<h2><span style="font-size:22px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Use of Marks &ndash; ISO Certified Clients</strong></span></span></h2>

<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>RCPL&nbsp;ensure that our clients use their ISO certification marks in a responsible, accurate, and legally compliant manner. Proper use of marks is an important part of maintaining the credibility of ISO certification and ensuring alignment with the rules of accredited certification bodies and international accreditation authorities&nbsp;(EIAC).</strong></span></span></p>

<h3><span style="font-size:22px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>What Are Certification Marks?</strong></span></span></h3>

<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Certification marks or logos are symbols provided by the accredited certification body to indicate that an organization has successfully achieved certification to a specific ISO standard (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001 &amp; ISO 22000). These marks:</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Represent verified compliance with international standards</strong></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Are issued under the control of the accredited certification body</strong></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Must be used in accordance with clearly defined rules and guidelines</strong></span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h3><span style="font-size:22px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Important: ISO Does Not Issue or Authorize Logos</strong></span></span></h3>

<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) does not issue certificates and does not permit the use of the ISO logo by certified companies. Only the certification body&rsquo;s mark (if accredited) and, in some cases, the accreditation body&rsquo;s logo may be used&mdash;subject to strict conditions.</strong></span></span></p>

<h3><span style="font-size:22px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Rules for Using Certification Marks</strong></span></span></h3>

<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Certified clients are permitted to use marks only:</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>After receiving an accredited ISO certificate</strong></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>In marketing materials, stationery, website, or company profiles (with limitations)</strong></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>When clearly identifying the scope of certification (e.g., &ldquo;ISO 9001 certified for manufacturing operations only&rdquo;)</strong></span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Clients must NOT:</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Use the ISO logo (e.g., ISO&rsquo;s globe mark)</strong></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Apply marks to products, packaging, or product labels (certification applies to management systems, not products)</strong></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Suggest certification applies to areas outside the certified scope</strong></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Alter, redesign, or misuse the logos in any unauthorized way</strong></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p><span style="font-size:22px"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Misuse of Marks: Consequences</span></strong></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Improper or misleading use of certification or accreditation marks can lead to:</span></strong></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Suspension or withdrawal of the ISO certificate</span></strong></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Legal action by certification or accreditation bodies</span></strong></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">To protect all stakeholders, we monitor the use of marks and take corrective action if any violations are identified.</span></strong></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Public notices or blacklisting</span></strong></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Reputational damage</span></strong></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
