# ICEQC-GOV-005:2026 — Terms, Definitions and Normative Language Rules

Status: Development

Version: Development Edition 0.1

Defines controlled terms and the meanings of shall, should, may, can, conformity, nonconformity and not applicable.

## 1 Normative language

Shall denotes a requirement. Should denotes a recommendation. May denotes permission. Can denotes possibility or capability. Only shall-statements form independently assessable requirements unless a scheme expressly incorporates another normative condition.

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