What is ECO Mark Scheme?
The ECO Mark Scheme, established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), aims to certify products that meet certain environmental standards. Here’s a brief overview of how the scheme typically works:
Identification of Products: BIS identifies specific products that are eligible for the ECO Mark certification. These products are typically those that have a significant impact on the environment during their lifecycle, such as electrical appliances, paper products, cleaning agents, etc.
Establishment of Standards: BIS sets environmental standards that these products must meet to qualify for the ECO Mark. These standards are based on factors such as energy efficiency, use of recycled materials, reduction of harmful substances, and overall environmental impact.
Certification Process: Manufacturers who wish to obtain the ECO Mark for their products must undergo a certification process. This usually involves submitting their products for testing and evaluation to ensure they meet the specified environmental standards.
Compliance and Monitoring: Once certified, manufacturers are required to comply with ongoing monitoring and compliance checks to ensure that their products continue to meet the environmental standards set by BIS.
Consumer Awareness: BIS works on raising awareness among consumers about the significance of the ECO Mark and encourages them to choose products bearing this mark, thereby promoting environmentally friendly purchasing decisions.
Periodic Review and Updates: The standards and criteria for the ECO Mark scheme are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect advancements in technology, changes in environmental regulations, and emerging environmental concerns.
Overall, the ECO Mark Scheme plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly practices in manufacturing and consumption across India.Benefits of ECO Mark Scheme Certification
Environmental Conservation
The primary benefit of the Eco Mark is its contribution to environmental conservation. By certifying products that meet specific environmental standards, the scheme encourages the adoption of sustainable practices in manufacturing, thereby reducing resource consumption, pollution, and overall environmental impact.
Consumer Confidence
The Eco Mark provides consumers with a reliable indicator of environmental friendliness. When they see the Eco Mark on a product, consumers can trust that it meets certain environmental criteria, empowering them to make informed and environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.
Market Differentiation
For manufacturers, obtaining the Eco Mark certification allows them to distinguish their products in the market. Eco-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking out products that have minimal environmental impact, and displaying the Eco Mark can help manufacturers appeal to this growing market segment.
Brand Reputation
Eco Mark certification enhances the reputation of brands and companies as environmentally responsible entities. It demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and can help build trust and loyalty among consumers who prioritize environmental concerns.
Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with Eco Mark standards ensures that manufacturers adhere to environmental regulations and guidelines set by the BIS. This helps companies avoid penalties and legal issues related to environmental non-compliance.
Cost Savings
Adopting eco-friendly practices as required for Eco Mark certification can lead to long-term cost savings for manufacturers. For example, energy-efficient manufacturing processes can reduce energy consumption and operational expenses over time.
Who can apply for ECO Mark certification?
The ECO Mark Scheme applies to various products across different sectors. Here’s a list of entities that can obtain the Eco Mark certification for their products:
Sr. No. |
Product category |
Number of Indian Standard (IS) |
| 1 | Architectural paints and powder coating | 4 |
| 2 | Beverages, infant foods, processed fruits, and vegetable products | 46 |
| 3 | Coir and coir products | 16 |
| 4 | Cosmetics | 27 |
| 5 | Dry cell batteries & automotive lead acid batteries | 1 |
| 6 | Edible oils, tea and coffee | 30 |
| 7 | Electrical & electronic goods | 4 |
| 8 | Finished leather | 1 |
| 9 | Fire extinguishers | 10 |
| 10 | Food additives | 3 |
| 11 | Wood substitutes | 53 |
| 12 | Textile department | 13 |
| 13 | Soaps & detergents | 11 |
| 14 | Plastics packagings | 26 |
| 15 | Papers | 27 |
| 16 | Packaging material/package: paper, paper boards including laminates | 32 |
| 17 | Lubricants | 35 |
Validity of ECO Mark Scheme Certification?
The validity of an Eco Mark certification ranges from 1 to 5 years. However, it’s essential to note that the validity period is subject to renewal. Manufacturers or entities holding Eco Mark certification must undergo a renewal process to maintain the validity of their certification beyond the initial period.
Documents Required for ECO Mark Scheme Certification
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of ECO Mark Scheme Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Day 1
GAP Analysis, Certification Body, Selection, Cost Estimates
• Finding directive and ECO Mark Scheme standard applicable to the product
• Selecting the appropriate certification body
• Based on the scope of your business & certification body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
• Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
• ECO Mark Scheme Awareness training to QC manager and Production Manager
• Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
• Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to ECO Mark Scheme requirements
• Management Review Meetings
• Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Self Certification/NoBo
Audit
N-C Closing
• Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
• Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification body
Week 12
Self Certification/NoBo
• ECO Mark Scheme certificates issued for 1 to 5 years
• Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
• Support of Yearly documentation for audit
FAQ
FAQ
The Eco Mark Scheme, administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), certifies products that meet specific environmental standards, promoting eco-friendly practices in manufacturing and consumption.
Any manufacturer, producer, brand owner, importer, SME, or government agency involved in producing or distributing eligible products can apply for Eco Mark certification.
Products eligible for Eco Mark certification include those with a significant environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, such as electrical appliances, paper products, cleaning agents, construction materials, etc.
Benefits of Eco Mark certification include environmental conservation, consumer confidence, market differentiation, brand reputation, regulatory compliance, cost savings, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The validity period of Eco Mark certification varies but typically ranges from one to five years. Renewal is required to maintain certification beyond the initial period.
The renewal process involves re-evaluating certified products to ensure continued compliance with environmental standards and criteria. It ensures that products still meet the required benchmarks and adhere to updated regulations or standards.