ISO 14024:2026

Overview

ISO 14024:2026 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifying the principles and requirements for ecolabelling programmes and ecolabels. Ecolabels provide verified environmental information about products, helping purchasers identify those with lower environmental impact within a given product category. This standard gives clear guidance for developing, implementing, and managing credible ecolabelling programmes, enhancing transparency and trust in sustainable product selection.

The document covers key aspects such as the process for creating ecolabelling programmes, setting product and environmental criteria, certification and licensing procedures, and the differentiation of credible ecolabels from other environmental statements on the market.

Key Topics

• Ecolabelling Programme Development

  • Procedures for establishing, managing, and reviewing ecolabelling programmes.
  • Involvement of stakeholders and interested parties.
  • Avoidance of conflicts of interest among programme operators.

• Selection of Product Categories

  • Criteria and guidance for identifying product groups suitable for ecolabelling.
  • Consideration of environmental impacts, customer needs, and market feasibility.

• Product Environmental and Function Criteria

  • Requirement for developing robust environmental criteria based on life cycle perspectives.
  • Including product performance and function to ensure fitness for purpose.

• Certification and Licensing

  • Transparent processes for product assessment, certification, licensing, and ongoing surveillance.
  • Requirements for publicizing licences and handling complaints, disputes, and appeals.

• Distinguishing Ecolabels

  • Guidance on differentiating ISO 14024-compliant ecolabels from other environmental statements and labels to minimize market confusion.

• Supporting Sustainable Development

  • Consideration of not only environmental but also social and economic aspects, in alignment with sustainable development goals.

Applications

ISO 14024:2026 applies to organizations of any type or size involved in creating, operating, or seeking certification under ecolabelling programmes. Key use cases include:

• Programme Operators:

  • Develop and manage new or existing ecolabelling schemes using a globally recognized framework.
  • Ensure impartiality, transparency, and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
  • Harmonize programs at local, national, or international level, facilitating mutual recognition and trade.

• Manufacturers & Product Developers:

  • Demonstrate product environmental excellence by achieving ecolabel certification for goods and services.
  • Differentiate products in the marketplace with credible, third-party verified ecolabels.
  • Use the ecolabel as a tool to drive internal sustainability improvement.

• Purchasers & Consumers:

  • Make informed choices by identifying products verified to meet high environmental standards.
  • Trust in the reliability and comparability of ecolabels developed in line with ISO 14024.

• Public and Private Procurement:

  • Incorporate ISO 14024-compliant ecolabels as requirements or selection criteria in sustainable procurement policies.

Ecolabelling also supports efforts to reduce greenwashing by setting verifiable, science-based criteria and requiring third-party assessment.

Related Standards

ISO 14024:2026 is part of a suite of environmental management and assessment standards, including:

• ISO 14020:2022 – Environmental statements and programmes for products - Principles and general requirements (foundation for all environmental product statements).
• ISO 14021 – Guidance for self-declared environmental claims.
• ISO 14025 – Environmental product declarations (EPDs).
• ISO 14026 – Footprint communications.
• ISO/TS 14027 – Product category rules for life cycle assessment.
• ISO/TS 14029 – Mutual recognition of EPDs and footprint programmes.

Aligning with these standards ensures consistent terminology, principles, and approaches across all types of environmental declarations and ecolabels.

By following ISO 14024:2026, organizations can build trust and credibility in ecolabelling, foster more sustainable production and consumption, and support global environmental improvement.