.

In general, the choice of logos available, dependent on the brand (e.g.: URS), are as follows:

1. Brand logo (e.g.: United Registrar of Systems Limited) logo on its own.
2. A logo to symbolize the standard on its own.
3. United Registrar of Systems Limited logo with the Accreditation Body logo e.g.: UKAS (tick and crown).

4. United Registrar of Systems Limited logo with the symbolized logo.

Note 1: For some schemes there is not a choice of four logos, e.g.: Non Accredited schemes. You will only be presented with links to logos for the standard(s) your organization is certified/registered against.

Note 2: The UKAS Logo was updated January 2021 – the following dates apply for updating:

Digital Materials – 1 year from the date of launch (1st February 2022)

• Printed Materials – 2 years from the date of launch (1st February 2023)

• Certificates – 3 years from the date of launch (1st February 2024)

URS will include the updated logo on your certificate, following your next successful re-certification audit.

2.2.1. General conditions for use of Logo & Certificates:

 

The client is authorized to use the certification mark or its logo in advertising materials and while using this mark or logo the client shall ensure that -

  1. conform to the requirements of URS when making reference to its certification status in communication media such as the internet, brochures or advertising, or other documents.
  2. Logos must not be used on Products, or the Packaging of products. 
  3. Logos must not be used on laboratory test, calibration or inspection reports (unless a client is certified under URS Holdings - check with your designated Office as to your particular criteria if in doubt).
  4. You are not permitted to make any statement regarding certification and must amend all advertising material if the scope of certification has been reduced and which effects the use of the logo and its scope.
  5. You must not use or permit the use of a certification document or any part thereof, in a misleading manner i.e.: the logo(s) can only be used in conjunction with the name and location that gained the certification / registration.
  6. Upon suspension or withdrawal of the certificate(s) you must discontinue the use of all advertising materials (hardcopy and / or electronic versions) that contains any reference to certification.
  7. You must not reference your management system certification in such a way as to imply that the certification body certifies a product (including service) or process (unless your certification does relate to product certification and is not a Management System standard).
  8. Misuse of the accreditation mark and / or certification logo may be cause for withdrawal of your certification, this includes implying that the certification applies to activities that are outside of the scope of certification.
  9. You should not use your certification in such a manner as to bring URS Holdings (or any URS subsidiary) and / or the certification system into disrepute.
  10. You can use as many logos as you are entitled to, as long as the logos relate to the certified / registered standard (s).
  11. All logos used must reference the certificate number at the bottom of the logo, where indicated.
  12. URS auditors (inspector, or evaluator) are required at every visit (or evaluation) to check the use of logos and should the auditor note that an incorrect logo is being used, or the logo is being used incorrectly, then a non-compliance will be raised and you will be requested to remove the logo from all materials (digital, or otherwise).

2.2.2 General Conditions for use of Accreditation Mark / IAF MLA Mark / ILAC MRA Mark

Along with the above requirements mentioned under section 2.2.1, following additional requirements are applicable-

  1. If you choose to use an Accreditation Mark or Marks stated in 2.2.2 above (an Accreditation Mark relates to an accredited body e.g.: UKAS), in conjunction with the URS mark / logo then both marks must be proportioned, so that neither has obvious precedence or prominence over the other.
  2. You must not use IAF MLA Mark or ILAC MRA Mark.
  3. Accreditation Marks must not be used on product, packaging of product, labels, publicity material, written announcements etc. 
  4. You must not use Accreditation Marks on visiting cards.
  5. Accreditation Marks shall not be displayed on buildings and flags.
  6. Accreditation Marks shall not be used on vehicles.
  7. The Product Certification national accreditation symbol may only be used in connection with a product, process or service certified under an accredited product certification scheme.

Note 1: Product packaging is considered as that which may be removed without the product disintegrating or being damaged. Accompanying information is considered as separately available or easily detachable. Type labels or identification plates are considered as part of the product.

Note 2: Please note, any accompanying information or text on product packaging regarding a Certified Management System is bound by the following:

The statement shall in no way imply that the product, process or service is certified by this means. The statement shall include reference to: 

— Identification (e.g. brand or name) of the certified client; 

— The type of management system (e.g. quality, environment) and the  

     applicable standard; 

— The certification body (CB) issuing the certificate

 

Specific to IATF 16949 Certified Clients:

Logos are NOT permitted to be used. IATF limit the logo use to the CB ONLY.

Company Vehicles: You can use the logos on your company vehicle(s) but you cannot use the logo when combined with the Accreditation Bodies logo on a company vehicle.

Specific to FSMS- ISO 22000:

You must not use FSMS Certification mark on the product nor the product packaging.  Product packaging shall cover all product packaging, both primary packaging (which contains the product) and any outer or secondary packaging.

You must not use any such statement on product packaging that you have a certified FSMS. This includes all product packaging, both primary packaging (which contains the product) and any outer or secondary packaging.

Specific to FSSC 22000:

The certified organization is not allowed to use the FSSC 22000 logo, any statement or make reference to its certified status on:

 

2.3. Reproduction of Mark / Logo:

For logo types 1, 2 and 4, the logos can be of any size and colour but for logo type 3, additional specific rules for use of logo are as follows based on the applicable Accreditation Body.

