Certification Mark - Cat Ba National Park

OVERVIEW

The Certification Trademark of the Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve has been comprehensively protected by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam. This trademark serves as the official logo of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, featuring the Golden-headed Langur (Cat Ba Langur) as the central element, along with symbolic images of green limestone mountain ranges and seawater.

The Management Board of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, in coordination with the Hai Phong Department of Tourism, developed and registered the Certification Trademark of the Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve with the Intellectual Property Office for official protection and application.

CRITERIA FOR CERTIFICATION OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Products and services must be environmentally friendly, contribute to environmental improvement within the Biosphere Reserve, and be safe, hygienic, and beneficial to consumer health;
Products and services should hold a significant proportion in the socio-economic sectors of Cat Ba Island;
Must employ local labor, support community development, help preserve landscapes and the environment, and protect traditional cultural values;
Must meet quality standards, and be registered with the competent authorities responsible for managing the quality of goods and services.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CERTIFIED TRADEMARK USERS

Rights

All certified trademark users shall have equal rights and obligations related to the use of the certification trademark;
Have the right to introduce and promote products carrying the certification trademark;
Be legally protected by the State regarding the certified trademark usage rights;
Products bearing the certification trademark will be given priority for promotion through mass media and preferential inclusion in activities such as welcoming and serving international delegations visiting Cat Ba Island.

Responsibilities

Strictly and fully comply with the regulations and provisions of the Certification Trademark Regulations of the Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve;
Products, goods, and services must ensure quality, have clear origin, and meet criteria for environmental friendliness and food safety and hygiene in accordance with the law;
The use of labels, packaging, and advertising activities related to the certification trademark must comply with legal regulations;
Use the certificate properly as regulated; the right to use the trademark is non-transferable; the user is responsible for notifying the certifying organization to carry out withdrawal procedures when the trademark is no longer in use.
The Certification Trademark of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve was initiated and implemented starting in 2007. To date, it has undergone three rounds of certification issuance, enhancing the market reach of 18 organizations with 20 high-quality local specialty products and services, across five product groups, including: honey, fish sauce, tour boat services, hotels, and restaurants within the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve.

ORGANIZATIONS CERTIFIED WITH THE BIOSPHERE RESERVE TRADEMARK

Procedures for New Issuance or Renewal of the Certificate of Trademark Use

For Product Group 29: Fish Sauce

Application form for NHCN (according to prescribed form).
Legally valid copies of the following documents:
Business Registration Certificate of the organization.
Quality Standards Certificate issued by the competent state authority.
Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate issued by the competent state authority.
Fire Safety Compliance Certificate.

For Product Group 30: Honey

Application form for NHCN (according to prescribed form).
Legally valid copies of the following documents:
Business Registration Certificate of the organization.
Quality Standards Certificate issued by the competent state authority.
Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate issued by the competent state authority.
Fire Safety Compliance Certificate.

For Product Group 39: Tourism Boat Services

Application form for NHCN (according to prescribed form).
Legally valid copies of the following documents:
Business Registration Certificate of the organization.
Quality Standards Certificate issued by the competent state authority.
Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate issued by the competent state authority.
Fire Safety Compliance Certificate.

For Product Group 41: Entertainment Services

Application form for NHCN (according to prescribed form).
Legally valid copies of the following documents:
Business Registration Certificate of the organization.
Business Registration Certificate of the organization.
Business Registration Certificate of the organization.
Business Registration Certificate of the organization.

For Product Group 43: Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants within the Cat Ba Archipelago

Application form for NHCN (according to prescribed form).
Legally valid copies of the following documents:
Business Registration Certificate of the organization.
Quality Standards Certificate issued by the competent state authority.
Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate issued by the competent state authority.
Fire Safety Compliance Certificate.
Food Safety and Hygiene Eligibility Certificate.
Official Decision recognizing the class or rating of the tourist accommodation (if applicable).
Official Decision recognizing the restaurant meets the standards for serving tourists (if applicable).

Procedure for Granting the Right to Use the Certification Trademark

The Certification Trademark Management Unit (TCCN) is responsible for reviewing and granting the right to use the certification trademark according to the following steps:

Receive the application documents submitted by the requesting organization or individual.
Check the form, if the file meets the requirements, then proceed to record and write a receipt for the result. In case the file does not meet the requirements, the file receiving staff must be responsible for guiding the organization or individual to comply with the regulations.
Organize a field evaluation team to conduct on-site inspections at the facilities of the applicant organizations or individuals.
Prepare an assessment report and issue a decision to grant or renew the right to use the certification trademark.
Issue the Certificate (or Renewal Certificate), record it in the registry, and deliver the certificate to the requesting organization or individual.

Term of issuance and renewal of NHCN use right certificate

Within 15 days from the date of receiving a valid application from an organization or individual, the certification trademark management authority shall conduct an on-site inspection of the applicant’s business operations and evaluate product quality through competent functional agencies.
Within 15 days from the date of obtaining the results of the field inspection and product quality assessment, the certification trademark authority must issue a decision to grant or not grant the Certificate of Trademark Use.
In case of an application for extension, the application must be made according to the form and signed and stamped by an authorized representative. The application for extension must be sent to the TCCN together with the issued Certificate of Registration 30 days before the expiration date. Pay the fee for extension of the Certificate of Registration as prescribed.