ISO 14024-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Environmental labels and declarations — Type I environmental labelling — Principles and procedures. This International Standard (ISO 14024:2018) defines the principles and procedures for developing and operating Type I (third‑party) ecolabelling programmes, including criteria development, product category selection, conformity assessment and certification procedures for awarding an ecolabel.

Abstract

ISO 14024:2018 establishes principles and procedures for Type I environmental labelling programmes: how to select product categories and function characteristics, how to develop and set product environmental criteria, methods for assessing and demonstrating compliance, and the certification procedures and verifier competence required to award a Type I ecolabel. The standard aims to ensure transparency, impartiality and credibility of ecolabelling schemes to support informed purchasing and market differentiation.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; stage: to be revised / under review).
• Publication date: February 21, 2018.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.020.50 (Environmental management; environmental labelling).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2018).
• Number of pages: 14 pages.

Scope

ISO 14024:2018 specifies the principles and procedures to be applied in the development and operation of Type I environmental labelling programmes. It covers selection of product categories and product function characteristics, development of product environmental criteria, assessment and demonstration of conformity, and certification procedures for awarding the label. It applies to voluntary ecolabelling programmes operated by public or private agencies at national, regional or international levels.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and objectives of Type I environmental labelling (third‑party, multi‑criteria ecolabels).
• Procedures for selecting product categories and defining product function characteristics.
• Principles and methods for developing product environmental criteria (multi‑criteria, life‑cycle perspective).
• Requirements for conformity assessment, testing and evidence to demonstrate compliance.
• Certification procedures and operation of the label‑awarding process, including impartiality and transparency safeguards.
• Competence, roles and responsibilities of verifiers/assessors and the need for documented substantiation of claims.
• Governance elements for programme integrity (stakeholder consultation, public availability of criteria and procedures).

Typical use and users

Used by ecolabelling programme owners and operators, conformity assessment bodies, certification and accreditation bodies, product manufacturers and brand owners seeking third‑party verified environmental recognition, procurement officers and retailers using ecolabels in selection criteria, and regulators or policy makers referencing credible ecolabelling frameworks for procurement and consumer protection.

Related standards

ISO 14024 is part of the ISO 14020 family on environmental labels and declarations. Key related standards include ISO 14020 (general principles for environmental claims), ISO 14021 (self‑declared environmental claims — Type II) and ISO 14025 (Type III environmental declarations / EPDs). ISO 14024 is typically used alongside lifecycle standards such as ISO 14040/14044 when criteria require life‑cycle assessment inputs.

Keywords

Type I ecolabel, ecolabelling, environmental labelling, certification, conformity assessment, product environmental criteria, verifier competence, transparency, ISO 14020 family, life cycle.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 14024:2018 is the International Standard that sets out principles and procedures for Type I environmental labelling (third‑party ecolabel programmes), covering how labels are developed, awarded and governed.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers product category selection, definition of product function characteristics, development of multi‑criteria product environmental criteria, assessment and verification procedures, and the certification processes used to award a Type I ecolabel.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Ecolabelling programme operators, certification bodies, accreditation and conformity assessment stakeholders, manufacturers seeking ecolabel recognition, procurement specialists, retailers and policy makers.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 14024:2018 is the current edition (published February 2018). The standard is listed with a review stage (to be revised) and has project activity for a subsequent revision (ISO/PRF or ISO/DIS 14024) in development; users should check the ISO catalogue or national standards bodies for any formal revision or replacement notices before purchase or normative citation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it forms part of the ISO 14020 family on environmental labels and declarations, alongside ISO 14020 (general principles), ISO 14021 (Type II self‑declared claims) and ISO 14025 (Type III EPDs), which together cover the spectrum of environmental claims and declarations.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Type I ecolabel, ecolabelling, environmental labelling, certification, conformity assessment, product criteria, verifier competence, ISO 14020 family.