The Guide for Using the NSF Mark - NSF International

Live safer.
The Guide for Using the NSF Mark

INTRODUCTION 4
HISTORY 5
DEFINING THE BRAND 6
WHAT’S IN A MARK? 7
BENEFITS OF USING THE NSF MARK 8
USING THE NSF MARK
LANGUAGE GUIDELINES 9
GUIDELINES FOR LITERATURE 10-11
AND ADVERTISING
USING THE NSF MARK TO CONVEY 11-13
SPECIFIC CERTIFICATIONS
USE OF THE NSF MARK 14
WITH ACCREDITATION MARKS
MISSION 15
© 2008 NSF International. All rights reserved.
World Headquarters, 789 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 USA
(800) NSF-MARK (734) 769-8010 Fax: (734) 769-0109 E-mail: info@nsf.org
Website: www.nsf.org
NSF Europe Headquarters, Kleine Kloosterstraat 6, 1932 Zaventem, Belgium
32 27 713 654 Fax: 32 27 630 013 E-mail: europe@nsf.org
Brazil, R. Urussui, 71 cj 104
Itaim Bibi, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
CEP 04542 050
55-11-3168-1112 Fax: 55-11-3168-2979 E-mail: ruocco@nsfdobrasil.com.br
Please contact NSF for language translation possibilities.
Table of
ConTenTs

4
InTRoDUCTIon
Millions of people take the safety of their food, water and consumer products for granted on a daily
basis. Why? Because of three letters: NSF.
Known as The Public Health and Safety Company, NSF International has established an independent
reputation as a leader in standards development, product certification, training and education, and
risk management.
The NSF Mark symbolizes a strong brand, which demonstrates reassurance and technical expertise for
consumers, industry and regulators. NSF’s main mission is to protect and improve human health on a
global scale. To help fulfill this mission, NSF conducts business in over 100 countries and continues to
expand to meet the growing needs of clients worldwide.
This document contains a series of guidelines that help ensure proper use of the NSF Mark. These
guidelines reinforce the importance of NSF Certification and the use of the NSF Mark to communicate
NSF Certification.
National
Sanitation
Foundation
(NSF) was
established in
the University of
Michigan School
of Public Health.
1944
1952
Food Equipment
Program Started.
NSF Testing
Laboratory
(NSFTL)
chartered.
Council of
Public Health
Consultants
formed.
Plastic Piping
and Wastewater
Treatment
Program started.
Wastewater
Treatment test
facility opened
in Ann Arbor, MI.
1965
1980
Drinking Water
Treatment Units
(DWTU) Program
started.
Bottled Water
Program started.
Health
Advisory Board
established.
1984
1990
NSF and NSFTL
merge; name
changed
to NSF
International.
NSF received its
designation as
a World Health
Organization
Collaborating
Centre for Food
Safety and
Drinking Water
Safety and
Treatment.
1996

America’s passion with "dining out" began in the late 1930s. At that time, state and local health
officials monitored public food establishments for sanitation, utilizing widely varying criteria to evaluate
equipment. This resulted in inconsistent rules and regulations for food equipment design throughout the
country. It became obvious that consistent national standards for foodservice equipment were necessary
to prevent health problems resulting from "dining out."
To address this issue, in 1944, two University of Michigan public health experts and the head of the
Toledo, Ohio Health Department joined together and organized the National Sanitation Foundation, today
known as NSF International. They formulated a framework to allow research and participation from all
interested parties–regulators, manufacturers and users–in the consensus development process. From
its very first efforts in the areas of soda fountain and luncheonette equipment, NSF used this consensus
process to develop public health and safety standards. This cooperative thinking and independent, notfor-profit
status now provide the foundation for NSF’s leadership in human health.
Around the world, NSF represents technical excellence in public health and safety. The NSF Mark is a
symbol of this expertise. The NSF Mark symbolizes the relationships NSF has developed over the last
60+ years with key stakeholder groups–regulators, users and industry–all of which are built on trust,
experience, acceptance and independence. It is these relationships that have made NSF what it is today
and explain why the NSF Mark is one of the most recognized certification marks worldwide in ensuring
public health, safety and environmental quality.
2001
NSF acquires
Cook & Thurber.
NSF partnered
with US EPA on
launch of Homeland
Security project.
2002
2003
NSF launched
Live safer ® –
first national
public awareness
campaign.
NSF’s designation
widened as a
WHO Collaborating
Centre for Food
and Water Safety
and Indoor
Environment.
NFL/NFLPA
Supplement
Certification Program
started. The Scrub
Club ® – a public
service campaign
that teaches children
the importance of
handwashing –
is launched. NSF
acquires Quality
Assurance
International (QAI,
Inc.) and opens office
in São Paulo, Brazil.
2004
2005
The Scrub Club ®
reaches an
audience of over
90 million. NSF
expands testing
operations in
Taiwan with new
laboratory in
Taichung.
NSF International
launched athletic
banned substances
certification program.
NSF establishes
NSF Shanghai Co.,
Ltd. in the People's
Republic of China and
acquires Davis Fresh
Technologies.
2006
HISTORY
2007
NSF completes
laboratory
expansion and
acquires David
Begg Associates
and CMi.
NSF opens
new office
in Thailand,
and launches
toy safety
certification
program.
2008
5

