The EU Ecolabel is a tool designed to help minimise the various environmental impacts of a product at each stage of its life cycle. The criteria are set at levels that which promote products with a lower overall environmental impact. There is an extensive User Manual for potential applicants, which serves as a guide through the entire process of applying for an EU Ecolabel license in accordance with the applicable criteria.

Structure of the guide and who can apply

Manual is intended to assist with the application for the EU Ecolabel and provides an overview of all data, tests and documentation required to demonstrate compliance. It consists of four main parts: Part A - General information (including a summary of the criteria and details of the process), Part B - Product assessment and verification, Part C - Application form and Part D - Declarations. It is important to note that this User Guide is only a guide; it has no legal force and does not replace a Commission decision or relevant legislation.

Manufacturers, importers and service providers can apply for the EU Ecolabel. Traders and retailers can also apply, but only for products sold under their own brands. The application can cover a single product or a range of products, regardless of the number of different trade names or internal manufacturer reference numbers.

6-step application process

1. Contacting the Competent Body (CB): The first step is to contact your Competent Body (CB). Applications are submitted through a single application that covers the entire European Economic Area (EEA). The choice of country in which you apply is determined by the EEA Member State from which the product originates. If the product originates outside the EEA, the application is submitted in the EEA Member State where the product is (or is to be) placed on the market. CBs help to understand the criteria and provide guidance on compiling the application dossier.

2. ECAT registration: The online tool ECAT (online EU Ecolabel E-Catalogue) must be used for the initial registration of the license application.

3. Information, testing and verification: Using the criteria document and the manuals, compile a file containing all the information and test results necessary to demonstrate that the product meets each criterion. If product tests are required, they should preferably be carried out by laboratories that meet the general requirements of EN ISO 17025 or equivalent. All costs of testing and independent verification shall be borne by the applicant.

4. Compilation and submission of the file: The completed application form, together with all supporting documentation, shall be submitted to the relevant CB.

5. Assessment: The CB will examine the documentation and respond within two months of its receipt. The CB may request additional documentation; if this documentation is not received within 6 months of the request for further information, the application may be rejected. The CB may also carry out an on-site inspection of the applicant and/or its suppliers, for which a fee may be charged.

6. Grant of a license: Once approved, a contract will be issued setting out the conditions for using the EU Ecolabel and the scope of products covered. The certificate will detail the licence number, the legal name of the applicant, the scope of the awarded products and any relevant trade names.

Costs and constant control

The applicant is responsible for compiling the application, obtaining all necessary supporting evidence and paying the application fee and any annual license fee. CBs may also charge fees for license renewal/amendment and on-site inspections.

Once the license has been granted, the licensee is responsible for ensuring that the product remains in compliance with the EU Ecolabel criteria at all times. If the product ceases to comply with the criteria, this must be reported immediately to the CB, together with a justification for the non-compliance. The CB will then decide on further action, e.g. suspension of the license.

It is important to monitor the validity of the criteria. The criteria for each product group are revised every three/four years and EU Ecolabel holders must reapply for a licence when new revised criteria are introduced. Always read the manual and criteria before completing the application form. JRi