Translation labels are used to identify whether a piece of translation output has been “produced and self-checked, edited, or revised (that is, verified)” by a qualified language professional who confirms that “it meets the agreed-upon specifications.” Everything that is not professionally verified is unverified, including raw automatic translation, AI-generated translation output, and translation involving a human who is not a qualified professional.

 

This distinction has been standardized in an international standard (the 2025 edition of ASTM F2575). The ASTM labels are Professionally Verified Translation and Unverified Translation. The benefits of these labels include consumer protection and promotion of the translator profession.

 

The Tranquality division of LTAC Global, a nonprofit serving the language community, promotes the ASTM labels and manages a certification mark (PVTr and the associated logo).

 

The main objective of the Labels on Translation Output initiative is to promote the use of the ASTM labels and to manage licenses for the Tranquality PVTr certification mark.