6
Trust
DEFINING THE
BRAND
Since 1944, NSF has been certifying products and
writing standards that help protect food, water, and
consumer goods. Throughout this time, NSF has
worked with key government and regulatory bodies,
manufacturers and consumers to emphasize public
health and safety. Integrity is NSF’s greatest asset.
Independence
As a not-for-profit organization, NSF’s stakeholders
include the industry, the regulatory community and
the public at large. NSF’s independence enhances
the veracity of all evaluations and the value of
the brands that have earned the NSF Mark.
Expertise
NSF has some of the world’s greatest engineers,
chemists, toxicologists, microbiologists and
scientists. NSF is a resource to all stakeholders—
not only to help answer specific questions about
standards or standards conformity, but to offer
integrated risk management solutions.
One of a Kind
Both NSF’s people and its facilities, including fullservice
laboratories, enable it to create and execute
highly customized, diverse, and integrated programs.
NSF also offers education and training in food safety,
water quality, workers’ health and safety, and more.

The NSF Mark is much more than a logo—it’s the public
face of our company. It’s a mark that clients covet
and consumers seek out. It’s a powerful symbol that
represents both a company’s concern and regard for its
consumers, and consumers’ concern and regard for their
families. Whether this mark is on a product someone
is buying or a product someone is selling, the feeling it
instills is the same: peace of mind.
The NSF Mark should be referred to as either “the NSF Mark”
or “the mark.” Wherever the phrase “NSF Mark” is used,
the “M” on “Mark” must be capitalized.
The Evolution of the NSF Mark
WHaT’s In
a MaRK?
1944 1953 1974 1989 Current
Live safer.
This round, blue mark can be found in restaurants,
at public swimming pools, on bottled water, piping,
faucets, water filters, water treatment plant
chemicals and on thousands of other products
used every day. NSF Certified products—except
ingredients, materials, or products specifically
exempted by policy—must bear the NSF Mark.
Live safer.
Today, the NSF Mark is a powerful marketing tool
available to manufacturers as they build consumer
confidence in their products and materials. Important
specifications, purchase and usage decisions are
made based on the NSF Mark. NSF third-party
certification includes use of this mark as long as
the product continues to conform to NSF standards.
7

8
benefITs of
UsIng THe
nsf MaRK
Use the NSF Mark
The NSF Mark is used by manufacturers to demonstrate to clients their commitment to
producing safer products.
1. The NSF Mark increases the acceptance of your product or service. Your clients,
potential clients, regulators, retailers, and dealers are all more inclined to accept products,
advertising and promotion that bear the NSF Mark.
2. The NSF Mark builds confidence and trust in your product or service. When your clients
see the NSF Mark on your product or in an advertisement, they know that the product
has been evaluated by a third-party, non-biased organization and has successfully met the
requirements of a standard.
3. The NSF Mark allows for easier entry into new markets. Whether it’s a new industry
segment or a new international market, the NSF Mark on product packaging, advertising
and literature makes it easier to reach potential clients.
4. The NSF Mark provides a faster communications tool. The challenge for any company is
to communicate product safety and reliability quickly and effectively. The NSF Mark is one
tool that does this. It is a small mark with a giant message.
5. The NSF Mark gives your products and services additional exposure. With the NSF Mark,
your product's exposure is greatly increased through NSF’s online listings and the regularly
distributed NSF Listings.
6. The NSF Mark reduces marketing costs. Credibility and confidence come faster with
independent certification, reducing marketing expenses for that purpose.
7. The NSF Mark increases sales. When you combine all of the advantages, the bottom line
is that the NSF Mark will help increase sales. But this is only true for a company that
consistently uses it, prints it, displays it and promotes the fact that their product or service
is qualified to bear this valuable mark.
8. The NSF Mark inspires consumers and reassures clients. NSF’s mission is to make the
world safer. The mark symbolizes safety and trust.
Certified products must bear a laminated "foil" mark with an identifying number and data
plate or label with the company name and address, or the product must have a nameplate,
data plate, or label bearing a legible, authorized facsimile of the mark, the product trade
designation, and the name and address of the manufacturer.

