The direct answer
Google’s published bulk-sender requirements do not make BIMI mandatory. Meeting sender requirements and qualifying for BIMI logo display are separate tasks, with different acceptance checks.
Why can the two checklists give different answers?
Google permits a monitoring-only DMARC policy for its baseline bulk-sender DMARC requirement, while Gmail BIMI requires enforcement. Therefore, passing a bulk-sender compliance review does not automatically qualify the domain for logo display.
Use the current sender rules for the sending programme and the current BIMI setup instructions for the branding project. Record which checklist a result belongs to instead of reporting a generic “Google compliant” status.
What should I prioritise?
Resolve delivery, authentication and subscription-handling obligations before treating an inbox logo as the completion criterion. A VMC or CMC purchase does not satisfy unrelated sender requirements.
Once the sending programme meets its obligations, evaluate BIMI against your audience, readiness and brand objectives. Keep a separate owner and acceptance record for the optional display work so a missing logo is not confused with a mandatory sender-policy failure.
Sources & further reading
Provider guidance checked on . Requirements can change; check the original guidance when implementing. Planning checklists and examples are BIMI World’s editorial suggestions.