We believe in adhering to global best practice when assessing, testing and independently auditing products, materials and services for the Australian market.
As the pioneers in Australian ecolabelling, we follow the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 14024 standard. It sets out the global principles and procedures we then use to develop our own standards for GECA ecolabels.
As such, we’ve achieved GENICES recognition from the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) for our work in this field.
We’ve developed a consistent development process that begins again each time we identify a potential new standard.
This process is completely transparent and comprehensive, and we consult with multiple groups throughout, including stakeholders, industry experts and the general public.
There are 4 steps involved:
First we identify a possible new standard, through research or by suggestion
Then we undertake a development process, including research and investigation, as well as consultation, resulting in a draft standard
Once written, the draft is released for public comment. We consider submissions and make any changes necessary
For any Fast Tracked Standard, these standards go to public comment 18 months after its release.
Finally, we release the new standard – from this date of release, assessment and certification can commence
Our industry is constantly evolving, and we believe it’s vital that we continue to monitor our standards for relevance. This means that our standards are reviewed every seven years or earlier. Occasionally something will change outside of this time schedule and we will need to undertake a review process.
This is as transparent and comprehensive as the initial development process, only this time our technical advisory group (TAG) includes current licensees as well as industry experts and stakeholders.
There are also 4 steps to a standard review:
We identify an existing standard that needs reviewing and consider the market needs.
Next, we consult with the TAG and agree on aspects requiring revision, then redraft the standard.
Once the draft is released for public comment we consider submissions and make any changes required.
The updated standard is released and the previous version is now closed for application and certification
If you can’t find a standard that applies for your product then talk to us – we might be able to show you which ones apply, or if one doesn’t, then we may be interested in developing one for your industry.
We’re a multi-sector ecolabelling program, and aim to develop standards wherever there is demand – so we welcome formal Expressions of Interest to assess the feasibility of developing a standard to cover your product.
Contact us at standards@geca.org.au and we’ll do our best to help.
