This procedure defines the rules for the use of the BCERT certification mark, logo, and all references to certification status by organisations that hold a valid certificate issued by BCERT Group. Correct and responsible use of the mark is a contractual obligation and a condition of continued certification.
1. Purpose
The BCERT certification mark is a protected symbol of conformity. Its purpose is to:
- Provide confidence to customers, stakeholders, and the public that a certified organisation's management system meets the requirements of the applicable ISO standard
- Maintain the integrity and credibility of BCERT's certification activities
- Prevent misleading or fraudulent claims regarding certification status or scope
- Comply with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Clause 8.3 on control of the use of certification documents, marks, and logos
These rules apply to all certified organisations from the date of first certification and are incorporated by reference into the Terms & Conditions of Certification.
2. Permitted Use
Organisations holding a current, valid BCERT certificate may use the certification mark and reference their certified status in the following ways:
- On business stationery, letterheads, business cards, and email signatures
- On the organisation's official website and digital communications
- In marketing materials, brochures, presentations, and promotional content
- In tender submissions, contractual documents, and client proposals
- On company vehicles, premises signage, and uniforms — where it is clear the mark relates to the organisation, not a product
- In press releases and corporate communications
- On social media profiles and platforms
In all cases, the certification mark must be accompanied by the certificate number and the organisation should be prepared to direct enquiries to the BCERT certificate registry for independent verification.
3. Restrictions
Certified organisations must not:
- Apply the certification mark directly to a product or product packaging, or use it in a way that could imply the product itself has been certified
- Use the mark on laboratory test reports, calibration certificates, or inspection reports
- Imply that the certification applies to activities, processes, or sites that fall outside the certified scope
- Use the mark or reference certification in a manner that is inaccurate, misleading, or likely to damage the reputation of BCERT
- Continue to use the mark or make any reference to certified status after the certificate has been suspended, withdrawn, or has expired
- Modify, alter, distort, recolour, or reproduce the BCERT certification mark in any way that differs from the authorised version
- Allow third parties (customers, partners, suppliers) to use the BCERT mark in relation to their own organisations or products
- Use the mark in any jurisdiction in a manner that violates local laws or regulations
Any breach of these restrictions will be investigated by BCERT and may result in a formal request for corrective action, suspension of certification, withdrawal of certification, or legal action.
4. Mark Specifications
To maintain consistency and integrity, the BCERT certification mark must be reproduced according to the following specifications:
- Proportions: The mark must be reproduced in its original proportions and must not be stretched, compressed, or distorted
- Minimum size (print): 20mm width. Below this size, legibility cannot be guaranteed
- Minimum size (digital): 80px width
- Clear space: A clear space equal to at least 50% of the mark's height must be maintained on all sides — no other graphic elements should intrude on this space
- Colour variations: The mark may be reproduced in full colour, white on a dark background, or solid black (monochrome). No other colour variations are permitted
- Background: The mark should be placed on a plain, contrasting background. Placing the mark over complex imagery or patterns is not permitted
- Certificate number: The certificate number must accompany the mark in all uses, displayed legibly near the mark
Authorised mark files (in SVG, PNG, and EPS formats) are provided to certified organisations upon issuance of their certificate. Please contact info@bcert.uk if you require replacement files.
5. Scope Statement
When referencing certification status, the certified organisation must accurately represent the scope as defined on the certificate issued by BCERT. The scope statement defines:
- The activities, processes, products, or services covered by the certification
- The sites or locations included within the certified scope
- The applicable standard (e.g., ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2022)
Statements such as "ISO 9001 certified" or "ISO 27001 certified" are only acceptable if accompanied by the defined scope or a clear reference to where the full scope can be verified — for example: "Certified to ISO 9001:2015 for [scope description]. Certificate no. BCT-XXXX. Verify at bcert.uk/registry."
The scope as defined on the certificate is the authoritative reference. If the organisation's activities have changed and the scope requires updating, the organisation must notify BCERT promptly to arrange a scope change assessment.
6. Monitoring and Enforcement
BCERT actively monitors the use of its certification marks through the following mechanisms:
- Review of the certified organisation's public-facing materials during surveillance and recertification audits
- Periodic market surveillance including website monitoring
- Reports from third parties regarding suspected misuse
- Review triggered by complaints or appeals submitted to BCERT
When potential misuse is identified, BCERT will:
- Contact the certified organisation in writing, identifying the specific concern
- Provide the organisation with a period of 14 days to take corrective action and demonstrate compliance
- Escalate to formal corrective action or suspension if the misuse is not resolved within the agreed timeframe
Intentional, repeated, or fraudulent misuse of the BCERT mark will result in immediate withdrawal of certification and may be referred to relevant authorities.
7. Post-Certification
When certification ends — whether through suspension, withdrawal, expiry, or voluntary termination — the following obligations apply immediately:
- All use of the BCERT certification mark must cease immediately
- All references to BCERT certification status must be removed from websites, marketing materials, stationery, and all other public-facing content within 30 days
- Physical certification marks, signage, or branded materials bearing the BCERT mark must be removed, destroyed, or returned
- The organisation must not represent itself as currently certified to any third party
BCERT will update the certificate status in the public certificate registry to reflect the change in status (suspended, withdrawn, or expired) as soon as the change takes effect.
If an organisation later achieves recertification, new authorised mark files will be provided upon issuance of the new certificate.
Questions about permitted use, mark files, or scope statements should be directed to info@bcert.uk. This procedure is governed by the laws of England and Wales and forms part of the BCERT Terms & Conditions of Certification.