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Trademark certification enquiry

Vegetarian Society Accreditation costs less than you might expect.

Enquire today and reach a huge consumer audience, raising your plant-powered profile.

Frequently asked questions

Product criteria

Your name (required)

Position in company

Email address (required)

Telephone

Company / brand name (required)

Company / brand website

What's your annual turnover or expected annual turnover (in £) for these products?

Business line e.g. food/cosmetics/general (Required)

Desired timescale of when you need accreditation by

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover answers to essential questions about obtaining Plant Based Accreditation for your products. Still have questions?

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General Questions

What is Plant-Based accreditation?

Plant-based accreditation is a valuable 3rd party check that evidences your products meet stringent plant-based product criteria. Once accredited you are able to display the Vegetarian Society Plant-based trademark on your products packaging, website and marketing materials, providing assurance to customers.

Why should I get my products certified?

There are many benefits to your business in getting your products certified. 84% of veggie and vegans surveyed in a 2023 YouGov poll said they trust a Vegetarian Society Approved trademark more than a manufacturer's own symbol. The plant-based market is growing and having the choice of a vegan or plant-based registration (or both)opens up new target audiences for your business.

Who can apply for Plant-Based accreditation?

If your business has product(s) that meet the plant-based criteria you are eligible to apply for the accreditation. This is not limited to food items, we cover cosmetics and many other types of products, if they meet the criteria.

Certification Criteria

What are the requirements of certification?

To qualify for the Plant Based Trademark, your product must adhere to strict criteria that demonstrate its commitment to plant-derived ingredients and sustainable practices.

Can partially plant-based products be certified?

Yes, products that contain at least one plant-based ingredient can be certified under the Plant-Based trademark, provided they meet the necessary criteria. This trademark adheres to the same rigorous criteria as our Vegan trademark, which ensures that the product is free from animal-derived ingredients. While flexibility is allowed for products that are not fully plant-based, they must still meet the standard for having a plant-based ingredient. However, products containing any animal-derived ingredients, such as meat, dairy, or eggs, cannot be certified under the Plant-Based trademark.

Application Process

How do I apply for certification?

The application process is simple and you are supported by us throughout

First of all we would like to speak to you about your brand and the products which you are considering certifying.
We are then able to generate your quotes, there are additional discounts for longer term licences.
Once you have chosen which package suits you best, you will return the application form and we will raise your invoice
Once the invoice has been paid, you will be assigned to the accreditation team who will begin the process of checking and registering your products
When the verification is complete, we will issue your licence agreement for you to sign and return
Once we have received your signed licence agreement you will receive your certification and artwork guidelines.
You can then begin to use the trademark and we can advise on placement and offer additional guidance regarding where to use the trademark to enable your customers to identify your products

What documents are required for application?

You will need to submit the following documents: A completed application form. A list of ingredients for each product you wish to certify. Supplier details for key ingredients, to confirm their plant-based status. Any relevant product formulations or specifications. These documents will help our team to ensure your product meets the certification standards.

How long does the certification process take?

The certification process typically takes around 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of your product and the completeness of your application. If additional information or rechecks are required, it may take slightly longer. We strive to make the process as quick and easy as possible, with ongoing support from our expert team throughout.

Cost & Maintenance

How much does it cost to get certified?

The cost depends on how many products you are certifying and the different trademarks you require. There are packages for multiple products and years.

Is certification a one-time process?

The certification is renewed annually. If a product changes, the client just needs to tell us and we re-check and update the records.

Are there additional fees for renewal?

There are renewal fees and these will be annual, every 24 or 36 months depending on the package which you have taken. Fees will be subject to inflation.

Labelling & Marketing

What does the trademark look like?

The Vegetarian Society plant-based trademark can be seen at the top of this page! It is also available in different languages to suit your markets.

Can I use the trademark in my marketing materials?

Absolutely, and we also help to market your products in our members magazine, newsletters and extensive social media channels

Does the certification apply internationally?

We have initially registered the trademark for usage in the UK, and are going through the process of international registration. There is no reason that you cannot use the trademark internationally whilst this is being undertaken. You can even chose to use in conjunction with our Vegan trademark which is already registered in many countries internationally.

Trademark certification enquiry

Frequently Asked Questions

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