European Commission - Environment

Why do we need an EU Ecolabel award scheme? [top]

Consumers are becoming more and more concerned about the environment. Research has shown that consumers want to play an active role to contribute to the protection of the environment by choosing products that inflict less damage upon it. However, they are bewildered by - and often are very sceptical about - the countless environmental claims made by manufacturers and retailers for their products.
The EU Ecolabel scheme was launched in 1992 to encourage the production and consumption of green products at the European level. The same EU Ecolabel logo is used across different product groups and Member States, making it easier to recognise the products with a superior environmental performance. This helps to avoid distortions of competition and ensures the protection of the interests of producers and consumers.
Nevertheless, participation in this scheme does not provide exemption from compliance to other environmental or regulatory requirements of Community or national law applicable to the various stages of the life cycle of the product (be it a product or a service).
How do I recognise a product awarded the Ecolabel? [top]

The EU Ecolabel logo will be present on the product. The producer has the choice of displaying the logo, once obtained, on any part of his product. You will probably find the logo on the packaging, on the label or on any other visible part and it looks like this:
What types of products and services have been awarded the Flower logo so far? [top]

The scheme is currently open to all products and services, except for food, drink, pharmaceuticals products and medical devices. Please note that the European Commission is currently considering the inclusion of food and feed products as a potential product group. Click here to see the list of product groups for which criteria have been developed, or are being developed. So far, thousands of products have already received the EU Ecolabel. Click here to see the number of company licences made to date.
Are Ecolabelled products more expensive than other products? [top]

Not necessarily – they may even be cheaper in some cases. A product with the EU Ecolabel has added value since it has a reduced impact on the environment, and respects strict performance standards.
How are the Product Group Criteria developed? [top]

The procedure for the establishment of criteria is as follows:
For more information on the procedure for the development of criteria, please refer to Annex I of the Regulation on the EU Ecolabel.

If you would like to propose a new product group category, and/or if you would like to lead the criteria development process, please see the application process and related forms.
Who is responsible for running the scheme in the Member States? [top]

Member States designate competent bodies that are the national points of contact for the scheme. They are responsible, inter alia, for receiving and assessing applications, for concluding contracts with successful applicants and for promoting the scheme, handling enquiries and for contributing to the development of the criteria. Competent Bodies are independent and have no vested interest.
Click here to find the list of competent bodies.
As a citizen, how can I support the Ecolabel? [top]

Of course, the first step in supporting the scheme is to buy the ecolabelled products. Consumers can also ask shops to stock ecolabelled products. In the long run, this will mean a positive impact on the design, production and marketing of such products. If more consumers ask for products with the Flower, more producers will apply for the Ecolabel.
Where can the products bearing the Flower be found? [top]

Several thousands of products bearing the EU Ecolabel are now available on the European market. All holders of EU Ecolabelled products as well as the products themselves can be found on the Green Store .
Where can I get more information about the scheme? [top]

Taking a closer look at our website, you will find detailed and updated information on the scheme: the new Regulation on the EU Ecolabel, progress on product group development and revision, competent bodies and other members of the EUEB, etc. On the Green Store you can find the complete list of EU Ecolabelled products and contact details of EU Ecolabel holders.

Further information is to be found in the fact sheets aimed at producers and brochures aimed at consumers.

You can also contact your national competent body to know more about the scheme at the national level, to submit your application, etc. Click here to find the list of competent bodies.
What is the relationship between the EU Ecolabel and other national ecolabels such as the Blue Angel, the Nordic Swan, etc.? [top]

Even though national labels have been a very successful experience and have certainly contributed to the environmental awareness of people, the progress towards a single market necessitates a common instrument that prevents confusion amongst consumers and producers.

One of the main ideas behind the creation of the EU Ecolabel was to provide information that would be consistent across the whole EU. The EU Ecolabel is the result of a common policy - all Member States are asked to approve the ecological criteria - which should therefore be the reference for consumers.

The advantage of the EU Ecolabel is that it promotes transparency and simplicity, since the criteria applied to a product remains the same, regardless of the Member State in which it is produced or sold.

The EU Ecolabel and national ecolabels can co-exist happily. When a product has been awarded with both national and EU ecolabels, you will find the two logos displayed side by side on the product.