Language Guidelines
An Explanation of the NSF Mark will Help Clarify the Meaning of "NSF Certified"
Effective use of the NSF Mark in advertising and promotional materials is a matter of repetitive and
consistent visual design. Following these guidelines allows you to reinforce the importance of NSF
Certification and gain valuable benefits for your organization in the marketplace.
Please consult the Program Specific Policies or your certification project manager for guidance on
specific products.
Acceptable/Unacceptable Language for Use with the NSF Mark in Advertising or
Promotional Materials
Acceptable Language
• Live safer. ®
• NSF Certified
• Certified by NSF
• Tested and Certified by NSF
• Tested and Certified by NSF International
• ABC’s company product is certified by NSF to
NSF/ANSI Standard #
• ABC Company is listed by NSF International
• The Public Health and Safety Company
Unacceptable Language
• "Approved by"
• "Verified by"
• "Seal" or "Seal of Approval"
• "NSF Approved"
• "Tested against" or "Audited against"
• "Tested to" or "Audited to"
• "Tested by" or "Audited by"
• “Meets NSF requirements”
UsIng THe
nsf MaRK
Note: The ‘C’ in “Certified” and in “Certification” should be capitalized when used immediately before or
after NSF and when referring to NSF Certification.
9

10
Guidelines for Literature and Advertising
For use on letterhead, business cards, placards, and other promotional materials.
Size
For visibility and legibility, it is recommended that the NSF Mark be reproduced no smaller than 3/8 inches
(.9525 cm) in diameter in print materials. If the mark must be less than 3/8 inches in diameter, the NSF
Mark with “Independently Certified” written around the circle should not be used.
Screen
The mark can be screened back in color if desired.
Position
UsIng THe
nsf MaRK
If you choose to angle the NSF Certification Mark, the preferred angle of the NSF Mark is 15 degrees to the left.
Visibility
The NSF Certification Mark shall not be cropped. The mark must be 100% visible and the NSF letters
must be legible.
NOT ACCEPTABLE
®
®
®
®
The mark shall not appear in a manner that may directly or indirectly represent non-certified
products/systems as certified by NSF International.
®
®
15°
15°
®

Color Options
100% Pantone 294
*Pantone, Inc.'s check-standard trademark for color reproduction materials.
1. Note: The ® symbol must be visible and positioned next to the “F”.
2. These NSF guidelines do not apply when using the NSF Mark directly on a product.
Please contact your certification project manager if you have questions regarding the use of the NSF
Mark on a specific product line, as it is not always feasible to use the NSF Mark on a product due to size
or design constraints.
3. NSF and the mark are registered trademarks of NSF International. No company or person shall apply or
use the NSF Mark in connection with a product or represent in any way that the product is certified until
written authorization is provided by NSF. NSF may pursue legal recourse if the mark is misused.
Using the NSF Mark to Convey Specific Certifications
These guidelines apply to all products certified to any standard, within the scope of an NSF Certification
program. There are additional program-specific certification policies that further define requirements under
each NSF Certification program. Contact your certification project manager if you have any questions.
The general and program-specific policies shall be considered in their entirety and shall be applied within
the context of the standard referenced in the contract between your company and NSF. These policies are
available on NSF Online (http://clients.nsf.org).
B2B B2C
1. NSF Certification Marks
®
White logo on 100%
Pantone 294 background
UsIng THe
nsf MaRK
White logo on 100%
black background
The first certification mark (above) should be used for Business to Business (B2B) commercial products
such as water treatment/distribution systems, food equipment and biosafety cabinetry. The second
certification mark (above) is recommended for Business to Consumer (B2C) retail products such as
drinking water treatment units and dietary supplements.
NSF encourages you to leverage your NSF Certification by using the NSF Mark in your marketing and
promotional efforts. Please contact your certification project manager regarding appropriate usage for
the NSF Mark.
11

