Programme and responsibilities

The Vegan Society's Vegan Trademark criteria belong to its own programme, rather than a universal legal definition or a QRS scheme. Ingredient and by-product origins, relevant animal-testing responsibilities and cross-contamination controls must be considered together.

Worked decision example

Planning example: A drinks range includes plain, honey and vitamin-enriched versions, but the business wants one company-wide logo. Identify finished variants seeking the licence separately. Disclose the honey version and obtain origin statements for vitamin carriers and flavour components. Explain shared-line controls through production records. “Not tested on animals” does not prove absence of animal ingredients. The programme owner must assess the products against its actual criteria.

Preparation and verification

Link each formula version to suppliers and origin evidence. Mark permission belongs to the actual programme owner. Vegan approval does not assure allergen freedom or medical safety. Do not remove a precautionary milk statement simply to support the vegan marketing objective; assess the relevant label information separately.

Primary sources

Sources checked on 3 October 2026. These are preparation examples, not customer history or promises of a favourable decision.