Kvalitetsmerking

Kvalitetsmerking is a broad term for labels or marks applied to products, services, or organizations to indicate that they meet defined quality criteria or standards. It can be mandatory under law or voluntary, chosen by producers or industries to signal reliability and accountability.

The main purpose of kvalitetmerking is to help consumers identify trustworthy options and to encourage improvements in quality, safety, and performance. Marks can cover product quality, process quality, or organizational management. They may address material and manufacturing standards, service delivery, or ethical and environmental considerations, depending on the scope of the mark.

Types of quality marks vary. Some are mandatory safety or compliance marks required by regulations, while others are voluntary consumer trust marks or third‑party certifications. Common examples include ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, HACCP for food safety, and IFS/BRC for food production. Product-specific marks like the CE marking indicate conformity with European directives, while labels such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Energy Star, Fair Trade, and FSC certify environmental, efficiency, or ethical aspects. The precise requirements depend on the market, sector, and the issuing body.

The process to obtain a kvalitetsmerking typically involves conformity assessment by an accredited third‑party certification body, including documentation review, audits, product testing, and on‑going surveillance. If criteria are met, a certificate or mark is issued and may be subject to periodic renewal and re‑assessment. Misuse or withdrawal of the mark can occur if standards lapse.

Credibility relies on independent accreditation, transparency of criteria, and ongoing oversight by recognized standards bodies and regulatory authorities to prevent counterfeit or misleading markings.