This document can also be used as guidance in using marks of conformity in activities other than third-party conformity assessment.

Third-party marks of conformity in accordance with this document also include symbols of recognition, such as accreditation symbols. For consistency of terminology, they are referred to as accreditation marks.

Third-party marks of conformity in accordance with this document can include logos (e.g. the sign of a conformity assessment body or trademarks), symbols (e.g. the representation of recognition in an accreditation agreement or the depiction of the applicable programme) or a combination thereof.

Third-party marks of conformity as a graphic representation of demonstrated conformity in accordance with this document can be a combination of multiple marks (e.g. indications of compliance with several sets of specifications, codes for individually fulfilled specifications).

This document does not apply to markings that provide indication of a designation, a code, or a classification only. Furthermore, it does not apply to graphic representations (e.g. of conformity assessment systems or schemes/programmes) or logos (e.g. of an association of accreditation bodies or an association of conformity assessment bodies).

Third-party marks of conformity are based on a conformity assessment scheme that includes the function of surveillance.