What is the difference between "informal" and "non formal" learning?

Formal learning is the learning that occurs in an organised and structured environment (e.g. in an education or training institution or on the job) and is explicitly designated as learning (in terms of objectives, time or resources). Formal learning is intentional from the learner’s point of view. It typically leads to validation and certification.

Non-formal learning is a learning which is embedded in planned activities not always explicitly designated as learning (in terms of learning objectives, learning time or learning support), but which contains an important learning element. Non-formal learning is intentional from the learner’s point of view.

Beside this, Informal learning means a learning resulting from daily activities related to work, family or leisure. It is not organised or structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support. Informal learning is mostly unintentional from the learner’s perspective.

Source: Cedefop, (2009), European Guidelines for Validating Non-formal and Informal Learning,Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, ISBN 978-92-896-0602-8