Article 11 of the new Regulation on the EU Ecolabel introduces measures to encourage harmonisation with other ecolabel schemes. It reads that newly developed national ecolabel criteria should be at least as strict as existing EU Ecolabel criteria. Consequently, national ecolabels will become compatible with the EU Ecolabel.
What is the relationship between the EU Ecolabel and environmental management schemes such as EMAS and ISO 14001? [top]

Producers can show their environmental commitment in many ways. One of them is the adoption of an independently verified environmental management system, such as EMAS or ISO 14001.

The European Union Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, EMAS, is another EU voluntary scheme. EMAS certified organisations have committed themselves to improving their environmental performance and providing relevant information to the public.

The difference between the two types of schemes is that environmental management schemes are focused on the general environmental performance of the company, while ecolabelling schemes like the EU Ecolabel focus on the specific products or services of the firm.

There are many synergies among these voluntary schemes, which can bring positive advantages, including:
- Reductions in annual fees - applicants to the EU Ecolabel scheme who have already received certification under EMAS or ISO 14001 can be granted reductions up to 20% on the annual fee.
- Recognition of environmental commitment - competent bodies are advised to take into account the implementation of recognised environmental management schemes, such as EMAS or ISO 14001 while assessing applications and monitoring compliance with the EU Ecolabel's ecological criteria.
Visit the EMAS website for more information on this scheme.
What synergies exist between the EU Ecolabel and other EU policies, for example on GPP and ECAP?[top]

The European Commission recognises great synergies between the EU Ecolabel and other EC policies and especially with Green Public Procurement (GPP) and the Environmental Compliance Assistance Programme for SMEs (ECAP).

EU Ecolabel - GPP

Green public procurement implies that public purchasers take account of environmental factors when buying products, services or works. For instance, the EU Ecolabel can facilitate GPP, e.g. use of EU Ecolabel criteria in technical specifications which can serve as proof of environmental selection criteria. If the EU Ecolabel is used in public procurement, it will become even more attractive for companies to have the label. Click here to consult our webpage on GPP and find more detailed information, material and interesting links.

EU Ecolabel - ECAP

The European Commission understands the pressures faced by small businesses and is taking action to assist them. It has launched an Environmental Compliance Assistance Programme (ECAP) to make it easier for SMEs to comply with their obligations and improve their environmental performances. Many SMEs might consider the EU Ecolabel as a first step in this area - and many EU Ecolabel holders are SMEs. They might well be interested in ECAP so as to explore other tools to green their business and discover the advantages of being environmentally compliant and be in coherence with their green philosophy. Similarly, SMEs (without any environmental initiative) may discover the competitive advantage by becoming environmentally compliant and thus decide to move to the next step by adhering to the EU Ecolabel for some of their products and services. This has become even more important in this time of global financial crisis where green growth is increasingly being considered as an economic and competitiveness advantage factors. Click here to consult the ECAP website.
Are EU Ecolabelled products tested on animals?[top]
Currently, there are no specific criteria forbidding animal testing. However, the European Commission and competent bodies have committed to limiting animal testing. This commitment has been the subject of an inscription in Article 6 of the new Regulation on the EU Ecolabel, mentioning that the criteria development process will try to include “as far as possible the principle of reducing animal testing”.
Are food products included in the EU Ecolabel product categories?

Currently, there is no product category for food or feed products. You will find more information on food, feed and drinks in the Article 6.5 of the Regulation on the EU Ecolabel. A feasibility study has been undertaken to evaluate the possibility of including food and feed products in the EU Ecolabel scheme. For more information on the study, click here.

Questions by companies/retailers applying for the Ecolabel

I want my product to be ecolabelled, but there is no product group for me. What should I do? [top]

Developing the criteria for new EU Ecolabel product groups is a complex process requiring expert working groups and widespread consultation (for the entire details see Annex 1 of the new Regulation on the EU Ecolabel). The criteria themselves then have to be agreed by the EU Ecolabelling Board, European Commission, Member States and Parliament, so it is not something that happens over night! For more information on the criteria development process, please refer to Question 5 of the general questions section.

If you would like the EC to consider a new product or service category to be included in the EU Ecolabel scheme, you can fill in the form presented below. Please answer the questions to explain the reasons why the product or service group is proposed and provide useful data to support its application. The completed form should be submitted directly to the EU Ecolabel Helpdesk. The European Ecolabelling Board (EUEB), after scrutinising all proposals, will select priority product groups for which the criteria will be developed in the following years.”

