Use of symbol and claims
Use of the IAC accreditation mark and any claims of accreditation status must be accurate, verifiable against the public Directory, and limited to the published scope. This policy implements ISO/IEC 17011 § 7.8.5 and applies to all accredited bodies and their clients.
Permitted claims
Accredited bodies may use the following language — or equivalent wording approved in writing by IAC — on reports, certificates, websites, and marketing materials:
- "Accredited by the International Accreditation Center (IAC) within the scope published at accreditationcenter.org/directory/."
- "Accreditation status and scope are publicly verifiable in the IAC Directory."
- "Accreditation decisions are independent from evaluation functions."
Claims must always reference the specific scope. A general statement of "IAC accredited" without scope context is not permitted.
Prohibited claims
- Claims of certification of end organizations, products, or services by IAC.
- Statements of mutual recognition, government endorsement, or international equivalence without formal evidence published at Status & Recognition.
- Use of third-party logos as endorsements without written authorization.
- Claims that extend beyond the published scope — including out-of-scope methods, parameters, or inspection categories.
- Continued use of the IAC mark after suspension or withdrawal of accreditation.
IAC mark usage rules
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | The mark must be reproduced at a minimum width of 25 mm (print) or 80 px (digital). |
| Clear space | A clear zone equal to the height of the "IAC" letters must surround the mark on all sides. |
| Color | Use the approved full-color, single-color (black or white), or reversed version. No color modifications. |
| Placement | The mark must not be combined with, or appear subordinate to, third-party logos unless pre-approved. |
| Accreditation number | The IAC accreditation ID (e.g., IAC-AB-000123) must appear adjacent to or below the mark. |
| Reports & certificates | The mark may only appear on reports/certificates that fall within the accredited scope. |
Brand assets and mark files are available for from the Resources page after login.
Consequences of misuse
- Informal notice: First-time minor violations result in a written correction request with a 15-day compliance deadline.
- Formal warning: Repeated or uncorrected violations lead to a formal warning recorded in the accreditation file.
- Suspension: Continued misuse may trigger partial or full suspension of accreditation.
- Withdrawal: Deliberate or egregious misuse — including fraudulent claims — may result in withdrawal and referral to regulatory authorities.
Report misuse
If you observe the IAC mark or accreditation claims being used improperly — by an accredited body or by a non-accredited entity — please report it through the formal complaints process.
File a complaint →