Eco Mark Certification in India

Eco Mark Certification- An Overview

Eco Mark Certification is a voluntary certification introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 1991. This certification aims to promote eco-friendly products and helps identify products that comply with environmental standards during their life cycle, from production until their disposal. BIS regulates Eco Mark Certification as well as BIS Certification.

Products with Eco Mark certification are evaluated on their impact on air, soil, water, and energy resources. Eco Mark scheme comprises various categories, including food items, paints, textiles, and packaging materials. While this scheme facilitates manufacturers' adoption of sustainable practices, it also informs customers about their own environmentally responsible choices. Overall, it boosts awareness of environmental conservation in India.

Connect with our experienced business consultants and let us reduce your sustainability worries by assisting you in getting an Eco Mark License.

Objectives of Eco Mark Scheme

The Eco Mark Scheme was launched in India to promote environmentally friendly products through sustainable manufacturing practices and to inform consumers about adopting eco-conscious choices for environmental conservation.

Objectives of the Eco Mark Scheme include the following:

1. To promote sustainable manufacturing processes and production.
2. To encourage eco-friendly and environmentally conscious consumption patterns.
3. To reduce environmental pollution and lower the depletion of resources.
4. To promote eco-friendly innovation in products across different industries.
5. To facilitate consumer awareness of eco-friendly or green products.
6. To set environmental standards for various product categories.
7. To boost public health by reducing environmental pollution.
8. To foster sustainable development habits in India.

List of Eco Mark Products in India

The Eco Mark scheme in India promotes eco-friendly products through certificates validating their compliance with environmental standards. This certification helps consumers make informed decisions and opt for sustainable alternatives. It also encourages manufacturers across different industries to adopt greener production practices. The list of certified Eco Mark products includes the following:

1. Food items
2. Batteries
3. Furniture
4. Pharmaceuticals
5. Soaps and detergents
6. Paper and pulp products
7. Packaging materials
8. Paints and coatings
9. Leather products
10. Plastics and plastic products
11. Textiles and clothing
12. Electrical and electronic goods
13. Cosmetics and personal care products
14. Agricultural and food processing equipment
15. Building materials - including cement, tiles, etc.

Significance of Eco Mark Logo and Symbol

The Eco Mark logo and symbol represent eco-friendly products certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It is illustrated by an earthen pot, which symbolises sustainability, tradition, and environmental consciousness. This logo is issued to products that comply with strict environmental standards. It helps consumers identify eco-friendly product alternatives that are less harmful to the ecosystem.

Benefits of Eco Mark Registration Online

Eco Mark scheme offers various benefits to the manufacturers as well as the products. Businesses understand this certification need as they understand the requirements related to EPR registration.

Given below are some of the notable benefits of Eco Mark Registration online for manufacturers as well as products.

Benefits of Eco Mark Scheme Certification for Manufacturers:

1. It helps differentiate manufacturers from competitors by highlighting their commitment to sustainability.
2. Certified products can penetrate eco-friendly markets not just in the country but across the globe.
3. Manufacturers of eco-friendly products receive positive responses from their customers, boosting their image and goodwill in the market.
4. The certification facilitates compliance with environmental standards, which helps manufacturers avoid penalties for non-compliance.
5. Manufacturers adopting eco-friendly processes can reduce waste, consume less energy, and lower their raw material costs, leading to long-term savings for manufacturers.

Benefits of Eco Mark Scheme Certification for Products:

1. Products with Eco Mark certification are considered reliable and environmentally responsible. They quickly build consumer trust and earn their loyalty.
2. Eco Mark certification can boost a product’s perceived value, facilitating the sellers to charge higher prices.
3. The Eco Mark logo helps consumers find sustainable products easily.  
4. Certified products comply with the highest environmental standards to ensure a minimal impact on the ecosystem, contributing to environmental conservation.
5. Eco Mark-certified products support sustainable consumption patterns. Such products align with India’s global sustainability goals.

Importance of Eco Mark Certification

Eco Mark Certification is an initiative to promote environmentally responsible products through sustainable production practices, consumption patterns, and disposal habits. This certification protects the ecosystem and encourages industry manufacturers to adopt greener, more sustainable methods. Let us explore the importance of Eco Mark certification below:

1. Promote Eco-Friendly Manufacturing

Eco Mark encourages manufacturers to embrace sustainable practices that reduce harmful emissions and minimize production's environmental impact.

2. Boosts Consumer Awareness

This certification informs consumers about the availability of eco-friendly products, which in turn helps them make informed decisions that contribute to environmental conservation.

3. Encourages Resource Efficiency

This certification creates awareness about eco-friendly products that use limited natural resources. It encourages other businesses to switch to efficient production methods, lessening water, energy, and raw materials usage burden.

4. Reduces Toxic Waste

Products with Eco Mark certification often use raw materials and ingredients sourced naturally, helping them reduce the discharge of toxic waste into the environment through the product life cycle.

5. Upgrades Product Credibility

Products with Eco Mark certification and Eco Mark logo and symbols are required to comply with stringent environmental standards. Such products earn the trust of conscious customers, boosting brand loyalty and marketability.

6. Promotes Green Tech Innovation  

The Eco Mark license encourages innovation in exploring and developing environmentally friendly technologies and materials with reduced ecological footprints.

7. Supports Compliance with Regulations

Products with Eco Mark certification are mandated to comply with national and international environmental regulations, which helps manufacturers avoid penalties and maintain sustainable practices.