Standard form for new product group proposal

You have also a possibility to apply to lead the product group criteria development process. If you are interested, please download and fill in the form below and send it to the EU Ecolabel Helpdesk.

Standard form for leading a product group criteria development/creation process
How can I make an application? [top]

First, we would encourage you to have a look at the different product groups which are currently covered by the EU Ecolabel scheme by clicking here and read the criteria document and the application guide. For a short overview of the criteria, you can also have a look at the fact sheets. (If you cannot find any product group corresponding to your product(s) or service(s), please refer to Question 1 from the section ‘Questions by companies/retailers applying for the EU Ecolabel’.)

Please consult the section on the application procedure for more information.

Application forms are available from the competent bodies. Click here to find the list of competent bodies. Applicants should seek guidance from the competent bodies on the information needed in each case. The EU Ecolabel for each product group has its own environmental criteria (published in the Official Journal of the European Communities) and the information required to demonstrate compliance depends on the relevant criteria.

For some product groups, test results must be provided to ensure the fulfilment of the criteria. For more information about tests on products, refer to Question 3 of this section.
Where can my products be tested? [top]

Tests on products can be done in the laboratory of your choice as long as it is accredited with the ISO 17025 or equivalent, such as GLP (Good Laboratory Practice). You must attach all the test reports to your application for evidence. Competent bodies will inform potential applicants which test results must be provided and how the testing should be carried out. For more information on accredited laboratories, please contact your competent body or click here to consult the Guidelines for a procedure for checking the criteria in respect of applications: use of test laboratories.

Click here to find the list of competent bodies .
To whom should I send my application? [top]

According to the Article 9 of the EU Ecolabel Regulation, any operator who wishes to use the EU Ecolabel shall apply to the competent bodies (click here to find the list of competent bodies) in accordance with the following rules:
(a) where a product originates in a single Member State, the application shall be presented to a competent body of that Member State;
(b) where a product originates in the same form in several Member States, the application may be presented to a competent body in one of those Member States;
(c) where a product originates outside the Community, the application shall be presented to a competent body in any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.
For more information on how to make an application, refer to Question 2 of this section.
How long does it take? [top]

This will vary from case to case. A competent body must consider each application carefully before notifying the European Commission of its decision to award the EU Ecolabel. The new Regulation on the EU Ecolabel states that the competent body shall notify the applicant within two months of receipt of the application. The procedure can last between 2 months up to a year depending on the completeness of the dossier submitted.
How will the use of the label be controlled? [top]

The competent body will draw up a contract covering the terms of use of the label with each successful applicant. A standard contract has been prepared for this purpose and competent bodies can provide copies to potential applicants. The competent body can request the necessary documentation from the holder in order to monitor the compliance with the product's ecological criteria and the terms of use set out in the contract. The competent body can also visit the holder's premises.

Click here to find the list of competent bodies.
How long is the EU Ecolabel valid for a product? [top]

Product group criteria are usually valid for a period of 3-5 years according to the Commission Decision on the relevant product group. Ecological criteria are reviewed before they expire and may be revised. If criteria have been revised you will have to renew your contract. If criteria have been prolonged your contract is automatically renewed, as long as the criteria remain valid. You may use the EU Ecolabel starting from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of the validity of the criteria.
Is there a transition period for existing license holders to comply with the new criteria?[top]

Yes, usually, 12 months transition period is given to the existing license holders to comply with the new criteria. For example: if in June 2009 a new EC decision on textiles entered into force, the end of transition period under the old criteria will then be June 2010. The existing license will be prolonged until the end of transitional period. The length of transition period can vary depending on the product group. Additionally, producers can sell the stock of the products for another 6 months beyond the transition period. Therefore, in case the transition period is 12 months, the date of validity of the license on the award certificates should be dated 12 months after the EC decision when it refers to the period of production of Ecolabelled products and 18 months after the EC decision when it refers to the marketing/selling date (these periods can vary for different product groups).
How much does it cost to apply for the EU Ecolabel? [top]

The application fees for the EU Ecolabel are available here.

