SOP Use of Certification Marks Procedure

IP_03
Version No.: 2.0
Issue Date: 15.12.2025
Revision Date: 30.06.2026

1. Purpose

To establish guidelines and controls for the correct and authorized use of certification marks by certified clients, ensuring the marks are used appropriately and in compliance with accreditation, legal, and contractual requirements.

2. Scope

This procedure applies to all clients certified by IGMPI who are authorized to use the certification mark(s) related to their FSMS certification or other management system certifications.

3. Definitions

• Certification Mark: A symbol, logo, or sign indicating that a client’s management system has been certified by IGMPI.
• Client: The organization that holds the certification and is authorized to use the certification mark.
• Misuse: Any unauthorized or inappropriate use of the certification mark that could mislead or confuse stakeholders.

4. Responsibilities

5. Procedure

5.1 Authorization to Use Certification Marks

• Certification marks shall be issued only after the certification decision is finalized and the certificate is valid and in force.
• The client receives written authorization to use the certification mark along with guidelines for its proper use.
• Certification marks may only be used in connection with the certified scope and activities.
• The marks shall not be used in a way that implies product conformity or any certification beyond the scope of the management system certification.
• The client must not use the mark in any misleading or deceptive manner.
• Certification marks must comply with the format, colors, and size as specified in the usage guidelines.
• The certification mark shall not be used on a product or in such a manner as to imply that the product, process, or service itself is certified.
• The certification mark shall not be used on primary product packaging or in any way that may be interpreted as product certification.
• Where a certified client makes a statement on product packaging or accompanying information referring to its certified management system, the statement shall include:
• the name or brand of the certified client;
• reference to the certified management system standard (e.g., ISO 22000:2018);
• the name of the certification body (IGMPI).
• Such statements shall not be false, misleading, or likely to create confusion regarding the scope of certification.
• Certification marks may be used on:
• Company stationery and promotional materials
• Product packaging or labeling only if explicitly permitted and not implying product certification
• Websites and advertising media
• The mark shall not be applied directly to products or product packaging unless permitted by the certification scheme rules.

5.2 Conditions for Use

5.3(A) Usage Guidelines

Certified clients may make statements relating to their certified management system only in accordance with this procedure.

example:

"The Food Safety Management System of ABC Pvt. Ltd. has been certified to ISO 22000:2018 by IGMPI."

Unacceptable examples:

• This product is ISO 22000 certified.
• "IGMPI certifies this product.

• Any statement implying product, process or service certification beyond the certified management system.

5. The IGMPI FSMS certification mark shall not be used on any product or on any product packaging, including:

• Primary packaging (packaging that contains the product);
• Secondary or outer packaging;
• Product labels, tags, wrappers, cartons, bottles, cans, pouches, or containers.

Certified clients shall not use the certification mark or make any statement that implies the product, process, or service itself is certified by IGMPI. The certification mark may only be used in accordance with this procedure on promotional materials, company stationery, websites, brochures, or accompanying information that does not imply product certification. Any misuse shall be dealt with in accordance with Clause 5.4 (Monitoring and Enforcement) of this procedure.

5.4 Monitoring and Enforcement

• IGMPI reserves the right to monitor the client’s use of certification marks through periodic reviews or upon receipt of complaints.
• Misuse identified will require the client to cease use immediately and may result in suspension or withdrawal of certification.

5. IGMPI shall monitor the use of certification documents, certification marks, certification claims, and audit reports through surveillance audits, website reviews, promotional material reviews, complaints, or other appropriate means. Where any incorrect reference to certification status or misleading use is identified, IGMPI shall:

• Notify the certified client in writing;

• Require immediate correction and corrective action;

• Verify implementation of corrective action;

• Suspend or withdraw certification where misuse is not corrected;

• Require withdrawal of misleading promotional material or certification claims;

• Publish the misuse or initiate legal action where necessary.

5.5 Withdrawal of Authorization

• Authorization to use certification marks is withdrawn upon:
• Suspension or withdrawal of certification
• Expiry of certification without renewal
• The client must immediately cease all use of certification marks and related promotional materials.
• Certification mark authorization letters
• Usage guidelines documents
• Records of monitoring and any misuse incidents
• Correspondence related to mark use and enforcement actions
• ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 – Requirements for audit and certification bodies
• Accreditation body rules regarding certification marks
• Internal Certification and Marketing Policies

6. Records

7. References