Cookies, Access and Accessibility Policy
GSQA-WEB-001 · 2.0 · 2026-10-19
1. Necessary storage
Necessary website functions support account security, sessions and the language preference actively chosen by the user. On first entry through the default English route, country or region information supplied at the network edge may prompt a corresponding language choice. The website does not switch automatically, and its database does not store the full IP address. A functional cookie retains the language choice for 180 days; it can be changed in the top menu or deleted in the browser. Access to public information and searches is not conditional on accepting optional advertising or analytics technology.
2. Working preference controls
Preference changes must actually be saved and affect the relevant behaviour. Clearing storage may sign the user out or remove unsaved state. An ineffective “allow all tracking” button must not be provided where no corresponding scripts exist.
3. Accessibility assistance
Provide clear labels, keyboard operation, visible focus, contrast and alternative explanations for reports. Barriers may be reported with the specific address, device and problem. Unconditional conformity that has not been fully assessed is not claimed.
4. Necessary functions
Necessary functions may support security, authentication, sessions or actively selected preferences, and are limited to those purposes. Public award searches require no applicant account and are not conditional on accepting optional advertising or analytics technology.
5. Optional technologies
Optional analytics and third-party content must be described according to actual use, not classified as necessary merely for operational convenience. Saved choices govern these options. Failure to save a choice prompts a retry.
6. Set preferences
Optional technologies may be accepted, rejected or changed in preference settings. Applicable necessary functions may continue operating. Rejection must be as convenient as acceptance, and must not prevent access to public rules or certificate searches.
7. Report previews and external content
Report previews use files authorised for public display. Visiting an original website or loading embedded third-party content may send requests to the relevant site or enable tracking. Where applicable, loading follows confirmation under the user’s preferences, with another available viewing method retained.
8. Saving preferences and enquiries
A preference is shown as saved only after successful storage. Failure prompts a retry. Questions may be raised through the privacy-contact channel. Browser settings may affect storage but do not remove the website’s responsibility to implement its stated preferences.
9. Finding rules and services
Navigation, headings and text links lead to evaluation criteria, award records, document requirements and feedback channels. Reading public rules and searching records do not require a particular app, a telephone call or the purchase of assistance.
10. Reports and images
Award records are searched by brand, model or award number. There is no product showcase directory, recommendation ranking or default list of winners. Complete verification reports are handled through access-controlled applicant accounts. Award records referring to authorised public material must identify its source, version and publication scope. Requests for text-reading assistance or reports of access problems may be submitted through the contact channels. Assistance text does not replace the original report.
11. Keyboard and assistive-technology use
Main navigation, forms and report viewers must support keyboard operation and provide clear focus, field labels and error messages. Status must also be described in text. Form errors must identify the specific item while preserving information already entered.
12. Reporting an access barrier
Where a page, file or action impedes use, describe the problem and assistance needed so that it can be examined and addressed. Accessibility statements reflect actual checks. The website does not claim full conformity with a standard without a complete assessment.
13. Request accessibility assistance
Identify the page, file or action causing difficulty and the specific barrier. A reply channel may be provided for follow-up. Only information necessary to understand the problem is needed; medical history and award applications are not required.
14. Records, administration and correction
For matters covered by this document, records must retain the application or case number, specific product and market, version used, documents and page references, responsible personnel, material dates, reasons and formal notices. Personal information and trade secrets are handled according to access permissions. Questions about a record may be raised through correction, complaint or reconsideration channels available to an entitled applicant. Submission alone does not alter an existing decision or licence. The outcome is determined by the formal notice and current record.
15. Effective date, application and version control
Version 2.0 of this document is published and takes effect on 19 October 2026. It applies to relevant matters formally submitted after that date. Existing applications retain their original snapshot and rules. Material changes are notified separately and handled under transitional arrangements; new conditions are not retrospectively inserted into historical decisions. Website and downloadable texts must agree. Superseded versions identify their replacement, and name or wording corrections are recorded separately from substantive amendments.