Definitions & Normative Language

Version 2.0 · Publication Date: 2026-09-22 · Status: Published / Effective
Document ID: DV-F-02-v2.0
© 2026 DraftVerify™ Standards Initiative. All rights reserved.

Document control. Definitions in this document apply throughout the F-Series unless a document expressly defines a term differently for a limited scope.

1. Normative verbal forms

shall — expresses a requirement necessary for conformity.
shall not — expresses a prohibition necessary for conformity.
should / should not — expresses a recommendation.
may / need not — expresses permission.
can / cannot — expresses possibility or capability.
must / must not — reserved for obligations or constraints originating outside DraftVerify, such as law, regulation, manufacturer instructions, or physical necessity.

2. Core definitions

2.1 Applicant

Organization or person formally seeking DraftVerify certification or another documented conformity decision.

2.2 Certification

A written DraftVerify conformity decision authorizing a defined certification status for a defined scope, subject to F-32.

2.3 Certification Mark

A DraftVerify-controlled sign, badge, seal, wording, or other identifier whose use indicates a defined DraftVerify certification status. Registration status is jurisdiction-specific; the symbol ® shall not be used unless registration exists for the relevant mark and jurisdiction.

2.4 Certificate

The controlled record issued by DraftVerify identifying the holder, scope, applicable Standard version, status, and certificate identifier.

2.5 Conformity

Fulfilment of applicable DraftVerify requirements within a defined scope.

2.6 Conformity assessment

A structured evaluation of evidence against applicable DraftVerify requirements.

2.7 Critical nonconformity

A failure that defeats a core identity, verification, integrity, safety, or evidence control and requires an adverse conformity decision until corrected.

2.8 DraftVerify Registry

The controlled digital record system used for applicable identity, verification, certificate, and status records.

2.9 DTI

DraftVerify Tag Identifier; a unique controlled identifier associated with a DraftVerify record.

2.10 Identity pathway

The defined relationship through which NA product identity is maintained from keg → coupler → line → faucet.

2.11 Non-alcoholic / NA

A category designation used within DraftVerify for products represented by their producer or operator as non-alcoholic under the law and product requirements applicable to the relevant jurisdiction. DraftVerify does not establish a universal legal ABV threshold.

2.12 Nonconformity

Failure to satisfy an applicable DraftVerify requirement.

2.13 Scope

The sites, systems, products, services, activities, or organizational units covered by a conformity assessment or certificate.

2.14 Verification

A documented check that specified identity information or system configuration matches the expected controlled state.

2.15 Verification event

A recorded verification action containing the fields required by F-30.

3. Certification claim terminology

The following expressions imply a DraftVerify conformity decision when used in relation to a third-party organization, site, system, product, or service:

• DraftVerify Certified;
• DraftVerify Approved;
• DraftVerify Verified;
• Certified to the DraftVerify Standard;
• equivalent wording reasonably implying that DraftVerify itself has assessed and approved conformity.

Such claims require active written authorization under F-32.

A factual statement such as “our internal procedures reference the DraftVerify Standard” does not by itself constitute certification, provided it is accurate and does not imply DraftVerify endorsement.

4. Regulatory terminology

DraftVerify requirement means a private requirement of the DraftVerify Standard.

Legal requirement means an obligation imposed by applicable law or regulation.

The two terms shall not be treated as interchangeable.

5. Interpretation

Defined terms shall be interpreted consistently across the F-Series. Where ambiguity affects a certification decision, DraftVerify shall document the interpretation used and shall apply it consistently to materially similar cases until the underlying text is clarified through F-40 governance.