For exact information on fees, we advise you to contact your competent body. Click here to find the list of competent bodies.
If a competent body awards the EU Ecolabel, can it be used on the same product or service in all the EU Member States? [top]

Yes, it is one of the many advantages of the EU Ecolabel. Once awarded the EU Ecolabel, the product can be marketed in all 27 Member States, plus those countries that are signatories to the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein).
Are there any advantages for Small and Medium sized companies? [top]

The EU Ecolabel can obviously be a way to draw attention to the company and improve its image. In addition, the new Regulation on the EU Ecolabel contains specific measures to encourage small and medium sized enterprises to take part in the scheme, e.g. reduced fees, consultation procedures open to SMEs, testing and verification requirements adapted to SMEs' capabilities. Click here to read the definition of SME and see if your company is eligible.

Click here to see the reductions on the fees for SMEs.

If you are an SME, you might also be interested by the Environmental Compliance Assistance Programme for SMEs, ECAP. Click here to find more information on the ECAP programme.
Some of the characteristics of my product have changed. Can I still use the EU Ecolabel logo? [top]

You will not need to submit a new application if only those characteristics that do not affect compliance with the criteria have changed. However, the competent body that issued EU Ecolabel licence should be notified of modifications.

Click here to find the list of competent bodies.
I am a retailer, can I ask for an EU Ecolabel product? [top]

Yes, although only for those products put on the market under your own brand name. As a retailer you can also request, or even insist that your suppliers apply to the EU Ecolabel. In this way you will also contribute to providing environmentally friendly products to your clients.
What if my product is sold under two brand names? Is it possible to have an EU Ecolabel for "own brand" products? [top]

Since the EU Ecolabel is awarded to a product that fulfils technical criteria, nothing prevents a company from using it for the promotion of their own brand products. If your product is sold under two brand names, you only need to submit one application.
If a producer has been awarded the EU Ecolabel for a product, does the retailer selling this product need to apply as well? [top]

No, if the product has already been awarded the EU Ecolabel, the retailer only needs to commit to marketing the product, without making any modifications or changes which would not be agreed by the supplier or are not allowed by the EU Ecolabel competent body.
It is also possible for retailers to submit applications for products on the market under their own brand name. For more information, please refer to Question 12 of this section.

Click here for more general information about the application procedure.
How many retailers already sell EU Ecolabelled products? [top]

Every year, more and more retailers are selling Ecolabelled products, including Kesko, Auchan, Carrefour, 3 Suisses, Colruyt, Delhaize, AccorGroup and Lidl.

Click here to find all retailers on the Green Store.
Are consumers interested in Ecolabelled products? [top]

A survey conducted by Eurobarometer in April 2009 shows that 40% of European respondents are aware of the EU Ecolabel. Slightly more than 80% of citizens stated that they pay attention to environmental aspects when buying and 47% said that they are inclined to pay attention to ecological labelling, ensuring that labels play a major role in their purchasing behaviour.

Moreover, studies conducted by the French research centre CREDOC 3 shows that consumers are more and more receptive to ecological sales arguments. Indeed, according to the recent CREDOC study on sustainable consumption, the number of consumers that take into account the environmental impact of the products they buy has risen from 38% to 44% between 2002 and 2006.
How can I, as a retailer obtain more information? [top]

If you are a retailer, please get in contact with EUROCOMMERCE, the official representative of all European retailers in the EUEB

For further details on the EU Ecolabel, please contact the EU Ecolabel Helpdesk or your competent body.
I am a retailer selling EU Ecolabelled products. Can I appear on the Green Store? [top]

Retailers selling products under their own brand name can have their personal page on the Green Store.
If a retailer is selling EU Ecolabelled products but not under its own brand name, this retailer cannot have its own personal page. However, this retailer can appear in a dedicated box on the product page.
I am a producer in a developing country. Where can I find more information to make an application? [top]

Since there is no competent body outside Europe, you should contact the competent body of the European country in which you sell your products. If your products are sold in several countries, you can pick the competent body of your choice.

Click here to find the list of competent bodies.

There is a UNEP project providing training for companies from developing countries, who want to certify their products with the EU Ecolabel. For more information on this project, click here.
I am a manufacturer from a non-European country, can I apply for the EU Ecolabel? [top]

The new Regulation on the EU Ecolabel allows manufacturers, producers and retailers coming from non-European countries to apply for their products to be awarded the EU Ecolabel on the condition that they meet the criteria for their respective product group.