8. Promotes Recycling and Reusability

Eco Mark certification encourages production using recycled or reusable raw materials. This practice is sustainable, helps reduce waste, and contributes to a circular economy.

9. Protects Public Health

Eco Mark-certified products consciously reduce environmental pollution using non-toxic raw materials and ingredients. They also help improve public health and minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.

10. Global Sustainability Goals

Eco Mark certification aligns with India's commitment to international environmental goals, including the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Every product manufactured under Eco Mark certification strengthens India's resolve to meet its sustainability goals.

Eligibility Criteria for Eco Mark Scheme Certification

Applicants applying for the Eco Mark scheme certification must fulfil the eligibility criteria to ensure their products meet the required environmental standards and promote sustainable practices throughout their lifecycle. The eligibility criteria for Eco Mark Certification include the following:

1. Products applying for this scheme must meet BIS quality standards.
2. The product life cycle - from production to disposal must have a minimal environmental impact.
3. The manufacturer must follow energy-efficient production processes.
4. Products must include non-hazardous and biodegradable ingredients or materials.
5. Products must have low or no toxic emissions.
6. Products must be manufactured using recyclable or renewable materials.
7. Product packaging must also be eco-friendly.
8. Products must comply with all the mandatory legal and environmental regulations.

Documents Required to Apply for Eco Mark Certification Online

Before applying for an Eco mark license, it’s essential to get a deep insight into the documentation needs. Documents required to apply for Eco Mark certification online include the following:

1. Duly filled application form
2. Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
3. Product details and its environmental impact
4. Manufacturing process details, including eco-friendly practices
5. Test report details from the lab
6. Proof of Compliance outlining compliance with mandated laws and regulations
7. Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (if applicable)
8. NOC from the respective State Pollution Control Board
9. Other documents (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Procedure for Eco Mark Scheme Certification

The end-to-end process to get Eco Mark Scheme certification online takes 3 to 6 months. The step-by-step procedure to secure Eco Mark certification includes the following steps:

1. Application Filing (2-4 Weeks)

The first step in this process requires you to complete the application form and attach the necessary documents, such as product details and environmental impact information. Once the form is filled, it must be submitted.

2. Application Review (4-6 Weeks)

Once the duly filled application form is submitted, it is reviewed by the certifying body, which may ask you to submit additional information or clarifications depending on its completeness.

3. On-Site Evaluation (4-6 Weeks)

Once the application is reviewed, an assessor from the certifying body visits your site for the on-site evaluation as a part of the mandatory compliance in line with Eco Mark standards. The assessment includes reviewing the manufacturing processes, materials, and environmental practices.

4. Assessment Report (2-4 Weeks)

Once the on-site evaluation is complete, the certifying body prepares an assessment report and sends its findings to the applicant.

5. Final Review and Decision (3-4 Weeks)

The next step is for the certifying body to review the assessment report and make a final decision on the certification.

6. Certification Issuance (2 Weeks)

Once the approval is granted, the applicant is issued the Eco Mark certification. However, it takes time for the applicant to receive the certification documents.

7. Post-Certification Compliance

Once the Eco Mark license is issued, applicants are mandated to follow all necessary post-registration compliances, including regular audits and reviews (as required).

For quick and effective process, Talk to our experts today!

Functions of Eco Mark License

The Eco Mark certification validates the eco-friendly nature of products sold in India. It promotes sustainable manufacturing practices, consumption patterns and specifies environmental standards that facilitate minimal ecosystem impact. The functions of the Eco Mark license in India are given below:

1. To certify products, establishing their environment-friendly nature.
2. To specify the scope of environmental standards for different product categories.
3. To promote sustainable production processes and consumption habits.
4. To encourage manufacturers to reduce the impact of their products on the environment.
5. To increase public awareness about eco-friendly products and their sustainability.
6. To monitor product compliance with environmental standards.
7. To support different ecological conservation initiatives.
8. To facilitate eco-friendly consumer choices through public awareness.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the Eco Mark license comprises violations of environmental regulations. Depending on the severeness of the violation, non-compliance can result in the following:

1. Fines
2. Suspension
3. Revocation of the license

Validity of Eco Mark License

The Eco Mark license issued by BIS is valid for one year, after which the product is subject to reassessment for renewal. BIS has the authority to revoke the license for non-compliance, including misleading information or any other valid reasons.

Timeline to Obtain Eco Mark Certification Online

The time frame to obtain Eco Mark Certification online in India may stand in the range of 3 to 6 months. This timeline is, however, subject to the end-to-end process, which is dependent on the following factors:

1. Application Submission
2. Product Evaluation
3. Compliance Checks

Fees for Eco Mark Registration Online

The government fees for Eco Mark registration online starts from INR 500 per application. However, testing fees and consultancy charges depend on the complexity of the product. Annual license fee starts from INR 500. For further details related to fees, book an appointment with our business consultants.

Reasons to Consider Corpbiz for Eco Mark Scheme Certification

Here is why partnering with Corpbiz to achieve hassle-free and easy Eco Mark Scheme certification is a good idea:

• 10+ years of Industry Experience and Expertise in the Eco Mark License Process
• Experience in Certifying Over 500 Products
• Assisted 1000+ Clients in Simplifying the Eco Mark Application Process
• Comprehensive Knowledge of Eco Mark Standards and Regulatory Compliance
• Our Eco-certified Products Reached the Hands of 1 Million+ Environmentally Conscious Customers
• Reduce the Risk of Non-compliance Penalties by up to 30%