ISO 14024:1999 – Environmental Labels and Declarations – Type I Environmental Labelling – Principles and Procedures

Scope and Purpose

ISO 14024:1999 (confirmed in 2014) establishes the principles and procedures for developing and operating Type I environmental labelling programmes – voluntary, third‑party certified schemes that award a licence to use an environmental label on products that meet predetermined criteria. It is part of the ISO 14020 series of standards on environmental labels and declarations and specifically addresses ecolabels that are awarded by an independent body, as opposed to self‑declared claims (Type II) or quantified product declarations (Type III).

The standard applies to all product categories, including goods and services, and aims to ensure that Type I programmes are:

• Credible and transparent,
• Based on sound scientific principles,
• Fair to all interested parties, and
• Market‑relevant.

ISO 14024 provides a framework for programme operators (e.g., government agencies, non‑profit organisations, or private certification bodies) to develop, maintain, and communicate product environmental criteria in a consistent manner that fosters international harmonisation and avoids trade barriers.

Technical Requirements and Principles

Fundamental Principles

All Type I labelling programmes must adhere to nine core principles:

1. Voluntary nature – Participation is not mandatory.
2. Life‑cycle consideration – Criteria address significant environmental aspects across the product life cycle (raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal).
3. Selectivity – The label differentiates environmentally preferable products within a category.
4. Sound science – Criteria are based on verifiable, reproducible scientific data.
5. Transparency – Programme development and decision‑making processes are open and documented.
6. Accessibility – All potential applicants can participate in fair conditions.
7. ISO compatibility – The programme must not conflict with other relevant ISO standards.
8. Consideration of stakeholder interests – Balanced input from industry, consumers, environmental groups, and regulators.
9. Periodic review – Criteria are updated at regular intervals to reflect technological and market changes.

Procedure for Developing Criteria

The standard requires a formal, structured process for establishing product criteria:

• Selection of product category based on market relevance and environmental improvement potential.
• Life‑cycle assessment (LCA) or equivalent life‑cycle thinking to identify the most significant environmental impacts.
• Consultation with interested parties via an open, balanced committee.
• Drafting of criteria that are specific, measurable, and achievable.
• Pilot testing and public comment period.
• Formal adoption and publication of the criteria document.

Implementation Highlights

Implementing a Type I programme under ISO 14024 involves establishing a robust management system for the labelling body:

• Competence requirements – Programme staff and committees must have expertise in LCA, product technology, testing, and certification practices.
• Impartiality and conflict of interest – The programme operator must be independent and free from commercial or political pressure. Decision‑making on criteria and awards must be separated from marketing functions.
• Documentation and transparency – All procedures, criteria development records, and decisions are published (e.g., on a public website).
• Licence agreements – Successful applicants sign a licence specifying rights, obligations, label usage rules, and fees.
• Surveillance and periodic testing – Certified products are subject to regular audits and random market sampling to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Label design and usage – The label must be accompanied by a brief explanatory statement or reference to the programme.

Compliance and Verification

Compliance with ISO 14024 requirements can be demonstrated by a programme operator through third‑party accreditation or self‑assessment against the standard’s clauses. Key compliance aspects include:

For Programme Operators

• Criteria justification – Provide documented evidence that each criterion is based on life‑cycle thinking and sound science.
• Stakeholder consultation records – Keep minutes, comments, and responses from all consultation rounds.
• Transparency of fees – Publish a fee schedule that does not discriminate among applicants.
• Appeal and complaint procedures – Establish a formal process for handling disputes.
• Transition periods – When criteria are revised, allow a reasonable time for licensees to adapt.

For Certified Organizations

• Maintain documentation – Keep records showing that products consistently meet criteria.
• Allow audits – Facilitate on‑site inspections and product testing by the programme operator.
• Corrective actions – Promptly address non‑conformities; serious or repeated failures may lead to licence suspension or revocation.

Auditing bodies may use ISO 19011 (management system auditing) as a guideline for conducting assessments of the programme operator’s processes and the certified products. Many countries recognise Type I eco‑labels as reliable environmental marketing tools, and some public procurement policies require or give preference to products bearing such labels.

Last reviewed: 2026

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