Environmental Label

What is an Environmental Label?

An environmental label is a voluntary system established by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization that examines, evaluates, and certifies the environmental impacts of a product from its raw material stage to its disposal, provided that it meets the specified criteria. The purpose of the environmental label system is to promote products with reduced environmental impacts and high environmental performance, and to provide consumers with accurate, non-misleading, scientifically based information.

The criteria for granting environmental labels to products or services, the application and evaluation processes, the form of the environmental label, usage permissions, duration, cancellation, and sanctions are managed according to the "Environmental Label Regulation" published by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization on 19.10.2018.

To determine the criteria for obtaining an environmental label, individuals or legal entities first apply to the Environmental Label Board of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization; this process can also be initiated independently by the Environmental Label Board. The criteria determination application is examined and evaluated by the Environmental Label Board and the Technical Review Commission of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, and draft criteria are created. The draft criteria are finalized and published after being evaluated with the opinions of sector representatives, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders.

Manufacturers, producers, exporters, importers, service providers, wholesalers, and retailers who wish to document their products or services with an environmental label apply to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. The Ministry evaluates the applications according to the specified environmental label criteria. If the product is found to comply with the criteria, the applicant can use the environmental label on their products for a period of 4 years.

Which Sectors Can Obtain an Environmental Label?

Toxic, environmentally harmful, ka...Products containing substances or mixtures that meet the criteria for classification as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic to reproduction are not granted an environmental label for products, feed and food products, medical products, veterinary medical products, and medical devices and materials. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization has the authority to make decisions on restrictions for products harmful to the environment.In May 2019, criteria were published for the textile, ceramics, and cleaning paper sectors. Applications for environmental labeling can be made in our country for these three sectors.**What are the Advantages of Obtaining an Environmental Label?**The environmental label is extremely important in terms of promoting energy efficiency, waste minimization, and resource conservation throughout the life cycle of products or services offered, as well as directing towards products that protect the environment and human health. Furthermore, this differentiation in products and services provides an opportunity to open up to additional markets and serves as a reason for preference in the existing market, creating an advantage for those who bring products to the market.