The application can be made to the competent body of the country where the products are or will be placed on the market. According to the new Regulation (Article 9 1. c), it is obligatory for non-European applicants to have their products or services placed on the European market. Otherwise, they are not entitled to apply for the EU Ecolabel.

Click here to find the list of competent bodies.
I am a service provider from a non-European country, can I apply for the EU Ecolabel? [top]

According to Article 9 of the new Regulation on the EU Ecolabel, owners/managers of Tourist Accommodation or Campsite services belonging to non-European countries can apply for the EU Ecolabel. Their application can be made to the competent body of the European country where the services are or will be placed on the market, i.e. commercialised by a “Tour operator” for instance.
According to the new Regulation (Article 9 1. c), it is an obligatory condition for non-European applicants to have their services placed on the European market. Otherwise, service providers are not entitled to apply for the EU Ecolabel.

Click here to find the list of competent bodies.
I want to print the EU Ecolabel logo on marketing and sales promotion packages (e.g. samples, promotional items, nostalgia packaging) of my EU Ecolabelled products. Should these promotion packages respect the EU Ecolabel packaging criteria? [top]

It is prohibited to use the EU Ecolabel on products if they do not comply with all the criteria in the criteria documents. This also applies to packaging criteria for commercial samples to be given away for free.

One of my products is awarded the EU Ecolabel. I want to market it with a different packaging and under a different name and trademark, but the composition of the product remains the same. Do I have to submit new application and obtain a new licence?

If the composition of the product stays the same and only the names of the products change, you do not have to apply again. You need to contact your Competent Body to inform him of the changes. You can find the contact to Member States’ Competent Bodies here.

Questions on the use of the EU Ecolabel logo

I would like to use the EU Ecolabel logo. Where can I find more information? [top]

You can find all the information related to the EU Ecolabel logo here.
Can I use the logo on a magazine or on a brochure that is made of ecolabelled paper? [top]

No, the logo cannot be used on printed matter. Instead, you may use the statement “Printed on paper awarded the EU Ecolabel” and add the registration number of the paper next to the statement. The registration number can be obtained by asking the producer. Please note that the statement “Printed on paper awarded the EU Ecolabel” is a transitional statement.
Do I have to point out the old website address (http://europa.eu.int/ecolabel) on the packaging, as mentioned in some criteria documents? [top]

No, the web address has changed. It is now part of the new logo and should read www.ecolabel.eu. You should neither refer to the old website on your products nor in promotional materials.
Some older criteria documents state that the use of the "Box 2" including criteria statements on the packaging is mandatory. The new Regulation and the logo guidelines, however, make this box optional. What do I have to do?[top]

If applicants wish, they can simply use the Ecolabel logo alone or, optionally, use the box with the accompanying criteria statements.
I want to print the EU Ecolabel logo on marketing and sales promotion packages (e.g. samples, promotional items, nostalgia packaging) of my EU Ecolabelled products. Should these promotion packages respect the EU Ecolabel packaging criteria? [top]

It is prohibited to use the EU Ecolabel on products if they do not comply with all the criteria in the criteria documents. This also applies to packaging criteria for commercial samples to be given away for free.

Product group specific questions

All-purpose cleaners and cleaners for sanitary facilities

When can a product be ecolabelled under the All purpose cleaners product category? [top]

A product can apply for EU Ecolabel as an All purpose cleaner if it is marketed as an All purpose cleaner and not only as a cleaner for specific areas. Furthermore, the All purpose cleaning function should be the primary function of the product (communicated to consumers via the packaging, for instance). The secondary function can then be something else.
Is it necessary to undertake a calcium carbonate removal test when assessing 'fitness for use' of a window cleaner (all purpose cleaners)? It seems unnecessary because window cleaners are designed to remove fatty deposits only. [top]

Yes, for window cleaners, tests for both calcium and fat removal are required.
Is it possible to register a windscreen cleaner for cars in the category All purpose cleaners and cleaners for sanitary facilities? [top]

As long as the producers declare it as an all purpose cleaner and not as a special cleaner for cars only, it can be awarded the EU Ecolabel in the All-purpose cleaners and cleaners for sanitary facilities product group.
Can a trigger spray be placed on the market as All purpose cleaners and cleaners for sanitary facilities? [top]

