Created in 1992, the EU Eco-label is the only official European ecological label authorised for use in every member country of the European Union. In France, it is delivered by AFNOR Certification, an independent certification body. It is a voluntary certification mark for products and services.
Any business wishing to acquire this mark may file an application.
The EU ecological label is based on the "global approach" principle which "factors in every stage of a product's life cycle starting with the extraction of raw materials, through production, distribution and use up to recycling or disposal at the end of its useful period". The approach also considers the issues of quality and fitness for use.
The scheme was laid down by EEC Council regulation No. 880/92 dated 23 March 1992, published in the OJEC on 11 April 1992. This regulation was revised on 17 July 2000 under number 1980/2000.
It now covers products and services.
