ECO-mark Certification And Licensing

ECO-Mark Certification And Licensing in India

Introduction

With increasing focus on environmental protection and sustainable development, industries are being encouraged to adopt eco-friendly manufacturing practices. To promote environmentally responsible products, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced the ECO-MARK certification scheme in 1991.

The ECO-MARK is a voluntary eco-label awarded to products that meet both quality standards prescribed by BIS and environmental criteria specified under the scheme. The program is administered by BIS in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

The ECO-MARK logo identifies products that are less harmful to the environment across their life cycle—from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to usage and disposal. The presence of this mark helps consumers make environmentally responsible purchasing decisions and supports the national goal of sustainable development.

Products Covered Under ECO-MARK

The ECO-MARK can be awarded to both consumer and industrial products that meet the prescribed environmental and quality standards. The scheme currently covers, but is not limited to, the following product categories:

  • Soaps and Detergents
  • Paints and Coatings
  • Paper and Paper Products
  • Plastics
  • Cosmetics
  • Textiles
  • Batteries
  • Leather Products
  • Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
  • Pesticides
  • Wood Substitutes
  • Propellants and Aerosols
  • Food Preservatives and Additives
  • Electrical and Electronic Goods
  • Packaging and Packing Materials
  • Lubricating Oils
  • Food Items (Edible oils including Vanaspati, Tea, and Coffee)

(The list may be expanded by BIS based on regulatory notifications.)

Objectives of ECO-MARK Certification

The ECO-MARK scheme is designed to promote environmental awareness and reduce ecological impact. Its key objectives include:

1. Environmental Protection

Encouraging the manufacture and use of products that reduce pollution and minimize environmental degradation.

Sustainable Manufacturing

Ensuring products are recyclable, renewable, energy-efficient, and aligned with sustainable development principles.

3. Consumer Awareness

Helping consumers identify environmentally friendly products and make informed purchasing decisions.

4. Manufacturer Incentives

Providing recognition and credibility to manufacturers committed to eco-friendly production practices.

Improved Environmental Quality

Reducing emissions, waste, and resource consumption, thereby enhancing overall environmental quality.

Procedure for ECO-MARK Certification

The ECO-MARK certification process is relatively straightforward compared to other regulatory compliances in India. The step-by-step procedure is as follows:

Step 1: Submission of Application

The manufacturer submits an application in the prescribed format to BIS, along with the applicable application fee.

Step 2: Preliminary Inspection

BIS conducts an on-site inspection of the manufacturing premises to evaluate:

  • Production facilities
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Environmental control measures

Step 3: Sample Drawing & Testing

BIS officials draw product samples for:

  • In-house testing
  • Independent testing at BIS-recognized/NABL-accredited laboratories The samples are tested against both Indian Standards and Eco-Mark environmental criteria.

Step 4: Verification of Test Reports

BIS evaluates:

  • Preliminary Inspection (PI) report
  • Independent laboratory test results
  • Acceptance of Scheme of Testing & Inspection (STI)
  • Marking fee structure

Step 5: Grant of License

Upon satisfactory compliance, BIS grants a license to use the ECO-MARK along with the BIS Standard Mark.

  • Initial validity: 1 year
  • Extendable: Up to 2 years at a time
  • Renewal: Based on satisfactory performance and surveillance results

Environmental Criteria for ECO-MARK

While evaluating products for ECO-MARK certification, the following criteria are considered:

  • Reduced emission of pollutants compared to conventional products
  • Lower carbon footprint and minimized environmental impact
  • Use of recyclable, renewable, and energy-efficient materials
  • Minimal contribution to air, water, and soil pollution
  • Compliance with environmental laws and sustainability standards

Products bearing the ECO-MARK must demonstrate a clear environmental advantage over similar products in the market.

Documents Required for ECO-MARK Certification

The following documents are generally required:

  • Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Environmental Clearance / Consent from State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
  • Written consent for acceptance of Scheme of Testing & Inspection (STI)
  • Product details and technical catalogue
  • Laboratory test reports and technical data
  • NABL accreditation details of the testing laboratory
  • Product sample details
  • Separate application for each product category

Fees for ECO-MARK Certification

The following fees are payable to BIS:

  • Application Fee: ₹500 per application (non-refundable)
  • Testing Fee: As charged by independent laboratories
  • Annual License Fee: ₹500 per license
  • Renewal Application Fee: ₹300 per application
  • Marking Fee: Based on annual production volume

How Qualitance India Can Help

Qualitance India provides complete consultancy support for ECO-MARK certification, including:

  • Applicability assessment
  • Documentation & application filing
  • Coordination with BIS and testing laboratories
  • Factory inspection preparation
  • Compliance with environmental criteria
  • License renewal and post-certification support

We help manufacturers achieve eco-label certification smoothly while aligning their products with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

The ECO-MARK Certification is a powerful tool for manufacturers who wish to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development. Although voluntary, it significantly enhances product credibility, consumer trust, and market acceptance.

With Qualitance India as your compliance partner, obtaining ECO-MARK certification becomes a structured, efficient, and hassle-free process.

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