2.3.1. UKAS – Accredited Certification (Management Systems)

If your Certificate of Registration bears the UKAS Tick & Crown logo (look towards the base of the certificate), then your organization is entitled to use any of the appropriate logos which show the UKAS Tick & Crown mark.
However, if your Certificate does not bear the UKAS Tick & Crown logo, then you must not use any of the logos showing the Tick & Crown mark.

The accreditation mark should be reproduced, as follows:

‘The national accreditation symbols shall normally have a minimum height (excluding the accreditation number) of 20mm. Any enlargement or reduction shall retain the same proportions as those of the masters reproduced in this publication. The national accreditation symbol and the accreditation number shall be considered as a single entity for purposes of enlargement or reduction.

In exceptional circumstances, which are usually dictated by reason of space limitation or cost, the national accreditation symbols may be reproduced at a reduced height, but paragraph 3.8(c) must be satisfied. (3.8 c) Irrespective of the height of reproduction, the national accreditation symbols must, in the opinion of UKAS, be legible, with no infilling.

When the national accreditation logo or national accreditation symbol is printed on an unfolded portion of stationery sized no greater than A4, it shall be displayed in a size no larger than 30mm high. On larger portions of unfolded stationery, the size may be proportionately increased.’

2.3.2. UKAS – Accredited Certification (Product)

(Specifics for Product Logo usage)

The Product Certification national accreditation symbol may only be used in connection with a product, process or service certified under an accredited product certification scheme.

If, in the specific case of a product certified under an accredited product conformity scheme, physical constraints prevent reproduction of the product certification national accreditation symbol to the limits specified in this Appendix, a label based on the product certification example in Figure 2 may be attached to the product. If that is impracticable, the label may be affixed to the primary packaging (e.g. blister pack) but not to the secondary packaging (e.g. outer, transit pack).

See link below for full guidance.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-accreditation-logo-and-symbols-conditions-for-use

2.3.3. NABCB – Accredited Certification (Non-Product)

  1. The NABCB Accreditation Symbol shall be reproduced using NABCB logo in the proportions and the colours indicated in Appendix `A’:
  2. No smaller in size than 15mm X 12mm or in the event of reproduction in smaller size owing to limitation of space, the logo shall be legible with no infilling of space and letters and must retain the same size proportions.
  3. The NABCB Accreditation Symbol shall not be reproduced in isolation of the URS mark/logo.

2.3.4. FSSC 22000 – Accredited Certification (non-product)

The accreditation mark shall be reproduced:

In case of using the logo, the organization shall comply with the following specifications:

Colour

PMS

CMYK

RGB

#

Green

348 U

82/25/76/7

33/132/85

218455

Grey

60% black

0/0/0/60

135/136/138

87888a

Use of the logo in black and white is permitted when all other text and images are in black and white.

2.3.5 Accredia - Accredited certification (Management Systems) 

If your Certificate of Registration bears the Accredia logo (look towards the base of the certificate), then your organization is entitled to use any of the appropriate logos which show the client version of the Accredia logo.
However, if your Certificate does not bear the Accredia logo, then you must not use any of the logos showing the client Accredia logo.

The relevant areas of the Accredia regulations specific to the clients of URS can be found in paragraph 6, with particular attention drawn to 6.5 as well as figure 3 in paragraph 12 which demonstrates the client version of the Accredia logo. If the logo is reproduced it may be done in colour or black and white - The use of the client version of the logo is permitted if the URS logo is also present. For the colour codes please see paragraph 10.2 in the Accredia regulations.

 3.0 When to use the UKCA marking

You only need to use the new UKCA marking before 1 January 2022 if all of the following apply. Your product:

This does not apply to existing stock, for example if your good was fully manufactured, CE marked and ready to place on the market before 1 January 2021. In these cases, your good can still be sold in Great Britain with a CE marking even if covered by a certificate of conformity issued by a UK body before 1 January 2021.

3.1. How to use the UKCA marking

3.1.1. Placing the UKCA marking

In most cases, you must apply the UKCA marking to the product itself or to the packaging. In some cases, it may be placed on the manuals or on other supporting literature. This will vary depending on the specific regulations that apply to the product.

The following general rules apply:

3.1.2 Rules for using the UKCA image

You must make sure that:

4.0 Misuse logo(s) / Certificate:

When using a logo(s) / Certificate, if any of the stated rules or regulations from above are breached regarding their use, additional actions could be taken by URS including suspension, withdrawal of certification, publication of the transgression and, if necessary, legal action.

An example of incorrect use is a Management Systems UKAS logo being displayed on Calibration Certificates.

5.0 Withdrawal of certification

If Certification is withdrawn, the client shall immediately cease use and distribution of any literature, stationary etc. bearing the mark and also discontinues the use of any advertising matter that contains any reference to a certified status. The artwork supplied and all the original approval certificates are to be returned to URS.

Access Logos

To access your logos, please type your certificate number in full format (e.g. 12345/A/0001/UK/XX) and click on the submit button.

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