Introduction of the DAkkS calibration label: strengthening quality, transparency and legal certainty

After an intensive period of preparation and registration with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS) is introducing the new DAkkS calibration label. With immediate effect, accredited calibration laboratories can now apply for this protected quality label and use it to identify their calibration services.

Purpose and scope of the DAkkS calibration label

The purpose of the DAkkS calibration label is to clearly and unambiguously identify calibrations that have been performed within the framework of a DAkkS accreditation. The DAkkS calibration label refers exclusively to the calibration service provided and not to any assertions made about the calibrated measuring instrument itself. The label can be placed both directly on calibrated devices and included in results reports (calibration certificates), provided that the reports are within the scope of the accreditation.

The goal of the DAkkS calibration label is to enhance transparency within the calibration sector, prevent misuse or misleading use of calibration labels and improve the traceability of calibration services provided by technically competent bodies.

Benefits for calibration laboratories

The introduction of the DAkkS calibration label now gives accredited calibration laboratories the ability to clearly and visibly identify their calibration services as accredited services – both directly on measuring instruments and in the associated calibration certificates. This not only enhances the visibility of high-quality metrological services, it also allows laboratories to specifically focus communication of their accredited competence and differentiate themselves in the market.

Registered trademark protection ensures that only services that are actually accredited may be marked with the label. The label is therefore clearly unambiguous, helping to prevent the misuse or misleading use of labels that are not accredited, and strengthening the protection of accredited calibration services as a whole.

The application process – paperless, cost-saving and efficient

Applying for the DAkkS calibration label is free of charge, voluntary and straightforward. With immediate effect, accredited calibration laboratories can now request use of the label by sending an informal e-mail to kalibriermarke@dakks.de.

The paperless, cost-saving calibration label will then be delivered to the calibration laboratory by sending the image files and information for use in digital form by e-mail.

Once in receipt of them, the calibration laboratory itself can customise the image files and produce or print them on labels.  

Use of the certification mark as a unit

The DAkkS calibration label as a registered trademark is available in several versions in both colour and black and white, offering a great deal of flexibility in terms of shape and size.

It may be used only in conjunction with the data from the associated calibration. This is the only unit that constitutes the complete calibration label for the measuring instrument. At a minimum, the individual registration data for the calibration in question must appear directly next to or below the label. A QR code and the date of the next calibration are optional components of the label.

The protected trademark may therefore not be used in isolation or outside the designated label frame.

Further information and contact details

With the introduction of the DAkkS calibration label, DAkkS is creating clear added value for calibration laboratories and their customers. The protected trademark not only promotes quality assurance in the calibration sector, it also strengthens trust, traceability and professional integrity in a sensitive area of technical services.

You can find further information on applying for and using the DAkkS calibration label on the website of DAkkS.

Internal link

If you have any individual questions about the specifications for use or about applying for the DAkkS calibration label, please contact kalibriermarke@dakks.de at any time.