Overview
CEN ISO/TS 14027:2018 (ISO/TS 14027:2017) is a technical specification for the development, review, registration and updating of product category rules (PCR) used in Type III environmental declarations and footprint communication programmes. It provides principles, requirements and guidelines for PCR based on life cycle assessment (LCA) in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, and aligns with ISO 14025, ISO 14046 and ISO/TS 14067. The specification also gives guidance on integrating additional environmental information-LCA-based or not-in a coherent, scientifically sound way.
Key Topics
- Principles and scope
- LCA-based environmental information, stakeholder involvement and comparability.
- PCR development process
- Formation and tasks of a PCR committee, adaptation of existing PCR, and open consultation.
- Content requirements for PCR
- Definition of the product category, functional unit / declared unit, requirements for underlying LCA or footprint studies, predetermined parameters, core rules, and conditions to support comparability.
- Review and registration
- Procedures for independent PCR review panels, reviewer tasks, and issuance of PCR review statements.
- Maintenance
- Identification, registration, updating, revision and expiration procedures for PCR documents.
- Guidance materials
- Informative annexes on information modules and programme operator tasks.
Applications
This technical specification is practical for organizations that need consistent environmental communication across product groups:
- Programme operators of Type III environmental declarations and footprint communication schemes.
- LCA practitioners and environmental consultants developing EPDs (environmental product declarations), carbon footprints or water footprints.
- Manufacturers and brand owners preparing product declarations according to PCR for market access or sustainability reporting.
- Procurement officers and sustainability managers evaluating product comparability for green public procurement or supplier selection.
- Regulators, auditors and ecolabelling bodies seeking harmonized, transparent PCRs to ensure credibility of environmental claims.
Benefits include improved PCR quality, harmonization across regions and sectors, and enhanced transparency and comparability of product environmental information.
Related Standards
This specification is part of ISO/TC 207/SC 3’s suite on environmental labels and declarations and references:
Keywords: product category rules, PCR, Type III environmental declaration, life cycle assessment, LCA, environmental labels and declarations, EPD, footprint communication.