VersionV3.0 ✓ Published
Effective date2026-09-30
Approved byProf. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD — President, Accréditation Sans Frontières
Applies toAll organisations holding or claiming ASF accreditation status, and any third party using the ASF accreditation mark
Related documentsASF-OPS-001 · ASF-OPS-003 · ASF-OPS-005 · ASF-GOV-005
SupersedesASF-OPS-004 V2.0 (2026-11-25)
Next reviewSeptember 2031, or earlier on trigger
Version History
| Version | Date | Nature of change | Approved by |
|---|---|---|---|
| V0.1 | 2024-12-12 | Initial draft | — |
| V1.0 | 2025-02-01 | First published version | Prof. G. Pkhakadze, ASF President |
| V2.0 | 2025-11-20 | 12-row permitted/prohibited use table; 3-stage enforcement formalised | Prof. G. Pkhakadze, ASF President |
| V3.0 | 2026-09-30 | Visual identity specification; approved for ISQua EEA package | Prof. G. Pkhakadze, ASF President |
1. Purpose
The ASF accreditation mark communicates to patients, regulators, funders, and the public that a facility has been independently assessed against ASF standards. Its integrity depends on use being strictly limited to organisations with current valid accreditation, in the contexts authorised by this policy. The mark is a registered trademark of Accréditation Sans Frontières; its use is a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence personal to the accredited facility.
2. The Accreditation Mark Licence
On issue of an accreditation certificate, ASF grants a licence to use the mark in connection with the specific accredited facility. The licence expires automatically on the accreditation end date. Each facility requires its own valid accreditation; group or network accreditation is not available. A formal Accreditation Mark Licence document is issued alongside every certificate.
3. Permitted and Prohibited Uses
| Context | Use of the ASF accreditation mark |
|---|---|
| Facility entrance and reception signage | ✓ Permitted — during the accreditation period |
| Facility website (institutional pages) | ✓ Permitted — with accreditation period dates displayed |
| Facility letterhead and official correspondence | ✓ Permitted — during the accreditation period |
| Patient information materials and brochures | ✓ Permitted — with statement: ‘Accredited by Accréditation Sans Frontières’ |
| Press releases and media communications | ✓ Permitted — with accreditation period and standard stated |
| Job advertisements | ✓ Permitted — with the accreditation period stated |
| After accreditation period expires or lapses | ✗ Prohibited — remove within 14 calendar days |
| During suspension | ✗ Prohibited — remove within 5 working days of suspension notice |
| Following withdrawal | ✗ Prohibited — remove within 5 working days of withdrawal notice |
| Implying a higher status than granted | ✗ Prohibited — e.g. ‘full accreditation’ when Conditional Accreditation was granted |
| Products, services, or staff outside the accredited facility scope | ✗ Prohibited |
| Modified, distorted, or recoloured versions of the mark | ✗ Prohibited in all circumstances |
In all permitted uses, the mark must appear alongside: (a) ‘Accredited by Accréditation Sans Frontières [start]–[end]’; (b) ‘ASF Accredited [start]–[end]’; or (c) a QR code or link to the facility’s entry in the ASF public registry. Conditional Accreditation must state ‘Conditionally Accredited by ASF [year]’. The Recognition Award does not carry a mark licence.
4. Visual Identity Requirements
The mark must be used in its approved form as supplied by ASF (vector and raster files provided on issue of licence): (a) Colour — navy #14335C and gold #C9A227; (b) Minimum size — 25mm (print), 80px (digital); (c) Clear space — height of ‘A’ around all edges; (d) Proportions — scale proportionally only; (e) No modifications — no added elements, no effects.
5. Removal of the Mark
The accredited organisation removes the mark from all contexts within the timeframes above. Where physical signage cannot be removed in time due to circumstances beyond the organisation’s control, written notice to ASF is required within the timeframe with a specific removal date committed. Removal must be confirmed to ASF in writing.
6. Monitoring
ASF conducts annual checks of accredited organisations’ public-facing materials; checks following expiry, suspension, or withdrawal; and investigates public reports of misuse. The public registry at france-asf.fr is updated within 5 working days of any decision, allowing any person to verify a facility’s current status.
7. Enforcement
Where misuse is identified: Stage 1 — formal notice requiring cessation within 10 calendar days. Stage 2 — if not ceased, escalation including recording in the accreditation record and potential legal action. Stage 3 — ASF reserves the right to seek injunction and damages. Reports of misuse may be submitted via france-asf.fr; ASF responds within 20 calendar days.
8. ISQua EEA Alignment
This policy addresses ISQua EEA Principle 10 (Accreditation Mark). The ASF ISQua EEA Crosswalk (ASF-EV-004) maps these provisions to the applicable EEA criteria.
Document code: ASF-OPS-004 · Version: V3.0 · Effective: 2026-09-30 · Next review: September 2031 ·
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Download the approved document
ASF-OPS-004 — Accreditation Mark Policy · Version V3.0