The products sold as trigger sprays must be marketed as window cleaners and sanitary cleaners (bathroom and kitchen cleaners). All purpose cleaners sold as trigger sprays cannot be awarded the EU Ecolabel.
Can micro-organisms be used for All purpose cleaners (APC)?[top]

According to the current criteria (which expires June 2011), these components are not excluded from the scope of the APC product group, but the tests and toxicity criteria do not apply. There are also different classes of micro-organisms, and the criteria contain no specific requirements for them. Bacteria as cleaning agents are not covered in the present document. The same counts for the spores of the microorganisms.

However, in accordance with the criteria just voted on, the product “must not contain microorganisms that have been deliberately added by the manufacturer”. This applies regardless of the lifecycle stage the micro-organisms are at the time of the product-application (including spores).
In criterion 4c the indication of concentration limit for Fragrance refers to substances in the fragrance or substances in the product?
[top]

The concentration limit of 0,010 % (100 ppm) indicated in criterion 4c refers to substances in the final product.

Copying and graphic paper

In the criteria for this product group I find the following sentence that may be misleading: “The ecological criteria do not cover the transport, conversion and packaging of the pulp, paper or raw materials are not included”.

The correct interpretation is: “Transport, packaging of the pulp, paper or raw material, and conversion of the paper are not included”.

Paints and varnishes

Can anticorrosive primers be awarded the Ecolabel in the categories of Indoor paints and varnishes or Outdoor paints and varnishes product groups? [top]

No, according to Article 1 of both Indoor and Outdoor paints and varnishes criteria, anti-corrosion finishes and primers are not comprised.
Can UV paints be used under the EU Ecolabel?[top]

Industrial Paint and Varnishes used in factories are not part of the scope of the P&V product group. UV paints are thus excluded from the product group.
Is it possible to ask for an exemption for providing formaldehyde (HCHO) measurement on inorganic raw materials?[top]

It is not an option for the producers of paint or raw material to declare themselves out of a test for formaldehyde donators. The procedure where the producer of raw material could declare weather the product contained free formaldehyde / formaldehyde donators or not, and only require test if they declared a formaldehyde content from formaldehyde donators, does not comply with the criterion regarding formaldehyde.

It is either possible to test the formaldehyde content from formaldehyde donators in the final product or in each raw material.

Testing the raw materials for formaldehyde: The criteria do not leave an exemption of some substances, like inorganic raw materials. All raw materials must be tested.

Testing the final product: Test the formaldehyde content from formaldehyde donators in the base paint and in the tint paste, and then calculate the total formaldehyde content to be below 10 ppm. At any worst case situation, the CBs should test the base paint content, and then, in a dialogue with the applicant, it is necessary to find out what will be the “worst case scenario” regarding amount of tint paste which is in a final paint. With this information it should be possible to evaluate whether the worst case paint would have a formaldehyde content from formaldehyde donators below 10 ppm.
It is not clear if substances with R48/20, R48/21 and R48/22 are allowed or not in the criteria for Paints and varnishes, since R48 is never mentioned alone, but always in combinations wit R2x phrases. However R20, R21 and R22 are not mentioned as forbidden in the criteria for Paints and varnishes. Should the following combinations: R48/20, R48/21 and R48/22 be allowed or not?

Substances classified with R48 and its combinations with R20, R21, R22, R23, R24 and R25 are not allowed.

Televisions

Is it permissible to use the flame retardant BDP (CAS No. 5945-33-5) in TVs? [top]

This substance (CAS No. 5945-33-5) is listed in Tables 3.1 and 3.2 of Annex VI of the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulation (Regulation No. 790/2009) with the R53 risk phrase (legally binding 1st December 2010).
Therefore, irrespective of the fact that Regulation No. 790/2009 is not legally binding until 1st December 2010, this substance is prohibited by Criterion 5b in the Annex to the Commission decision of 12 March 2009 establishing the revised ecological criteria for the award of the Community Ecolabel to televisions (2009/300/EC).