12
UsIng THe
nsf MaRK
2. Rectangular Box Under the NSF Certification Mark
When it is necessary to explain details regarding a specific certification, a rectangular box shall be placed
under either of the NSF Certification Marks that appear on page 11. The examples below demonstrate use
of a rectangular box. You may also include www.nsf.org as the second line within the box. Please check
with your certification project manager to verify if a rectangular box below the NSF Mark is required
and to ensure the proper text is included in that box, such as a standard number or Certified for Sport.
Text should be sized in proportion to the NSF Mark.
®
COMPONENT
Specifications for text in the box:
Certified for sport
www.nsf.org
Font: Text in the box should be gotham bold and legible.
Optional website: Text should be gotham book and legible.
Arial may be substituted for gotham if your certification project manager approves.
Box Dimensions: Typically, the text in the box should not exceed the diameter of the circle. If there is a
large amount of text to include in the box, please contact your certification project manager to discuss
additional options.
3. NSF Registration Marks
Some registration marks (i.e. GMP Registered) can be used in advertising and promotional materials, while
some registration marks can be placed on products (i.e. Nonfood Compounds Registered), please contact
your certification project manager or refer to your program-specific certification guidelines regarding
appropriate usage.
GMP Registered
4. Special marks where the above guidelines do not apply:
cNSFus Mark
The cNSFus Mark attests that a product has been certified to both Canadian and U.S. requirements.
NSF’s certification programs are accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) as meeting the
requirements that demonstrate NSF’s ability to certify products against applicable Canadian standards.
Both the cNSF and the cNSFus Marks have received widespread recognition and approval in all Canadian
provinces and major cities.

NSF Electrical Mark
NSF’s recognition by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a Nationally
Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) provides regulatory officials with confidence that food
equipment, biosafety materials, pool/spa components and conduit piping bearing the NSF Electrical
Certification Mark comply with the requirements of ANSI/UL safety standards. The NSF Electrical Mark is
recognized and accepted by state electrical inspectors. By consolidating electrical certification with other
NSF Certification, manufacturers can substantially reduce certification costs.
U.P. Code
NSF-U.P. Code Mark
The U.P. Code Mark demonstrates conformance to the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Products that
bear this mark include (but are not limited to the following): Plastic pipe and fittings, metal pipe and
fittings, valves, backflow preventors, faucets and flexible connectors, bathtubs, toilets, sinks, gas piping
and gas flexible connectors, solders, fluxes, solvent cements, primers, storage tanks, water closets,
piping systems, showers, shower drains and liners and vacuum breakers. NSF's regulatory team constantly
monitors changes to the codes to ensure that products bearing this mark remain in compliance with
UPC requirements.
5. Where to Get the Marks
Marks and camera-ready slicks are available from your certification project manager. For foil marks
that bear both a standard number and a serial number, please call 1-800-NSF-MARK or email
certrecord@nsf.org. Clients outside the U.S. may call (+1) 734-769-8010.
Be sure to leverage the mark to your advantage. The NSF marketing team can help with your
marketing efforts. For more information, please contact your certification project manager or the
NSF marketing team at (+1) 734-769-8010.
UsIng THe
nsf MaRK
13

14
UsIng THe
nsf MaRK
Use of the NSF Mark with Accreditation Marks
A company with products certified under an NSF Certification program that is accredited by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and/or the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) may use
the accreditation mark(s) on their company’s literature and marketing materials in combination with the
NSF Mark as follows:
• Accreditation marks shall clearly communicate the accreditation and not imply that the product is
certified by the accreditation body.
• Accreditation marks shall be smaller in size than the NSF Certification Mark and should be placed in
direct proximity to the NSF Certification Mark. The mark should appear with language referencing
ANSI, SCC or both.
The ANSI and SCC Accreditation Marks Shall Not be Used Directly on Products
or Product Packaging
Although the ANSI and SCC Marks may be used on literature and marketing materials, manufacturers
are advised to remove the ANSI and SCC Marks on packaging or products. Check with your certification
project manager to verify the accreditation status of the certification program.
The ANSI Accredited Certification Program Mark
The SCC Accredited Certification Program Mark
Both Accredited Certification Program Marks
NSF Product Certification and World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre (CC)
A company certified by NSF shall not mention NSF’s WHO CC status or use the WHO logo when referring
to NSF Product Certification.

MISSION
NSF International, an independent,
not-for-profit, non-governmental organization,
is dedicated to being the leading global provider
of public health and safety-based risk management
solutions while serving the interests of all stakeholders.
Our mission has always focused on protecting
and improving public health. Our mission statement
reflects our core values of trust, leadership,
objectivity, independence, risk management and
expertise to all stakeholders.

Live safer.
789 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105 USA
(734) 769-8010, 1-800-NSF-MARK, Fax: (734) 769-0109, Web: www.nsf.org
Live safer.
LCO-102-01-07