Tissue Paper

According to Criterion 4. (f) for Softeners, lotions, fragrances and additives of natural, the second part of the criterion refers to Directive 2003/15/CE, and thus to the 26 allergenic substances which have to be declared on the packaging if they exceed 0.01% concentration. Must these substances not be used AT ALL in the lotions/fragrances, or can they be used up to the concentration of 0.01%. Should they be banned outright (as they are R43)? [top]

Substances classified with R43 are not allowed at all in EU Ecolabel tissue, which means that 25 out of the 26 allergenic fragrances shall not be used at all. What is needed for documentation is a declaration of non use. The first part of the requirement overrules the last one. All softeners, lotions and additives of natural origin which is regulated by Directive 2003/15/EC (7th amendment to Directive 76/768/EEC, Annex III, part I) and does not have one of the above mentioned risk phrases, which is actually only 1 of the 26 allergenic perfumes, must only be added with a concentration limit 0.01%.

Tourist accommodation service and campsites

I am a service provider from a non-European country. Can I apply for the EU Ecolabel? [top]

According to Article 9 of the new Regulation on the EU Ecolabel, owners/managers of tourist accommodation or campsite services belonging to non-European countries can apply for the EU Ecolabel. Their application can be made to the Competent Body of the European country where the services are or will be placed on the market, i.e. commercialised by a “Tour operator” for instance.
According to the new regulation (Article 9 1. c), it is an obligatory condition for non-European applicants to have their services placed on the European market. Otherwise, service providers are not entitled to apply for the EU Ecolabel.
Click here to find the list of Competent Bodies.
Can cruises apply for the EU Ecolabel as Tourist accommodation services? [top]

No, cruises are currently not covered by the EU Ecolabel scheme.
I am counting the energy-saving light bulbs rate for my tourist accommodation/campsite. Can LEDs be considered as energy-saving light bulbs? [top]

According to the criterion 9 of the Tourist accommodation services and Campsite services criteria, 100 % of light bulbs that are situated where they are likely to be turned on for more than five hours a day shall be Class A energy-efficient (as defined by Directive 98/11/EC) as well as at least 80 % of all light bulbs in the campsite/accommodation. This does not apply to light fittings whose physical characteristics do not allow use of energy-saving light bulbs.
Directional LEDs can be excluded from the total light bulb counting only when the physical characteristics of the light fittings do not allow use of energy-saving light bulbs. Please note that non directional LEDs should not be included in the counting.
The current criteria for Tourist Accommodation Services (TAS) and Campsite services dictate lower EU Ecolabel fees for these product groups than for others. However, the new Regulation on the EU Ecolabel repealed this fee reduction. Can I obtain a fee reduction for my hotel or camping site? [top]

No, the new Regulation takes precedence over the TAS criteria, even if the TAS criteria remain valid. Tourist Accommodation Services’ and Camping sites’ holders will pay the same fee as all other holders, for the use of the EU Ecolabel.

Tissue paper

According to Criterion 4. (f) for Softeners, lotions, fragrances and additives of natural, the second part of the criterion refers to Directive 2003/15/CE, and thus to the 26 allergenic substances which have to be declared on the packaging if they exceed 0.01% concentration. Must these substances not be used AT ALL in the lotions/fragrances, or can they be used up to the concentration of 0.01%. Should they be banned outright (as they are R43)? [top]

Substances classified with R43 are not allowed at all in EU Ecolabel tissue, which means that 25 out of the 26 allergenic fragrances shall not be used at all. What is needed for documentation is a declaration of non use. The first part of the requirement overrules the last one. All softeners, lotions and additives of natural origin which is regulated by Directive 2003/15/EC (7th amendment to Directive 76/768/EEC, Annex III, part I) and does not have one of the above mentioned risk phrases, which is actually only 1 of the 26 allergenic perfumes, must only be added with a concentration limit 0.01%.

Wooden furniture

Are metallic components of wooden furniture considered as technical team and fittings? If so, to calculate the weight percentage of wood of the product, should the metallic components be excluded from the total weight of the product? [top]

Metallic components should be excluded only if they have a function as technical team and fittings. For instance, for a chair with metallic chair-legs, the legs are not technical team and fittings, but are part of the chair. However the screws which hold the legs to the chair are considered as fittings. In a closet with a metal frame door as ornament, the metal is not considered as technical team and fittings. However, metallic components that secure the closet door or the track system on which the doors slide would be considered technical team.

Green Store
The Ecolabel catalogue